3 Ingredient Banana Cookies! Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for the world’s easiest way to turn spotty bananas into something delicious, meet your new obsession: 3 Ingredient Banana Cookies! Imagine the wholesome goodness of ripe bananas, cozy oats, and melty chocolate, all coming together to create chewy, chocolate-studded treats in just 20 minutes. Naturally sweetened, endlessly customizable, and totally breakfast-worthy, these cookies are perfect for when cravings strike or you want to give those browning bananas a glorious second act.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of this recipe: every ingredient is simple, familiar, and truly essential. Each one plays a starring role, from taste and texture to color and nutritional boost. With only three main ingredients, you’ll be amazed at the magic they create together!

• Overripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Dark, spotty bananas are extra sweet and mash down perfectly, giving the cookies their irresistible natural flavor and tender bite.
• Quick-Cooking Oats: Quick oats blend right in, absorbing the banana to create a hearty yet soft cookie. If you’re gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats!
• Chocolate Chips or Chunks: Melty chocolate brings a little excitement to every bite and truly transforms these banana cookies from simple to spectacular.
• Optional Add-ins: A dash of cinnamon, vanilla, or a small pinch of salt can elevate the aroma and depth of your cookies, so feel free to experiment!

How to Make 3 Ingredient Banana Cookies!

Step 1: Prep Your Workspace

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This little move guarantees your cookies won’t stick and ensures an easy peasy cleanup when you’re done.

Step 2: Mash Those Bananas

Grab your trusty mixing bowl and a fork (or potato masher if you feel fancy) and mash the bananas until they’re completely smooth—no big chunks here! The riper your bananas, the sweeter your 3 Ingredient Banana Cookies! It’s nature’s way of adding sweetness.

Step 3: Mix In The Oats

Pour in your quick-cooking oats and stir everything together. The oats soak up the banana, transforming the mix into a thick, scoopable dough that’s easy to handle and shape.

Step 4: Fold In The Chocolate

Toss in those chocolate chips or chunks and gently fold them through the batter. Every spoonful gets a bit of chocolatey magic, which makes these cookies truly irresistible.

Step 5: Form Your Cookies

Scoop out rounded tablespoons of the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet, slightly flattening each mound with the back of a spoon. They won’t spread much, so however you shape them is how they’ll bake!

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for edges that are golden brown, with centers that stay beautifully soft and chewy.

Step 7: Cool And Enjoy!

Once baked, let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for five minutes. Then move them to a wire rack. They’ll firm up just a touch while staying delightfully chewy—the hallmark of fantastic banana oatmeal cookies.

How to Serve 3 Ingredient Banana Cookies!

Garnishes

These cookies are amazing straight off the sheet, but a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, extra chocolate chips, or a light dusting of cinnamon on top will make them dazzling for guests or kids. For a bakery-style touch, press a chocolate chunk gently into the top of each cookie as soon as they come out of the oven!

Side Dishes

Pair your 3 Ingredient Banana Cookies! with a big mug of coffee, frothy oat milk latte, or a glass of cold almond milk for a balanced, energizing breakfast or snack. They’re also wonderful next to a scoop of vanilla yogurt, fresh fruit salad, or a handful of roasted nuts for extra protein.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn snack time into a mini celebration by stacking the cookies and tying them with baker’s twine, or serving on a pretty platter with fresh berries. For a party treat, sandwich a dollop of nut butter or Greek yogurt between two cookies. Their soft-chewy edges make them perfect for ice cream sandwiches too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Don’t worry if you have leftovers—these cookies stay fresh and chewy for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer freshness, pop them in the fridge for up to a week. They’re even better chilled!

Freezing

3 Ingredient Banana Cookies! freeze like a dream. Layer cooled cookies between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temp or gently reheat for a just-baked flavor any time.

Reheating

If you prefer your cookies warm and melty, just pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or reheat in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. They’ll taste like they’re fresh from the oven all over again!

FAQs

Can I use rolled oats instead of quick-cooking oats?

Yes, you can! Rolled oats give the cookies a heartier, chewier bite. If you want a more uniform texture, pulse rolled oats in a food processor a few times before using.

Are these 3 Ingredient Banana Cookies! gluten-free?

Absolutely—just make sure your oats are labeled gluten-free. Otherwise, the rest of the ingredients—bananas and chocolate—are naturally gluten-free.

Can I add nuts, seeds, or dried fruit?

Of course! Feel free to stir in up to 1/4 cup of chopped nuts, sunflower seeds, or dried fruits for extra flavor, texture, and nutrition. These cookies are endlessly versatile!

How ripe should my bananas be?

The darker and spottier the banana, the sweeter your cookies will taste. Super-ripe bananas are also easier to mash, making for a smoother cookie dough.

Can I double or triple the batch?

Yes! Just scale up the ingredients proportional to the batch size. Bake in multiple trays as needed and freeze extras—your future self will thank you for sneaky treats waiting in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to whip up a batch of these 3 Ingredient Banana Cookies! They’re the perfect mix of simplicity, nostalgia, and pure joy. Share them at breakfast, snack time, or whenever you need a quick, cozy treat—you’ll love the smiles they bring. Happy baking!

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