These banana oatmeal cookies are the answer to those moments when you want a sweet treat but need to keep things healthy. With only three ingredients, they’re incredibly easy to whip up and perfect for anyone, including those with gluten allergies.
Solves snack guilt by using ripe bananas, reduces waste, avoids complicated steps, offers quick prep, simple ingredients, and a wholesome, kid-friendly option that travels well.

I’ve often found myself with overripe bananas staring at me from the fruit bowl, wondering what to do with them. It’s a real challenge to find quick, healthy snacks that the whole family can enjoy. That’s why I love this recipe, it solves my overripe banana problem while giving me a delicious cookie that fits my dietary needs.
These cookies come together in just about 10 minutes of prep and bake in only 15. They offer a nice chewy texture and a hint of sweetness, making them an excellent option for a grab-and-go snack. And since they’re gluten-free, using certified gluten-free oats ensures everyone can enjoy them.
If you love quick and tasty treats, you might like these Easy Oatmeal Cookies too! They take just a little bit longer but offer a yummy twist on oatmeal goodness.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients These cookies only need three ingredients, making them super easy to whip up without a lot of fuss. Ripe bananas, oats, and walnuts are all you need.
- Flavorful and Comforting The sweet and nutty flavors create a soft, chewy texture that satisfies cravings without the guilt. You’re getting a wholesome treat that’s still enjoyable.
- Quick Preparation With just a 10-minute prep and 15-minute bake time, these cookies are perfect for a last-minute snack or dessert. You’ll have a healthy treat ready in no time.
- Storage-Friendly Store them in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze them for longer enjoyment. They’re great to have on hand whenever you need a snack.
Easy Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time: 0 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These healthy 3-ingredient banana oatmeal cookies are simple, delicious, and perfect for a vegan diet.
Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup (100g) of uncooked quick oats
- 1/4 cup (30g) crushed walnuts
Instructions
- Scoop & Shape Dough: Start by scooping the dough into balls. Use your hands to roll them gently and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You want them to hold their shape, so do not rush this part. If they are too sticky, you might end up with a messy situation instead of cute cookies.
- Preheat & Bake: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Once you have shaped your cookies, bake them until they look golden around the edges but still soft in the center. Trust the timing here; taking them out too soon can lead to raw dough, while overbaking can dry them out.
- Cool & Enjoy: After removing them from the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They will firm up as they cool, giving you that satisfying texture. If you try to move them too quickly, they might fall apart, so patience is key.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage. Wrap tight before freezing and thaw or heat in microwave before eating.
- Expert Tips: Ensure your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture. If your cookies are too dry, using very ripe bananas can make a big difference in moisture level. When you notice your cookies spreading too much while baking, chilling the dough for about 10 minutes might help firm it up. If the cookie dough feels crumbly, adding a little more mashed banana can help bring it together.
- Reheating Instructions: If cookies are frozen, reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds before enjoying.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a cup of tea or coffee. Serve with yogurt for breakfast. Top with a drizzle of honey before serving.
- Recipe Variations: You can add chocolate chips for a sweeter version or incorporate cinnamon or pumpkin spice for added warmth. Mixing in diced apples can provide additional texture. Substituting walnuts with almonds or raisins is also an option.
- Ingredient Notes: Select bananas that are very ripe for best results. You can substitute quick oats with rolled oats, though the texture may vary slightly. For gluten-free options, ensure to use certified gluten-free oats when necessary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 93
- Sugar: 4.5g
- Sodium: 0.5mg
- Fat: 3.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg

Recipe Tips
- If your cookies are too dry, using very ripe bananas can make a big difference in moisture level.
- When you notice your cookies spreading too much while baking, chilling the dough for about 10 minutes might help firm it up.
- For a healthier snack option, feel free to include certified gluten-free oats, especially if you’re cooking for family members with gluten allergies.
- If the cookie dough feels crumbly, adding a little more mashed banana can help bring it together.
- When making ahead, leftover cookies can be securely wrapped and frozen for future snacks, just remember to thaw or heat them up before enjoying.
Serving Suggestions
Recipe variations
- You can use two medium ripe apples in place of bananas for a different flavor profile.
- Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon or 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin spice to infuse warmth into your cookies.
- Either combine 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips or 1/4 cup of dried cranberries to add a sweet contrast.
- If you want to double the batch, use 4 ripe bananas, 2 cups of oats, and 1/2 cup of walnuts.
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How to Store?
To keep your banana oatmeal cookies fresh, follow these storage tips:
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This method retains softness and moisture.
Refrigeration: If not consumed within 5 days, refrigerate cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This slows spoilage.
Freezing: Wrap cookies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. For serving, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave.
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