Oatmeal Banana Nut Cookies: A Healthy and Delicious Treat

Oatmeal banana nut cookies are a delightful and wholesome treat that combines the goodness of oats, the sweetness of bananas, and the crunch of nuts. They are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a dessert. These cookies are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a healthier alternative to traditional cookies. This recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.

## Why You’ll Love These Cookies

* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Made with whole grain oats, ripe bananas, and nuts, these cookies are a good source of fiber, potassium, and healthy fats.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and requires no complicated techniques. You can whip up a batch in under an hour.
* **Customizable:** Feel free to add your favorite ingredients, such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, or spices, to personalize the recipe.
* **Perfect for Meal Prep:** These cookies store well and are great for meal prepping. You can bake a batch on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week.
* **Kid-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love these soft and chewy cookies.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* 1 ½ cups rolled oats (not instant)
* 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
* ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
* ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
* ½ cup brown sugar, packed
* ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil)
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon salt

**Optional Add-Ins:**

* ½ cup chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white)
* ½ cup raisins or other dried fruit
* ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

## Equipment

* Large mixing bowl
* Small mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cookie sheet
* Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
* Mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
* Ice cream scoop or spoon for portioning

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create delicious oatmeal banana nut cookies:

**Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet**

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.

**Step 2: Mash the Bananas**

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they are mostly smooth. A few small lumps are okay.

**Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar**

Add the softened butter (or coconut oil) and brown sugar to the mashed bananas. Cream together with a mixer (handheld or stand mixer) until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes.

**Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla**

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.

**Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients**

In a separate small mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Make sure the baking soda is evenly distributed to ensure the cookies rise properly.

**Step 6: Gradually Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients**

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can result in tough cookies.

**Step 7: Stir in Nuts and Optional Add-Ins**

Stir in the chopped nuts and any optional add-ins, such as chocolate chips or dried fruit, until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

**Step 8: Scoop and Arrange Cookies on Baking Sheet**

Use an ice cream scoop or spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. This allows the cookies to spread slightly as they bake.

**Step 9: Bake the Cookies**

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the cookies.

**Step 10: Cool the Cookies**

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking apart.

## Tips for Perfect Oatmeal Banana Nut Cookies

* **Use Ripe Bananas:** The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cookies will be. Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
* **Measure Flour Accurately:** Use the spoon and level method to measure flour. Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid scooping the flour directly from the bag, as this can pack the flour and result in too much flour in the recipe.
* **Use Room Temperature Ingredients:** Using room temperature butter and eggs helps the ingredients blend together more easily, resulting in a smoother batter.
* **Chill the Dough (Optional):** For a chewier cookie, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
* **Adjust Baking Time:** Baking times may vary depending on your oven. Keep an eye on the cookies and adjust the baking time as needed. The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
* **Experiment with Add-Ins:** Get creative with add-ins! Try different types of nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit, or spices to customize the recipe to your liking.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Gluten-Free:** Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour to make these cookies gluten-free. Make sure the gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum for best results.
* **Vegan:** Substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water). Use coconut oil instead of butter. Ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free if using.
* **Lower Sugar:** Reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute such as stevia or monk fruit. You can also add a touch of maple syrup or honey for sweetness.
* **Nut-Free:** Omit the nuts or substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
* **Spices:** Experiment with different spices such as nutmeg, cloves, or ginger to add warmth and flavor to the cookies.

## Serving Suggestions

* Enjoy these cookies as a snack with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
* Serve them as a dessert after a meal.
* Pack them in a lunchbox for a healthy and delicious treat.
* Crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for added flavor and texture.
* Give them as a homemade gift to friends and family.

## Storage Instructions

* **Room Temperature:** Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
* **Refrigerator:** For longer storage, store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
* **Freezer:** Freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Per cookie, based on the recipe as written, without optional add-ins):

* Calories: 120
* Fat: 6g
* Saturated Fat: 3g
* Cholesterol: 15mg
* Sodium: 50mg
* Carbohydrates: 15g
* Fiber: 2g
* Sugar: 7g
* Protein: 2g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

Oatmeal banana nut cookies are a delicious and healthy treat that you can feel good about eating. They are easy to make, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a healthy dessert, or a homemade gift, these cookies are sure to please. So, gather your ingredients and get baking! Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of oatmeal, banana, and nuts in every bite.

## Recipe Card

**Oatmeal Banana Nut Cookies**

A healthy and delicious cookie recipe combining the goodness of oats, bananas, and nuts.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes

**Cook Time:** 10-12 minutes

**Total Time:** 25-27 minutes

**Yield:** Approximately 18-24 cookies

### Ingredients:

* 1 ½ cups rolled oats (not instant)
* 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
* ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
* ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
* ½ cup brown sugar, packed
* ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil)
* 1 large egg
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* ½ teaspoon baking soda
* ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips, ½ cup raisins, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

### Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash bananas. Add butter and sugar, cream together until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in egg and vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together oats, flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. Stir in nuts and any optional add-ins.
7. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.
9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

### Notes:

* Use ripe bananas for best flavor.
* Don’t overmix the batter.
* Adjust baking time based on your oven.

Enjoy your homemade Oatmeal Banana Nut Cookies!