Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
- In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe banana with a fork until it's smooth and there are no large lumps. Ensure the banana is well-ripened for maximum sweetness and moisture.1 ripe banana mashed
- Add the softened butter (or coconut oil), brown sugar (or coconut sugar), and vanilla extract to the mashed banana. Beat these ingredients together with a spoon or whisk until the mixture is well combined and creamy.1 ripe banana mashed, 1/4 cup unsalted butter, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients.1 cup rolled oats, 1/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the medium bowl. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tougher cookies.
- If you're using chocolate chips or chopped nuts, gently fold them into the cookie dough at this stage. Distribute them evenly for bursts of flavor and texture in every bite.1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading. You can gently flatten the tops of the cookies with the back of a spoon or a spatula if you prefer flatter cookies.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the centers are set. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up and prevents them from crumbling. Enjoy your delicious Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies!
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. Microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften. Freeze baked cookies individually wrapped or in a freezer-safe bag/container for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen by thawing at room temperature, or gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-8 minutes, or in the microwave.
