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.
⭐ Like oatmeal cookies? Try our breakfast cookies, oatmeal cookies, no bake cookies or banana oatmeal cookies next time.
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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.
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.
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 them for extra 2 minutes.
💭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.
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.
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
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.
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
For all baking recipes, hop on to our Desserts collection.
💗I hope you'll enjoy this healthy oatmeal cookie recipe, please leave a rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo of your food and tag me on Instagram @theyummy_bowl. I love seeing your creations! 💗
Happy Baking,
Love,
Julia
The Best Healthy Oatmeal Cookies
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.
Video
PRIVATE NOTES
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)
Julia | The Yummy Bowl
Healthy Oatmeal Cookies - The satisfaction from the crunch and the satisfaction from the chewiness make this cookie unlike any other.