These banana oat cookies and fluffy and delicious – like banana muffin tops. They’re packed with hemp and flax and perfect for breakfast or snack time.
*Originally published 2/2011. Updated 1/2026*
Hi friends!
These banana cookies with oats are an update to an old recipe from 2011 and they are absolutely delicious! They’re packed with oats, hemp and ground flax and could easily make it into your breakfast or snack rotation. Plus they’re perfect for meal prep.
Why Banana Oat Cookies Are A Better-For-You Cookie
These cookies are great for several reasons:
- They’re fluffy! These are not a dense, chewy cookie. They’re light and fluffly, kinda like a banana muffin top.
- They’re nutrient-dense. They contain ground flaxseed, oats and hemp hearts which gives them a boost of fiber and other nutrients.
- Naturally sweet – The banana adds natural sweetness
- Easy to make gluten-free. To make these gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats and swap a 1:1 gluten-free flour baking blend for the flour.
- Only one bowl required. They’re quick and easy to whip up in just one bowl.
Banana Cookies with Oats vs. Traditional Banana Cookies
Traditional banana cookies are more of a dessert and are typically high in added sugar. These Banana Oat Cookies have several nutrient-dense ingredients added to help make them a more filling and nutritious option. They are lower in added sugar as well.
How Ripe Should Bananas Be For Banana Cookies
Typically, the riper the better. Since the bananas are being used to add sweetness and help you reduce the amount of added sugar, look for bananas that have started to develop brown spots.
Healthy Banana Breakfast Cookies
These cookies make a great addition to your breakfast rotation. To cut back on the added sugar you could reduce to 1/4 cup and swap the chocolate chips for raisins! Serve them with yogurt or a glass of milk for added protein.
Ingredients for Banana Oat Cookies
To make these cookies you’ll need:
- Butter- Melted and slightly cooled
- Mashed Banana- The riper the better for sweetness
- Sugar – for sweetness. You can reduce to your taste, especially if your bananas are very ripe
- Egg – for structure
- Vanilla & Cinnamon – for flavor
- Hemp & Flax – for added protein, fiber and other nutrients
- Flour – Can sub 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed
- Oats – I prefer quick oats/instant oats for the texture but you can use rolled oats if you prefer.
- Baking soda
- Chocolate chips – These can be omitted or you could swap in dried fruit like raisins
How To Make Banana Oat Cookies
To make these cookies just follow a few simple steps:
- Melt the butter.
- Add the mashed banana, sugar, egg, vanilla, cinnamon, hemp and flax and stir to combine.
- Add flour, oats, baking soda and chocolate chips and mix until just combined.
- Scoop, flatten and bake!
Banana Oat Cookies Variations
Gluten-Free Banana Cookies with Oats
To make these cookies gluten-free, use a 1:1 GF flour blend (I like King Arthur Measure for Measure) and use certified gluten-free oats. I like Bob’s Red Mill Quick Cooking Rolled Oats.
Peanut Butter Banana Oat Cookies
The original version of this recipe had peanut butter but I found that the taste of the bananas overwhelmed the taste of the peanut butter so I took it out. You could add it it in if you’d like for some extra healthy fats for satiety. I’d start by adding 1/4 cup and go up from there.
Protein Banana Cookies
To increase the protein content of these cookies, you could try swapping butter for 1/4 cup full-fat Greek yogurt. Or you could add some unflavored protein powder. I’d start with one scoop.
Vegan Banana Cookies with Oats
To make these cookies vegan, leave out the egg and add a flax egg and swap the butter for 1/4 cup oil. Be sure to use vegan chocolate chips or swap them for dried fruit.
No-Bake Banana Oat Cookies // 3 Ingredient Banana Oat Cookies
If you’re looking for a recipe for no-bake cookies using bananas, try one of these:
Easy Banana Cookies Recipe Tips
How To Store Banana Oat Cookies
These cookies are best stored in an airtight container or bag on the counter for 2-3 days. If you’re planning to keep them longer than that, I would move them to the fridge.
How To Freeze Banana Oat Cookies
To freeze these cookies, bake as directed, let them cool completely and then transfer to a freezer-safe container or ziploc bag. Transfer to the counter to thaw when ready to eat!
Cookie Baking Tips
For consistent results, use a cookie scoop to portion the cookies. I like the OXO medium scoop (aff link). You can get pre-cut parchment paper to make life easier and bake on my favorite USA pan half sheet baking sheets.
Also, these cookies won’t spread much so be sure to flatten gently with a fork before baking.
Banana Oat Cookies Recipe
Banana Oat Cookies
These banana oat cookies and fluffy and delicious – like banana muffin tops. They’re packed with hemp and flax and perfect for breakfast or snack time.
- Yield: 18-24 cookies
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1 cup mashed banana (approx 3 medium)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup hemp hearts
- 1/4 cup ground flax
- 1 cup flour
- 1 cup quick oats (or rolled oats)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- chocolate chips or raisins
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- Melt butter in microwave safe bowl.
- Combine melted butter, mashed banana, sugar, egg, vanilla, cinnamon, hemp and flax and stir until well combined.
- Add remaining ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Scoop onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten gently with a fork.
- Bake 9-10 minutes
Notes
Should make 18-24 cookies depending on the size.
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Banana Oat Cookies FAQs
Are banana cookies with oats healthy?
These cookies are healthier than a traditional cookie. They are lower in added sugar and have some added fiber and protein from the oats, flax and hemp seeds.
Can I make banana oat cookies for breakfast?
Yes! You can tweak them to make a healthier breakfast option by reducing the amount of sugar and using raisins instead of chocolate chips!
What kind of oats are best for banana cookies?
I prefer instant or quick-cooking oats for the texture. These oats are basically rolled oats that have been chopped up slightly to make them smaller. If you prefer, you can use rolled oats.
Can I make banana cookies with oats gluten-free?
Yes, you just need to use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and be sure you’re using certified gluten-free oats.
How ripe should bananas be for banana cookies?
The riper the bananas are, the more naturally sweet they will be. I like to use bananas that are brown and spotted but not completely mushy.
Are banana oat cookies good for meal prep?
Yes, these cookies can be made ahead of time and enjoyed all week long for meals and snacks as long as they’re stored in an airtight container.
Can I freeze banana cookies with oats?
Yes! Just make sure the cookies are completely cool before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Can I make banana oat cookies with peanut butter?
Yes, feel free to add up to 1/2 cup peanut butter to this recipe!
How do I make banana cookies soft and fluffy?
Follow this recipe exactly as written! The cookies will come out soft and fluffy!
Enjoy!
–Lindsay–