Bananas. They’re one of those foods that we often take for granted, always there in the fruit bowl next to the apples, turning brown more quickly than I would prefer. Perfect in their portability, bananas are actually a rather unexpected powerhouse of nutrients. Most commonly praised for their high potassium content, which helps to regulate blood pressure – which in turn keeps your heart functioning normally – bananas are high in fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, and manganese. Bananas also help to relieve stress and keep you happy, thanks to their high levels of tryptophan, which converts to serotonin (the feel-good hormone) when released into the bloodstream. All pretty solid reasons to enjoy one every now and then, no? Typically I’ll add a banana to my morning smoothie or throw one in my gym bag to eat before a workout, but lately I’ve been experimenting more with this surprisingly versatile fruit (or, if you want to get technical bout it, berry).
Which is where these cookies come in. There’s not much to say about them, except that they’re easy, they’re versatile, and they’re great to grab as a quick breakfast when you’re running out the door in the morning. Oh yeah, and in their most basic form, they only have two ingredients: bananas and oats. Check out the recipe below, along with a few mix-in options, because as usual, I couldn’t leave well enough alone.
Banana + Oat Cookies
Makes approx. 18 cookies after mix-ins
3 very ripe medium bananas (the bananas I used were completely brown)
1.5 cups gluten-free oats
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper (this is a must). Mash the bananas and oats together in a large mixing bowl using a fork. The end result should be about the same consistency of normal cookie dough. If the mix is too dry, add more banana, if it’s too wet, add more oats.
Optional mix-ins:
1 tsp each vanilla, powdered ginger, cinnamon
Gluten-free chocolate chips & unsweetened coconut
Cacao nibs & chopped raw hazelnuts
Raisins & unsweetened cocoa powder
You can keep the banana and oat mixture as-is, or add in extra flavor by mixing in 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp powdered ginger, and 1 tsp cinnamon, along with any combination of the suggested pairings above (I used a small handful of each).
Once you’ve added in everything you want, place tablespoon-sized scoops of the dough about 1-inch apart on the parchment-lined cookie sheet. Bake for about 15 minutes, until golden-brown.
After you’ve eaten a few warm from the oven, allow what’s left to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Cacao nibs & hazelnuts
Chocolate chip & coconut
Cocoa & raisins
Enjoy!
More recipe posts from the BLDG 25 blog.
I LOVE making these cookies. They make for such a simple and delicious breakfast!
What. This is amazing.
This. Is. Amazing!
I just found my evening activity!
I am saving this recipe and making it as soon as I get bananas. Love love love its simplicity :)
Thank you for sharing!
http://aniqadreams.blogspot.com
Yummy! I’m looking forward to making these – awesome prep time.
Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com
Look delish! How long do they keep for?
OH my god these look amazing, will definitely try!
http://fleurs-de-liz.blogspot.ca
Are these chewy or crunchy? They look so good!
sounds so yummy!
– christina http://www.cityloveee.blogspot.com
These look severely awesome. Perfect for my dietary needs and go-go life!
Thanks! xxo
http://loveyenrose.blogspot.com
These look amazing! I am going to be making them tonight! As a quick question does anyone know or guestimate how many calories a cookie would be?
Thanks!
This is the best
I used to make oat cookies with white choc chip and cranberries, but this alternative option with banana sounds much healthier…definitely going to have to give it a try! They are beautifully presented too :)
xxx
http://grandiosedays.blogspot.co.uk
I am so going to make these. I love oatmeal cookies but the traditional recipe is loaded with sugar and fat. I wonder how long they will keep
http://hazeysfinds.blogspot.com/
I just made these for all of my roommates and they’re OBSESSED! So yummy with peanut butter and honey :)
Thank you SO MUCH for this recipe. I work in a shelter for migrants and all of the food we get is donated, so we don’t have the more expensive or exotic ingredients that are often listed in recipes on this site. Moreover, the cooking we have here is often really greasy and unhealthy, because that’s what a tight budget can afford! Thanks for providing something delicious AND cheap — I made them for the house and everyone loved them! Please post more recipes like this!
Maria – I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe and that everyone liked the outcome! These are so versatile, you can really throw whatever you have lying around in them and they’ll always be good. I’ll definitely keep your suggestion in mind for future posts, I always love an easy recipe :)