Healthy 2-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
With only two ingredients and in just 25 minutes, you could be staring at a fresh batch of these healthy oatmeal banana cookies!
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Picture this:
Work has never felt more tiring than it does right now. Karen, your boss, is on your ass for the presentation (or whatever the heck you do) that ought to have been ready yesterday.
You sit on your chair, slouching ever so lightly, glaring at the stack of papers you have in front of you then the worst happens.
Your stomach begins to growl.
You check the time only to find out it’s a quarter past noon. Your heart sinks, you still have four hours to go but you’re as hungry as a wolf (on a vegetarian diet, of course).
There’s a fast food joint a couple blocks down and they’ve got a pretty dope menu, but you’re too drained to walk that far.
You turn to the vending machine down the hall, it’s your last resort. As you get up in despair, a lightbulb goes off in your brain, “how about the healthy oatmeal banana cookies you made this morning from that awesome vegetarian food blog, HurryTheFoodUp?”
Alas, you do have a healthy choice! You rush to your lunchbox and begin to feast on those firm but soft 25 min cookies. Now, your day is saved, you’re energized and ready to resume work.
I know what you’re thinking, why didn’t you just snack on the cookies in the first place?
Well, your guess is as good as mine, but these cookies are really that great; super easy, quick, and just require the two main ingredients we’ve outlined for you below!
Ingredients
Bananas
The riper, the better! I used just two girthy overripe bananas for this easy recipe, and those were enough for roughly a dozen of these bad boys, but you can consider using more if you’re looking to make a bigger batch.
Just remember to increase the oats in the same proportion!
Rolled Oats
This recipe calls for rolled oats, but feel free to use some oatmeal or porridge oats if that’s what you’ve got handy.
How many calories are in a banana oatmeal cookie?
These cookies are 43 calories per serving and 1g protein per serving.
Each healthy banana oatmeal cookie contains:
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Health benefits
These were originally called “Fitness Cookies” – because I think these are the only truly healthy cookies that have yet been made by humanity*.
They’re so healthy you could even consider them weight loss cookies (like these other low calorie oatmeal cookies!).
No that’s not an oxymoron, and if you’re really searching for weight loss-friendly vegetarian recipes, you should definitely check out our free 7-day vegetarian weight loss meal plan for the best inspiration.
Back to the chewy banana oatmeal cookies, let’s take oats for example.
Not only do they lower your cholesterol levels which in turn helps you prevent developing heart disease or diabetes, but they also energise you with good carbs and nutrients to keep you going for longer during the day.
Same with bananas – the favourite fruit among athletes – not only because they contain a decent amount of good carbs but also because they have a role in the potassium game.
The great thing about potassium is its role in helping reduce the frequency of muscle cramps, which is pretty good if you’ve got a hard day ahead of you.
That’s why they work as breakfast cookies too!
Here’s an example of when I could have done with a couple of these healthy banana oatmeal cookies. Sadly, I didn’t have them with me.
*I don’t have proof of this 😉
How to make the best oatmeal banana cookies
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Mash the bananas in a medium bowl or a large mixing bowl (depending on your portions) till they’re mushy.
- Add the oats and any other extra ingredients you wish to the mashed bananas.
- Stir everything together until the dough’s well combined.
- Lay some parchment paper on the tray or coat with either almond butter or olive oil instead.
- Use a spoon to make the cookie shape by taking a scoop of the cookie dough and placing the mixture on the tray. Yes, it’s really that easy.
- Pop the cookies in the oven for 15-20 minutes, take them out and let them cool on a wire rack.
There you have it, folks! Quick and delicious breakfast cookies made from simple ingredients.
FAQs for our Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
How do you store oatmeal banana cookies?
These oatmeal banana cookies will be fine for days or even weeks if you store them in a ziplock bag or airtight container and pop them in the fridge.
I would recommend eating them fresh though, as their texture can change and they become less enjoyable if left for a while.
It may not be what you want to hear, but that’s just the way the cookie crumbles (cue the background cheers).
Is oatmeal with banana healthy?
Oatmeal and bananas are a fantastic and healthy combo. Not only does the pair make for a nutrient-dense and filling breakfast, but there are actually several health benefits of combining oatmeal and bananas.
Asides from the nourishment, the fusion is just irresistibly tasty, whether you’re eating the bananas with the classic bowl of oatmeal or combining the two to make these awesome healthy banana oat cookies (or any number of other healthy banana recipes!)!
Can I make these oatmeal banana cookies ahead?
Sure! Just prep the batter as instructed, shape the cookies then you can go ahead and freeze them.
Whenever you’re in the mood for a healthy dessert, let the unbaked cookies thaw in your fridge overnight or at room temperature before chucking them in the oven.
Alternatives and variations of these Banana Oatmeal Cookies
The best part about this 2 ingredient cookie is that it’s already vegan, gluten-free and incredibly tasty as it is, but adding your favorite mix-ins won’t hurt.
Raisins, vanilla extract, flax seeds, chocolate chips, maple syrup, sesame seeds, cinnamon for some spice or even crushed walnuts to give it a crunch are great add-in ideas.
You can also make these into banana oatmeal chocolate chip cookies or peanut butter banana oatmeal cookies (and if you like it, why not try this pb and banana wrap).
More banana recipes
- Gluten-Free Banana Bread
- Healthy Oatmeal Banana Pancakes
- Peanut Butter Banana Sandwich
- Vegan Banana Pancakes
- Kiwi Banana Breakfast Smoothie
- Banana Egg Pancakes
- Banana Curry
Let us know in the comments if you prefer to eat these as banana breakfast cookies, a healthy and wholesome dessert or a quick snack while out and about!
Check out our raw energy bars if you’re looking for another healthy snack to fuel your adventure.
With those and these 2 ingredient banana oatmeal cookies combined, you’re going to be as energized as a three-year-old on a sugar rush.
What our readers are saying
These are probably the best cookies I’ve ever had! I thought they would be bland and boring due to the lack of sugar, but they actually taste pretty amazing. Thanks so much for this awesome recipe!
Angela ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
These went down a treat with my husband who does tree surgery around powerlines (so high energy work), he has a real sweet tooth though so added vanilla essence and some chocolate chips!
Sarah⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
These cookies are awesome! I tried them first a week ago and am currently baking another batch – they are now my go-to easy (and oh how incredibly easy) healthy cookies. I added chia seeds, chopped medjool dates, cinnamon, pecans and walnuts so they are pretty substantial and I eat them as breakfast and/or snacks. What a great recipe! Thanks so much!
Gordana⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ripe banana
- 1 cup rolled oats (oatmeal or porridge oats work really well)
Optional:
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 small handful raisins
- 1 small handful walnuts (crumbled)
- 1 small handful sesame seeds (toasted)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F).
- Get a bowl and and mash the bananas until they’re mushy.2 ripe banana
- Add the cup of oats and any of the optional ingredients.1 cup rolled oats, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 small handful raisins, 1 small handful walnuts, 1 small handful sesame seeds
- Stir until everything is nicely mixed.
- Put baking paper on the tray so the cookies don’t stick. If you don’t have that make sure to grease the baking tray with butter (or olive oil if you’re vegan).
- To make the cookie shape just grab a spoon and scoop a decent amount from the mixture onto the baking tray like I did in the photo above. It’s super quick and easy.
- Off it goes into the oven for about 15 – 20 minutes.
- Done!
NOTES
Nutrition
Hauke Fox
I’m always on the lookout for these damn smart recipes. You know, those that only take a few minutes to put together and taste delicious. Vegetarian Cooking at home is a way to take back control over what I eat. I don’t like what many companies do to animals and the environment with their products.
This article has been medically reviewed by James LeBaigue MSc Learn More
James LeBaigue MSc
James has a Masters Degree in Sport and Exercise Nutrition, as well as an Advanced Diploma in Human Nutrition.
He loves combining his scientific knowledge along with food in the real world, and these recipes are the result.
He’s on top of all the latest evidence and guidelines to make sure our nutrition advice on the website is as accurate as it can be.
By day he works as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner in a busy NHS GP Practice.
Each recipe is tested and then eaten (much to James’ delight), many times before it is deemed worthy to be published. Bon appetit!
Comments
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154 comments
These went down a treat with my husband who does tree surgery around powerlines (so high energy work), he has a real sweet tooth though so added vanilla esence and some chocolate chips!
How cool is that?!? Thanks a lot for sharing! Hope he liked them + great idea with the chocolate chips and vanilla! 🙂
Put in a second batch and the first batch is almost gone. They are very good. I added a bit of vanilla, raisins and chopped pecans.
Pecans!! I like your style 😀
Raisins are a MUST in my opinion. They make the cookies just so much fresher 🙂
Apparently dry apricots also work very well, but I didn’t try it so far.
Thanks for sharing, Katie!
I’m allergic to bananas … is there any other fruit or substance I can use in place of them?
Hi May! Sorry for the late reply. Woah, difficult since it’s such an important ingredient to make everything stick. I wouldn’t know to be honest. I’m sorry :/
Just made these by doubling the ingredients and doing half banana and half pear for the fruit. Worked wonderfully. Doubt pear alone would work but maybe pear and pumpkin with nutmeg instead of cinnamon ?
Forgot to mention I also ground up some medjool dates along with the pears in the mini food processor. Extra sticky, great fibre!
Indeed!!
Woah!! Brilliant idea, Jenn!
Giving those cookies a fruity kick will definitely make them more fun to eat, I’m sure 🙂
Yes, nutmeg and pumpkin works very well too! I’ll try them with cardamom next time.
My son is, too. I am going to try to make these for the rest of the family since I have bananas on hand. May try with applesauce or mashed apples!! If you find a substitute, please post…. Love these recipes
We’ll definitely keep our eyes open 🙂
Glad you liked them, I’m a huge fan too!
Pumpkin might be worth a try!
YES!! I like your style! Need to try that out, thanks for the tip, Nikki!
My boyfriend and I make this exact recipe but we use pumpkin instead! We mix some pumpkin pie spice and some flax seeds in for added yum 🙂
Yeeerrss, I can imagine that this brings the cookies to another level! Sounds excellent 😀
Thanks for this, I had a reciepe once from weight watchers years go and lost it, I miss my pumpkin cookies, can be muffins too.
hi, love this recipe.could you try to come up with a low sugar, low cal one for making banana bread? livethem but i already eat toast on a daily basis, shouldn’t amp up my carbs too much :/
Haha, well that might be a little tricky to come up with such a banana bread. Especially because we focus on quick recipes. But if I stumble across a recipe like that, I’ll definitely let you know!!
Absolutely love this recipe, it’s so easy and simple and goes nicely with any additional ingredients! Glad I found this 🙂
These are great. My 2 year old has named them ‘breakfast cookies’. We added cashews, craisins and cinnamon to the basic recipe.
That’s actually a very good name for them! Cool, I’m glad you liked the cookies 🙂
Nice combo as well!
I made these cookies yesterday and love them. I added cranberries and almonds.. Delicious! I also used wholemeal oats for that added bit of goodness 🙂
Being pregnant and getting cramps.. These are perfect for the extra magnesium and fibre needed, and now I can get it from a great tasting snack!
Glad we could help! They’ll also be perfect for baby as she/he gets a bit older 🙂
I have some ripe bananas on top of our fridge just screaming to be made into banana bread, but I think I just found something else to make with my bananas! These look so yummy! 🙂
Great! Let us know how you got on 🙂
Hi Dave.thanks for this real easy recipe.2 questions.. 1.What would happen if I added an egg 2.a cup would be approx 90 grams ?
Sorry #Howie
I added an egg as I was looking at this as a wheat & dairy free experience & the egg did not make it taste eggy at all! These are amazing! I did add more than a few chopped walnuts & the same with the craisins I added. I feel this is a really good option for people who are cutting out wheat & dairy from their diet & they are delicious!! These cookies do not spread out on the pan so I did press lightly on them after baking for 3 minutes & they did make 16 cookies for me. Thank you so much for the recipe!
Excellent! Really glad they turned out well! I know what craisins are now as well, nice one 😀
Hi Nadine! I just measured a cup of oats and it came to 85g, but 90 sounds good to me too! I’ve updated it in the recipe, thanks. Mmm hard to say with the egg – it could overpower the natural sweetness of the recipe and taste a bit ‘eggy’ I guess. In my opinion I don’t think the recipe really needs it, only one way to find out though 😉
So yummy. So easy. I added chocolate chips. Maybe not so healthy anymore but so good. Ate them out of the oven!
Haha well maybe not quite as healthy anymore, but still nutritious! Glad you enjoyed them Emily, I’m making a batch this evening for my son’s kindergarten party 🙂