These 4-ingredient banana oatmeal cookies are a delicious, guilt-free treat perfect for any occasion! With their chewy texture and rich flavor reminiscent of chocolate chip banana bread, they make an ideal snack for both kids and adults. Plus, these cookies are made with wholesome ingredients, contain no oil or added sugar, and cater to vegan and gluten-free diets.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: These cookies come together in just 15 minutes with minimal prep time.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nourishing elements like bananas and oats, these cookies are a healthier alternative to traditional sweets.
- Versatile Flavor: You can easily customize them with your choice of nut butters or add-ins like nuts or dried fruits.
- Guilt-Free Indulgence: Enjoy the rich taste without the excess calories or unhealthy fats.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your delicious cookies, gather your tools. Having everything prepared will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Baking tray
- Parchment paper
- Fork or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Blender or food processor: This tool helps to create a fine oat flour quickly and effortlessly, ensuring a smooth cookie dough.
- Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining all your ingredients; it keeps everything organized while you bake.
- Baking tray: Essential for placing your cookies as they bake evenly in the oven.
Ingredients
For these delightful 4-ingredient banana oatmeal cookies, you’ll need:
- 240 g Ripe Banana (- 1 cup)
- 140 g Peanut Butter (- ½ cup (or any nut butter or sunflower seed butter))
- 200 g Oats (- 2 cups)
- 60 g Dark Chocolate Chips
How to Make 4-ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F / 160°C fan. Prepare your baking tray by lining it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Blend the Oats
Add 3/4 of the oats (about 150g) to a blender or food processor. Blend until you’ve created a fine oat flour.
Step 3: Mash the Banana
In a mixing bowl, mash your ripe banana using a fork until it is smooth.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add peanut butter to the mashed banana mixture. Mix until everything is well combined and smooth.
Step 5: Fold in Oats and Chocolate Chips
Add the blended oats, remaining whole oats, and dark chocolate chips into the mixture. Gently fold until all ingredients are combined thoroughly.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a spoon, drop twelve equal portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Lightly flatten each mound with your fingers, a fork, or a spatula.
Step 7: Bake
Place your baking tray in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
Enjoy these scrumptious 4-ingredient banana oatmeal cookies as a healthy snack that’s easy to make!
How to Serve 4-ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies
These 4-ingredient banana oatmeal cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether as a snack or dessert, here are some delightful serving suggestions.
With Fresh Fruit
- Banana Slices: Top your cookies with fresh banana slices for an extra fruity kick.
- Berries: Serve alongside strawberries or blueberries for a burst of flavor and added nutrients.
With Dairy Alternatives
- Nut Milk: Pair your cookies with almond or oat milk for a deliciously creamy experience.
- Vegan Yogurt: Enjoy them with a scoop of coconut yogurt for a refreshing and healthy treat.
As a Dessert Sandwich
- Nut Butter Spread: Create a cookie sandwich by spreading peanut butter or almond butter between two cookies.
- Dairy-Free Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, add a scoop of dairy-free ice cream between two cookies for a delightful dessert.
How to Perfect 4-ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies
To ensure your 4-ingredient banana oatmeal cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, ensuring the right texture and taste.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies chewy and soft. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Adjust Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies; baking time may vary based on your oven, so remove them when edges are golden.
Best Side Dishes for 4-ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their flavor profile. Here’s a list of great options to try.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits complements the sweetness of the cookies and adds freshness.
- Trail Mix: A handful of nuts and dried fruits provides crunch and nutrition alongside the soft cookie texture.
- Smoothie Bowl: Serve with a smoothie bowl filled with greens and fruits for a nutrient-packed snack.
- Chia Pudding: This creamy side dish adds richness and is perfect for balancing out the cookie’s sweetness.
- Coconut Chips: Crunchy coconut chips provide texture contrast and tropical flavor that pairs nicely with bananas.
- Caramelized Apples: Warm apples cooked in cinnamon make an excellent sweet side that matches well with the cookie’s flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making 4-ingredient banana oatmeal cookies can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Using unripe bananas – Ripe bananas enhance sweetness and flavor. Always choose bananas that have brown spots for the best taste.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately – Precision is key in baking. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure you add the right amounts.
- Overmixing the dough – Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for chewy, tender results.
- Skipping the parchment paper – Using parchment paper prevents sticking and ensures even baking. Don’t skip this step!
- Ignoring baking time – Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake to prevent over-baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing 4-ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating 4-ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies
- Oven – Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
- Stovetop – Heat in a skillet over low heat for a minute on each side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making these delightful cookies.
Can I substitute peanut butter in the 4-ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies?
Yes! You can use any nut butter or sunflower seed butter based on your preference or dietary needs.
How do I make my 4-ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies gluten-free?
Simply use certified gluten-free oats in the recipe to ensure your cookies are gluten-free.
How many calories are in one cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 178 calories, making them a satisfying snack option.
Can I add other mix-ins to these cookies?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize with nuts, seeds, or dried fruits according to your taste preferences.
Final Thoughts
These 4-ingredient banana oatmeal cookies offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures while being healthy and easy to make. Their versatility means you can customize them with various add-ins or enjoy them as is. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a sweet treat without guilt!
4-ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Indulge in the delightful simplicity of 4-ingredient banana oatmeal cookies! Perfectly chewy and packed with flavor, these guilt-free treats remind you of classic chocolate chip banana bread without the added sugars or oils. Made from wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas and oats, they cater to vegan and gluten-free diets, making them a versatile snack for everyone. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up a batch that’s not only healthy but also customizable with your favorite nut butters or mix-ins. Enjoy these cookies as a satisfying snack, a sweet addition to breakfast, or a post-workout treat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup ripe bananas (240 g)
- ½ cup peanut butter (140 g) or any nut/sunflower seed butter
- 2 cups oats (200 g)
- 60 g dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C / 350°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Blend 3/4 of the oats until finely ground to create oat flour.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Stir in the peanut butter until well combined.
- Fold in the blended oats, remaining whole oats, and dark chocolate chips until mixed.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 178
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
