Banana Oat Cookies
cookiesbreakfastsnackbudget-friendly

Banana Oat Cookies

Time:30 min
Difficulty:Easy
Servings:12 servings
Dairy-Free

Perhaps the easiest cookies ever made, these banana oat cookies need just three simple ingredients: ripe bananas, GF oats, and optional chocolate chips. No butter, no sugar, no eggs — yet they're incredibly satisfying. Soft, chewy, and wholesome for morning coffee or after-school snacks.

From my gluten-free kitchen

I have made this recipe many times in a home gluten-free kitchen, and it is one of the dishes I rely on when I want dependable texture and flavor. The method is written to remove guesswork, with specific timing and practical notes from repeat test cooks. If you are cooking gluten-free for yourself or someone you care about, this recipe is designed to be clear, safe, and repeatable.

Why this recipe works

  • Use very ripe bananas with brown spots — they're sweeter and easier to mash.
  • Don't overbake or they'll be dry — pull them out while still slightly soft.
  • Make a double batch — these disappear quickly.

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 175 °C and line a baking tray with baking paper.

  2. 2

    Mash bananas thoroughly in a large bowl until mostly smooth with some small chunks remaining.

  3. 3

    Stir in oats, chocolate chips if using, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.

  4. 4

    Drop spoonfuls onto the prepared tray, spacing them about 5 cm apart.

  5. 5

    Flatten each slightly with the back of a fork.

  6. 6

    Bake for 15–18 minutes until the edges are golden and the centres just set.

  7. 7

    Cool on the tray for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

  8. 8

    Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

⚠️ Common mistakes and how to avoid them

  • Using bananas that aren't ripe enough — the cookies won't hold together.
  • Overbaking — bake until just set, not golden brown.
  • Spreading the mixture too thin — the cookies become too crispy.

🔄 Variations and substitutions

  • Chocolate chips → dried berries, coconut flakes, or nuts
  • Cinnamon → vanilla extract or a pinch of nutmeg
  • Bananas → unsweetened applesauce

🍽️ Serving suggestions

  • Pair with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables for balance and color.
  • Finish with fresh herbs, lemon, or a spoon of sauce to lift flavor.
  • For family meals, serve with one easy starch like rice, potatoes, or gluten-free bread.

🧊 Storage and reheating tips

  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth if needed.
  • Freeze extra portions in labeled containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Add this recipe to your weekly routine with our gluten-free meal plans or explore more ideas in the full recipe collection.