3-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

3-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup mashed banana
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • 3 tablespoons raisins

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350F (180C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana and rolled oats. Stir until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Add the raisins to the mixture and stir gently to combine.

Step 4: Using a medium-sized cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. With your fingers, lightly flatten each dough mound to form round cookies.

Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 14 to 15 minutes, or until the bottoms of the cookies begin to brown.

Step 6: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts

Each serving provides:

  • Calories: 43
  • Total Fat: 0g (0% Daily Value)
  • Saturated Fat: 0g (0% Daily Value)
  • Cholesterol: 0mg (0% Daily Value)
  • Sodium: 1mg (0% Daily Value)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 10g (4% Daily Value)
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
  • Total Sugars: 4g
  • Protein: 1g (2% Daily Value)
  • Vitamin C: 2mg (2% Daily Value)
  • Calcium: 5mg (0% Daily Value)
  • Iron: 0mg (2% Daily Value)
  • Potassium: 108mg (2% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

3-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies

History and Origins

The 3-ingredient banana oatmeal cookie is a modern twist on traditional oatmeal cookies. Its origins lie in the evolution of quick and healthy snack options, particularly as people sought simple yet nutritious alternatives to store-bought processed snacks. The simplicity of the recipe reflects the growing trend of minimalist cooking, where fewer ingredients are used to create wholesome, satisfying treats. This recipe, with just bananas, oats, and raisins, offers a healthier version of a beloved comfort food, embodying the spirit of healthy eating without sacrificing taste.

Regional Characteristics

While banana oatmeal cookies are a global treat, they are especially popular in American and Western kitchens where oatmeal-based snacks are common. The use of bananas as a natural sweetener is particularly popular in health-conscious circles across North America and Europe. This combination of oats and bananas is often seen in breakfast bars, smoothies, and various baked goods. Raisins are a common addition in many Western recipes, adding a chewy texture and a natural sugar boost, but the ingredients can vary depending on the region's preferred flavors.

Difference from Similar Dishes

Banana oatmeal cookies differ from traditional oatmeal cookies in their simplicity and health-conscious ingredients. Standard oatmeal cookies usually contain flour, butter, sugar, and eggs, while the 3-ingredient version omits these to create a lower-fat, gluten-free alternative. Unlike many baked goods, these cookies rely solely on the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the fiber of oats, making them a great option for those with dietary restrictions or those looking for a quick and nutritious snack. They are also a fantastic choice for those who want to avoid refined sugars or dairy products.

Where Are They Usually Served?

These banana oatmeal cookies are versatile and can be served in various settings. They are often enjoyed as a quick breakfast option or a snack for on-the-go. Due to their simplicity and nutritional profile, they are also a popular choice for lunchboxes, particularly for children. In addition, they can be served as a post-workout snack, offering a combination of carbohydrates and protein for energy recovery. These cookies are ideal for casual gatherings or as a homemade treat for family and friends.

Interesting Facts

  • The 3-ingredient banana oatmeal cookie is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable option for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
  • Bananas, one of the key ingredients, are packed with potassium, which is essential for muscle function and heart health.
  • Oats are an excellent source of soluble fiber, which is beneficial for heart health and can help reduce cholesterol levels.
  • This recipe is not only healthy but also extremely customizable. You can add other ingredients such as cinnamon, nuts, or chocolate chips for added flavor and texture.
  • Raisins, while commonly used in this recipe, can be substituted with other dried fruits like cranberries or apricots depending on your taste preference.

FAQ about 3-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe

Store the banana oatmeal cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Yes, you can make the cookies without raisins. Feel free to replace them with other add-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits according to your preference.

It's best to use rolled oats for texture, but you can substitute instant oats if that's what you have on hand. The cookies may be slightly softer but will still turn out fine.

The cookies are done when the bottoms begin to brown slightly, usually around 14-15 minutes. The cookies will firm up as they cool.

Yes! You can add a variety of flavorings such as vanilla extract, cinnamon, or nutmeg to enhance the taste. Just add a teaspoon of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon to the mixture before baking.

If your cookies are too soft, it could be due to the moisture content in the bananas. Make sure you are using ripe bananas with a good balance of sweetness, and try patting the dough down firmly before baking to help them hold their shape.

Bananas are essential for the texture and binding in this recipe. If you need to substitute, consider using mashed sweet potatoes or applesauce, but the texture may differ slightly.

Yes, you can scale the recipe up or down. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may slightly vary depending on the size of the cookies and the oven. Start checking for doneness a couple of minutes earlier if you make smaller cookies.

Yes, these cookies are naturally gluten-free as long as you use certified gluten-free oats.

Comments

Gregory Harris

11/26/2023 12:48:19 AM

I tried making this recipe without the raisins, and even with the addition of vanilla and sugar, it didn't improve. Baking it didn't alter the texture much, leaving me with the same mushy result as when I started.

Justin Gonzalez

03/23/2025 11:51:12 PM

I enhanced the flavor by adding vanilla and cinnamon, and it turned out delicious!

Scott Mitchell

02/12/2025 04:56:24 PM

It was excellent! ❤️