Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies

These Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are not your average cookie! They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with banana flavor, making them a perfect treat you can enjoy anytime. Think of it as a delicious and portable version of banana bread, guilt-free!

Why You’ll Love These Cookies:

• Healthy and Nutritious: Made with wholesome ingredients like bananas, oats, and nut butter (optional), these cookies are a great source of fiber, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, keeping you feeling satisfied.
• Flour-Free and Sugar-Free: Naturally sweetened with bananas, these cookies are perfect for those following gluten-free or low-sugar diets.
• Versatility Reigns: Enjoy them for breakfast on-the-go, as an afternoon snack, or a healthier dessert option.
• Kid-Approved: The delicious banana flavor and chewy texture make them a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Easy Customization: Feel free to add mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for an extra flavor and textural twist.

Building Your Healthy Treat:

• Mashed Bananas: The base of these cookies, providing natural sweetness and moisture.
• Rolled Oats: Create a satisfying chewy texture and add a good dose of fiber. You can grind the oats into a flour-like consistency if desired.
• Nut Butter (Optional): Adds a touch of richness and healthy fats. Choose from peanut butter, almond butter, or your favorite nut butter variety.

Ready to Bake Up Some Goodness? Here’s a basic outline (quantities may vary depending on the recipe you choose):

• Ingredients:

  • 2-3 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (or oat flour)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts or nut butter (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chocolate chips, raisins, or other mix-ins (optional)

• Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
  3. Stir in the rolled oats (or oat flour), cinnamon (if using), and any desired mix-ins.
  4. Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
  6. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips:

• Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
• For a chewier cookie, bake for a shorter time. For a crispier cookie, bake for a few minutes longer.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Final Thoughts:

Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a delicious and satisfying way to indulge without the guilt. They’re perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, packing in your lunchbox, or enjoying as a healthy after-school snack. So preheat your oven, grab your favorite mix-ins, and bake up a batch of these delightful guilt-free treats!