Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that hits all the right notes, you have to try this Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe. These cookies blend the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas with the hearty texture of old-fashioned oats, resulting in a chewy, comforting bite every single time. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack, a lunchbox surprise, or a sweet breakfast companion, these cookies stand out with their perfect balance of flavor and texture. They’re easy to whip up, naturally sweetened, and utterly irresistible — once you try this Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your all-time favorite go-tos.

Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe uses a handful of everyday ingredients that come together seamlessly to create magic in your oven. Each component plays an essential role, from the creamy butter that adds richness, to the bananas that bring natural sweetness and moisture, to the oats that provide that signature chewy texture and wholesome goodness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds a rich and creamy base that helps create tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Offers just the right amount of sweetness and helps with browning.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Lends a deep, caramel-like flavor and keeps the cookies moist and chewy.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together, giving structure without drying out the cookies.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Infuses the dough with a warm, comforting aroma that enhances every bite.
- Mashed ripe banana (1/2 cup, about 1 medium banana): Delivers natural sweetness and the moist texture that sets these cookies apart.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides the structure necessary to hold the cookie together without weighing it down.
- Baking soda (1/2 tsp): Helps the cookies rise just a touch, keeping them light yet chewy.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor complexity.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 tsp): Adds subtle warmth and cozy spice notes that complement the bananas beautifully.
- Old-fashioned oats (1 1/2 cups): The heart of the recipe — they give the cookies their irresistible chewy texture.
- Optional add-ins (1/2 cup): Choose from chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or raisins to add extra bursts of flavor and texture.
How to Make Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Environment
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking and helps you clean up quickly.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This step is key to incorporating air into the dough, which contributes to the cookies’ tender, chewy texture.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed banana until everything is fully combined. The banana brings a natural sweetness and moisture that make these cookies stand out, while the vanilla adds depth and warmth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing these separately ensures that the leavening and spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients and stir gently just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Optional Add-Ins
Carefully fold in the old-fashioned oats, and if you like, toss in your choice of chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins. These not only add flavor but also give extra chew and character to every bite.
Step 7: Drop Dough Onto Baking Sheets
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them plenty of room to spread just right while baking.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges start turning a beautiful golden color but the centers are still soft. This timing is crucial — remove them when they look just set for that perfect chewy center.
Step 9: Cool Before Enjoying
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. This helps them firm up so they don’t fall apart, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before digging in.
How to Serve Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Garnishes
These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate their presentation by dusting a little powdered sugar on top or drizzling with melted dark chocolate. A sprinkle of chopped nuts adds crunch and a pop of color, making every bite even more enticing.
Side Dishes
Pair these chewy banana oatmeal cookies with a cold glass of milk for a nostalgic treat, or enjoy alongside a warm cup of coffee or chai tea. They also make a fantastic companion to a bowl of fresh fruit or Greek yogurt, turning snack time into a balanced mini-meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich the cookies with a smear of peanut butter or cream cheese frosting. You can also crumble them over ice cream for a textural contrast or pack them in a snack container with a little container of honey for drizzling.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Make sure they’re completely cool before storing to maintain their chewy texture instead of becoming soggy or soft.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months, allowing you to savor those chewy bites anytime you like.
Reheating
To bring frozen or stored cookies back to life, warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave them for 15 to 20 seconds. This restores their tender, chewy texture and fresh-from-the-oven aroma perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe because they’re sweeter and mash easily, enhancing both flavor and moisture.
What makes these cookies chewy instead of crunchy?
The combination of ripe bananas, brown sugar, and old-fashioned oats creates a soft, moist interior, while baking just until the edges are golden ensures the center remains tender and chewy.
Can I substitute the butter for a healthier fat?
You can try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative, but keep in mind it might slightly alter the texture and flavor. Butter provides richness that’s key to these chewy cookies.
Do I have to add the optional chocolate chips or nuts?
Not at all! The cookies are delicious plain, but adding chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins gives extra texture and flavor — perfect if you like a little something more in each bite.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for lightly golden edges with centers that still look soft and slightly underbaked. They’ll firm up as they cool, ensuring a chewy texture rather than a crunchy one.
Final Thoughts
This Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is a game changer for anyone who loves getting cozy with a sweet, satisfying treat that feels a little wholesome too. It’s easy to make, uses classic ingredients, and always delivers that perfect chew that you crave. Give it a try at your next baking day — I promise these cookies will become a cherished favorite in no time!
Print
Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chewy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a delicious and wholesome treat combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with hearty oats. Soft and chewy with a hint of cinnamon, these cookies make a perfect snack or dessert, with optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium banana)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
Optional Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream the butter and sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy, which helps create a light texture.
- Add egg, vanilla, and banana: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed banana until fully combined, ensuring the mixture is uniform.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in oats and optional add-ins: Gently fold in the old-fashioned oats and any optional add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins for added texture and flavor.
- Shape cookie dough: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden while the centers remain soft and chewy for the perfect texture.
- Cool the cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they firm up without losing moisture.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe bananas as they provide more sweetness and moisture.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture may be slightly denser.
- Optional mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or raisins add variety and extra flavor to the cookies.
- Do not overbake; cookies should be soft in the center when taken out of the oven as they will continue to cook slightly while cooling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American