Banana oat chocolate chip cookies combine the wholesome goodness of oats and bananas with the delightful sweetness of chocolate, creating a treat that’s perfect for any time of day. These cookies are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making them a favorite for both kids and adults. Whether you want a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a dessert to enjoy after dinner, these cookies fit the bill.
Why We Love This Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies
You’ll love these banana oat chocolate chip cookies for many reasons. They offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures, with the chewiness of oats complementing the soft, sweet banana. The rich chocolate chips add a delightful burst of sweetness that takes every bite to another level. They’re easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Plus, you can feel good about indulging in them, as they include bananas, which are rich in potassium and fiber. These cookies are also versatile; they fit nicely into a busy morning routine or serve as a wholesome snack for kids. The fact that they’re not overly sweet means you can enjoy them guilt-free and share them with friends and family.
Ingredients for Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: nuts or dried fruit for added texture
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add the honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas, mixing until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, and any nuts or dried fruit if using.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serving banana oat chocolate chip cookies is as delightful as making them. You can offer them warm, straight out of the oven, which enhances their gooey chocolatey goodness. Arrange them on a pretty plate, and consider garnishing with a sprinkle of sea salt to elevate the flavor. Pair them with a glass of cold almond milk or a hot cup of herbal tea for a cozy afternoon snack. If you want to get creative, layer them with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a delicious and nutritious parfait. These cookies also make a fantastic addition to lunchboxes. Slice them in halves, and they become finger-friendly morsels for kids. Whether you enjoy them solo or with a friend, these cookies provide wholesome satisfaction.
Expert Tips for Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies
To elevate your banana oat chocolate chip cookies, follow a few expert tips. First, choose ripe bananas, as their natural sweetness enhances the cookies’ flavor. If you have extra ripe bananas, don’t hesitate to use them as their sugars caramelize beautifully during baking. For added texture, consider toasting the rolled oats lightly before mixing them into the batter. This small step enhances the nutty flavor of the oats. If you prefer a softer cookie, slightly under-bake them. Check the cookies a minute or two before the suggested time, taking them out when they are still soft in the center but set around the edges. After baking, let them cool completely on a wire rack, ensuring they firm up nicely. Finally, experiment with different types of chocolate chips like dark, semi-sweet, or even white chocolate to create varied flavors with every batch.
How to Store Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies
To keep your banana oat chocolate chip cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for about three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Ensure the cookies are completely cooled, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just take out the desired amount and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.
Variations of Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies
You can easily customize banana oat chocolate chip cookies to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For a gluten-free option, substitute almond flour with coconut flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend. You can also add different mix-ins to the batter, like shredded coconut, or chopped nuts, creating unique flavor profiles. If you want to reduce sugar, use mashed applesauce or an extra banana in place of some of the honey or maple syrup. For a fun twist, add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. If you love a chewy texture, consider using old-fashioned oats. For a protein boost, mix in some chia seeds or flaxseed meal as well. Experimenting with these variations will keep your baking exciting and tailor them to suit your cravings.
FAQ about Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies
You may have questions about banana oat chocolate chip cookies. One common query is whether you can use frozen bananas. Yes, frozen bananas work well; just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before use. Another question often asked is about the texture. These cookies usually have a chewy texture due to the oats and bananas. If you want them firmer, slightly increase the amount of almond flour. Some prefer to make these cookies vegan; you can easily do this by using maple syrup instead of honey and ensuring the chocolate chips are dairy-free. Lastly, many seek advice on how long they can last. When stored correctly, these cookies maintain their quality for about three days at room temperature or up to three months in the freezer.
Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 pieces ripe bananas Choose ripe bananas for natural sweetness.
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup Use maple syrup for a vegan option.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats For a chewier texture, use old-fashioned oats.
- 1/2 cup almond flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix-ins
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips Use dark or semi-sweet chocolate for different flavors.
- optional nuts or dried fruit Add for extra texture.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- Add the honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas, mixing until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and any nuts or dried fruit if using.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
Baking
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!