If you’re craving a quick, guilt-free treat that’s both wholesome and ridiculously easy, you’ll fall head over heels for these 4 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies (Healthy & Easy). Imagine soft, chewy cookies packed with chocolatey goodness, creamy peanut butter, and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas—ready in just 15 minutes. Whether you need an on-the-go breakfast, an after-school snack, or a healthier dessert, this recipe delivers every time with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity. With just four accessible ingredients, each one shines—giving you cookies that are rich, naturally sweet, chocolate-studded, and perfectly chewy.
- Banana: One ripe, brown banana lends natural sweetness and binds the dough for a moist, soft texture.
- Rolled oats: ¾ cup of oats (or quick oats) add bulk and chewy heartiness, making the cookies satisfying and fiber-rich.
- Peanut butter: ¼ cup of natural peanut butter (or any nut butter) brings creaminess and a hint of nutty richness that pairs beautifully with banana.
- Mini chocolate chips: ¼ cup of semi-sweet mini chocolate chips add that irresistible pop of chocolaty delight in every bite.
How to Make 4 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies (Healthy & Easy)
Step 1: Prep and Mash
Preheat your oven to 350℉ (176°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, giving it a quick spray with cooking spray to ensure easy release. In a large mixing bowl, take your ripe banana and mash it thoroughly until there are no chunky bits—this smooth base is essential for that tender cookie texture.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
Add the rolled oats, peanut butter, and mini chocolate chips directly to the mashed banana. Stir well until everything is well incorporated and comes together into a cohesive dough. The oats should absorb some moisture, and you’ll start to see a classic cookie dough consistency form.
Step 3: Shape the Cookies
Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop (or regular spoons), scoop the dough and roll it gently between your hands into balls. Place each one onto the prepared baking sheet. This step keeps all your cookies evenly sized, so they bake at the same rate.
Step 4: Flatten and Shape
The dough balls won’t spread much in the oven, so take a moment to gently press each one down into your ideal cookie thickness. Arrange them so they have enough room to bake evenly and develop a golden crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until the cookies are set and just turning golden brown at the edges. Remove them from the oven and allow to cool on the pan for a couple of minutes before transferring to a wire rack—this ensures they hold together beautifully.
How to Serve 4 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies (Healthy & Easy)
Garnishes
If you’d like to dress them up, sprinkle your warm cookies with a touch of flaky sea salt, a drizzle of melted dark chocolate, or even a dusting of cinnamon. This playful finishing touch highlights all the natural flavors and makes each bite even more special.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside just about anything—pair them with a tall glass of cold milk, a frothy cappuccino, or a refreshing fruit smoothie for a satisfying snack or light breakfast. They also make a sweet addition to any brunch spread or lunchbox.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack them high on a platter for a casual gathering, wrap them up in twine for a thoughtful, homemade gift, or stuff a few into mason jars for the cutest grab-and-go snack. You can even crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for a healthy twist on traditional toppings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They stay deliciously soft and chewy, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
Planning ahead? These cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months—just grab one whenever you need a wholesome treat.
Reheating
To bring that fresh-from-the-oven warmth back, simply microwave a cookie for 10-15 seconds. The banana and chocolate will go soft and melty, making for an irresistible snack that tastes like it was just baked.
FAQs
Can I use a different nut butter?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in almond, cashew, or sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter. Each variety adds its own unique flavor profile to these 4 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies (Healthy & Easy).
What if I only have regular-sized chocolate chips?
Regular chocolate chips work just as well—they’ll create bigger pops of chocolate in each cookie, so every bite gets a little more indulgent.
Can I add extra mix-ins?
Definitely! Try stirring in chopped nuts, dried fruit like cranberries or raisins, or even a sprinkle of shredded coconut to customize your cookies just the way you love them.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, these cookies are naturally free of gluten—perfect for anyone with sensitivities or dietary restrictions.
How ripe should my banana be?
For the best taste and texture, use a banana that’s deeply speckled or brown. The riper, the better—the natural sugars will make your 4 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies (Healthy & Easy) extra sweet and flavorful!
Final Thoughts
Next time your sweet tooth calls but your schedule is packed, whip up a batch of these 4 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies (Healthy & Easy). They’re every bit as satisfying and delicious as they are healthy—trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your regular rotation!
Print
4 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies (Healthy & Easy) Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These 4-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a healthy and easy treat that can be whipped up in no time. With the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the heartiness of oats, and the indulgence of chocolate chips, these cookies are a perfect snack or dessert option.
Ingredients
Ripe Banana
- 1 ripe, brown banana
Rolled Oats
- ¾ cup rolled oats (72g)
Nut Butter
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter (64g)
Chocolate Chips
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (60g)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350℉ (176°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
- Mash Banana: In a large mixing bowl, mash your ripe banana.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the oats, peanut butter, and chocolate chips to the mashed banana. Stir the mixture until well combined.
- Form Cookies: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the cookie dough batter at a time and roll it into a ball. Place each ball on the cookie sheet.
- Bake: Mash the cookie dough balls down to desired thickness. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- These cookies do not spread much during baking, so shape them to your desired thickness before baking.
- For uniform cookies, use a cookie dough scoop to portion out the dough.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 93 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 32mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
