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    The Yummy Bowl » Recipes » Cookies

    The Best Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

    Apr 29, 2023 · Modified: Nov 17, 2023 by Julia | The Yummy Bowl · This post contains paid affiliate links · 12 Comments

    1066 shares
    • Facebook
    Jump to Recipe
    a stack of healthy oatmeal breakfast cookies

    The combination of crispy oats, sweet banana, nutritious nuts, seeds, berries, and smooth peanut butter creates a unique and irresistible texture that will sure to be loved by many. 

    The satisfaction from the crunch and the satisfaction from the chewiness make this cookie unlike any other.

    a stack of healthy oatmeal breakfast cookies

    ⭐ Like oatmeal cookies? Try our breakfast cookies, oatmeal cookies, no bake cookies or banana oatmeal cookies next time.

    Jump To
    • Why It's Yummy
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • 💭Make It Healthier
    • Recommended Equipment
    • Tips
    • Freezing And Storing Instructions
    • FAQs
    • Easy Healthy Cookie Recipes
    • Recipe
    • Comments
    a bowl of healthy oatmeal cookies

    Why It's Yummy

    • Nutritious - Oats are a great source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients like iron and magnesium. Combined with healthy nuts, seeds and fruit makes it a healthy choice for a snack or quick breakfast on the go.
    • Fulfilling - The combination of fiber, protein, and healthy fats in the cookies can help keep you feeling full and satisfied for longer, making them a great snack or treat option.
    • Low in sugar -  Traditional oatmeal cookies are often made with a lot of sugar, but here we are using maple syrup and banana which can help to reduce the sugar content while still providing enough sweetness for these healthy oatmeal cookies.
    • Related: Cranberry Overnight Oats

    Ingredients

    My few comments on the ingredients + don't forget to read the Tips section!

    The full recipe and ingredients can be found in the recipe card below this post.

    • Oats - Quick oats, steel-cut oats, old-fashioned rolled oats - whatever you want and like in terms of a cookie texture. For even-looking uniform cookies, use quick oats, for chunky - rolled oats. Use certified GF oats if needed.
    • Oat Flour - or regular all-purpose flour or gluten free flour (with or without xanthan gum).
    • Salt - Sea salt or kosher salt for the best natural flavor. Salt is optional but helps to enhance all the flavors and intensify the cocoa and maple syrup taste.
    • Peanut butter - Almond butter can be used instead. I don't recommend using natural peanut butter as this can create dry cookies. Although be sure to check the ingredients in your peanut butter, I recommend no sugar added if possible.
    • Vanilla bean paste or pure vanilla extract - Both can be used interchangeably in gluten-free baking. I just find that paste has a stronger vanilla flavor.
    • Maple syrup - or honey or agave syrup.
    • Nuts, seeds and dried fruit - This is the beauty of these cookies - you can mix and match and use whatever is your favorite combination and what’s available in your kitchen pantry. I used freeze dried raspberries for a little extra crunch but you can use dried fruit of choice instead.
    ingredients for oatmeal cookies

    Instructions

    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

    peanut butter in a bowl

    In a large bowl, mix together the mashed banana, egg, maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, and peanut butter.

    oats and peanut butter in a bowl

    You can use an electric hand-held mixer or spatula. 

    dried fruits and nuts in a bowl

    Add flour and combine.

    Fold in the oats, dried fruit seeds, and almonds.

    oatmeal cookie batter

    Using a 2-tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, shape the mixture into cookie shapes and gently press down.

    a stack of healthy oatmeal breakfast cookies before baking

    Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicon matt and bake for 14-15 minutes.

    oatmeal breakfast cookies on baking sheet

    These cookies will be soft with a very light crisp exterior. If you want them crisper, bake them for extra 2 minutes.

    Related: cranberry overnight oats

    💭Make It Healthier

    • Oats. Use whole-grain oats instead of quick oats to add more fiber to the cookies.
    • Mix-ins. Add more fruits and nuts. Add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots, or nuts like almonds, pecans, or cashews to add more nutrients and fiber to the cookies.
    • Consume in moderation.
    • Use good peanut butter without any unnecessary additives. Same with cocoa powder.
    a stack of healthy oatmeal breakfast cookies

    Recommended Equipment

    • Measuring cups and spoons
    • Wire cooling rack
    • Airtight Food containers
    • Mixing Bowls
    • Baking Pan 
    • Spatula - for mixing

    Tips

    • Make sure to go for no sugar-added oats as many brands may contain added sugars. Oats are whole grains and do not naturally contain sugar. 
    • Always wash nuts and dried fruit - despite having these packaged and labeled ‘’ready to eat’’ you still have to wash your dried fruit and nuts (not the freeze-dried berries though).  This is especially true if you have purchased them loose. It is always a good idea to watch them, as even if the nuts and seeds have been peeled, you can’t risk it and know how exactly these were stored and transported. Many dried fruit may absorb dust and pollution (and germs) during the packaging process.
    • It's also a good idea to check the expiration date on the package before consuming the nuts and dried fruit to ensure they are fresh and safe to eat.
    • To create smaller versions of these healthy oatmeal cookies, consider using a smaller cookie scoop or measuring tablespoon. It's important to keep in mind that smaller cookies will require less baking time, as they will cook faster due to their smaller size.
    • Add more protein - Don’t skip the protein-rich ingredients like nuts, and seeds, or even use protein powder to increase the protein content of your cookies.
    • You can also add more spices in addition to cinnamon. Nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger will add extra flavor.
    • We like to use sugar-free peanut butter and maple syrup instead of refined sugar here. Some oats do contain sugar, so be sure to get the real deal.
    • Cookie scoops are a great tool to use for creating uniform-sized cookies. Or a kitchen scale to measure out each cookie.
    • Use whole grain flour - if using regular all-purpose flour instead of oat flour, replace it with whole grain flour to increase the fiber and nutrient content of your cookies. For the oats as well, use whole grain oats without any additives and added sugar.
    • Vegan - make these cookies vegan by using flax seed egg or chia egg.
    • Further reading - How to measure baking ingredients.
    healthy oatmeal breakfast cookies with dried fruit and nuts

    Freezing And Storing Instructions

    • To Store. Keep the cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Or refrigerate for longer.
    • To Freeze. Transfer cookies to an airtight container or freezer-friendly bag and freeze for up to 3-4 months. Defrost in the refrigerator and let come to room temperature before eating.

    FAQs

    Why are oatmeal cookies too dry?

    Don't over-bake, and store them properly. Store them properly: Store the oatmeal cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Adding a slice of bread or a damp paper towel to the container can help keep them moist for a longer period of time. 

    Is oatmeal in oatmeal cookies good for you?

    When it comes to oatmeal cookies, oatmeal is typically considered a healthy ingredient due to its status as a whole grain and a good source of fiber. These qualities can help promote healthy digestion and lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, oatmeal contains protein and essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc.

    However, like any cookie, these healthy oatmeal cookies should be consumed in moderation and should be eaten as a snack rather than a meal.

    Easy Healthy Cookie Recipes

    • a stack of peanut butter cookies
      The Best Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies in Air Fryer
    • a stack of breakfast cookies
      No Sugar Added Healthy Breakfast Cookies With Dried Fruit and Nuts
    • gluten free oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips
      Gluten Free Oatmeal Cookies With Chocolate Chips
    • no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies with nuts
      No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

    For all baking recipes, hop on to our Desserts collection.

    I would appreciate it so much if you left a comment about this recipe below! Subscribe to join the TYB newsletter and receive free recipes straight to your inbox! Let's connect via Facebook, IG & Pinterest!

    Recipe

    a stack of healthy oatmeal breakfast cookies

    The Best Healthy Oatmeal Cookies

    The combination of crispy oats, sweet bananas, nutritious nuts, seeds, berries, and smooth peanut butter creates a unique and irresistible texture that will surely be loved by many. The satisfaction from the crunch and the satisfaction from the chewiness make this cookie unlike any other.
    5 from 8 votes
    Print Pin
    Author: Julia | The Yummy Bowl
    Course: Baking, Cookies
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 16 cookies
    Calories: 110kcal

    INGREDIENTS

    • ½ cup mashed banana (ripe)
    • ¼ cup oat flour (or gluten-free flour if needed)
    • 1 cup old-fashioned oats (or certified gluten-free oats)
    • 1 egg
    • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ¼ cup peanut butter (or other nut butter or allergy-friendly substitute)
    • ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
    • ¼ cup sunflower seeds
    • ¼ cup crushed freeze-dried berries (or dried fruit, I used raspberry)
    • ½ cup almond flakes (or chopped almonds)

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
    • In a large bowl, mix together the mashed banana, egg, maple syrup, salt, cinnamon, and peanut butter. You can use an electric hand-held mixer or spatula.
    • Add flour and combine.
    • Fold in the oats, dried fruit seeds, and almonds.
    • Using a 2 tablespoon-sized cookie scoop, shape the mixture into cookie shapes and gently press down. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicon matt and bake for 14-15 minutes. These cookies will be soft with a very light crisp exterior. If you want them crisper, bake for extra 2 minutes.
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    Nutrition Facts
    The Best Healthy Oatmeal Cookies
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 110 Calories from Fat 54
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 6g9%
    Saturated Fat 1g6%
    Trans Fat 0.001g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
    Monounsaturated Fat 3g
    Cholesterol 12mg4%
    Sodium 92mg4%
    Potassium 133mg4%
    Carbohydrates 12g4%
    Fiber 2g8%
    Sugar 5g6%
    Protein 3g6%
    Vitamin A 22IU0%
    Vitamin C 1mg1%
    Calcium 24mg2%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    (Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

    « No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
    Baked Jalapeno Popper Dip »
    1066 shares
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Julia | The Yummy Bowl

      April 29, 2023 at 8:40 pm

      5 stars
      Healthy Oatmeal Cookies - The satisfaction from the crunch and the satisfaction from the chewiness make this cookie unlike any other.

      Reply
    2. Luis

      July 18, 2023 at 7:54 pm

      5 stars
      This is a wonderful totally nutritious recipe

      Reply
      • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

        July 18, 2023 at 11:21 pm

        thank you so much Luis, glad you liked it!

        Reply
      • Colleen

        July 30, 2023 at 1:21 pm

        What is the serving size please? I am Type II diabetic. Is the nutritional value for one cookie? Thank you.

        Reply
        • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

          August 01, 2023 at 6:53 am

          Colleen, my nutrition calculator is showing 110 kcal per 1 cookie, but this is always estimate and will depend on exact ingredients you'll be using. You can also try this to calculate according to your ingredients: https://www.verywellfit.com/recipe-nutrition-analyzer-4157076

          Reply
    3. Jennifer Comfort

      September 16, 2023 at 8:59 am

      Perfect snack that isn't all sugar! My family loved them! I now plan ahead and ask for suggestions before going to the the market. We like to experiment with different seeds, nuts, and berries. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

        September 22, 2023 at 3:01 pm

        nuts and seeds are incredible and nutritious indeed!

        Reply
    4. John Richards

      September 16, 2023 at 2:01 pm

      These look great, but what happened to the rhubarb?

      Reply
    5. Ellie

      September 26, 2023 at 9:19 am

      5 stars
      These look absolutely delicious, I can't wait to try! They look exactly like ones I had before that I loved and have been searching for the recipe! I love how they can be made gluten-free & to fit other dietary restrictions. Plus, great variety in switching up the nut butter, nuts or seeds, and fruit! I'll try them first with dried cranberries. Yum!
      *Tip for diabetics- look into natural Monk Fruit Sugar! It doesn't impact blood sugar or insulin levels. <3

      Reply
      • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

        November 05, 2023 at 11:15 am

        thank you for sharing the tip Ellie, glad you enjoyed!

        Reply
    6. Maria

      October 03, 2023 at 7:08 am

      5 stars
      Can I add fresh blueberries instead?
      Thank you

      Reply
      • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

        November 05, 2023 at 10:59 am

        you could try, but they will add moisture to cookies

        Reply

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    the yummy bowl julia author

    I'm Julia and welcome to The Yummy Bowl. I share easy and healthy recipes for the whole family. Everything you see here is Gluten-free and mostly made with whole food ingredients. Hope you enjoy! Love, Julia

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