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3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies

Name: 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas; 1 cup rolled oats; ¼ cup dark chocolate chips; ¼ tsp fine sea salt

BySharon Rhodes August 20, 2023August 20, 2023

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This 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies recipe offers a sweet wholesome treat with minimal effort. Combining rolled oats, ripe bananas, and a handful of chocolate chips, these cookies require no flour, eggs, or added sugars.

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Overhead image of 3-ingredient oatmeal cookies on a wire cooling rack.

Healthy cookies like these oatmeal banana cookies are always good to have bookmarked – as a dessert and a healthy breakfast option. If you like healthy banana recipes we also recommend these Banana Protein Muffins and this Gluten Free Banana Bars recipe.

Why YOU will love this recipe

The end result is a naturally sweet and chewy cookie that’s both satisfying and guilt-free.
These banana oat cookies are flourless, contain no eggs, and best of all, no refined sugars. They are literally healthy enough to eat as a breakfast cookie.
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. Bonus!

A hand holding a 3-ingredient oatmeal cookie.

Ingredients

rolled oats – we recommend using rolled oats, or old-fashioned oats for the best texture but quick oats will also work. Look for certified gluten-free on the label to guarantee they are gluten-free oats, if there are any allergy concerns.
bananas – ripe bananas are much sweeter so this is the best recipe for using up those brown bananas on the counter!
dark chocolate chips – also be sure to read the label for milk products if you are looking for dairy-free or vegan.

Equipment

mixing bowl – use this to mix all of the ingredients together.
baking sheet – we use a large-rimmed baking sheet.
parchment paper – a must for easy cleanup. We recommend unbleached parchment paper.
wire rack – for cooling the cookies after baking.

Instructions

Step 1

First, preheat your oven to 350 and line the cookie sheet with parchment paper. Set the sheet aside.

Step 2

Next, in a large bowl, use a potato masher or a fork to mash bananas until they are no longer lumpy.

This shouldn’t take long if you are using a really ripe banana.

Step 3

Then, stir in the oats.

I use a small spatula to scrape down the sides as I mix the ingredients together.

Step 4

Next, the most important ingredient – chocolate chips!

It’s like cookies aren’t worth making without chocolate chips. As mentioned above, be sure to read the label and check for any milk products if you are looking to avoid dairy.

You can find vegan chocolate chips on Amazon pretty easily if you can’t source them locally.

Chocolate chips being added to a mixture in a bowl.

Step 5

Scoop out heaping tablespoons of the mixture onto the parchment-lined sheet.

Space them evenly apart and shape them into cookies.

Step 6

Finally, bake until golden. Rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure the cookies are baking evenly.

Remove from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

Freshly baked cookies on a baking sheet.

Expert tip

Use a wire rack to cool your cookies!

It allows better air circulation, which helps the cookies cool more quickly and evenly. This also prevents the cookies from becoming soggy on the bottom and maintains their structure.

Recipe variations

For a little crunch add nuts like toasted pecans or walnuts. Balance it with a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy texture.
Sprinkle in a little ground cinnamon and a splash of vanilla extract for a warm and classic flavor.
Fold in finely diced apples and ground cinnamon to create a cookie that tastes like a bite of apple pie.

Serving suggestions

Serve these 3-ingredient oatmeal cookies as healthy after-school snacks. Kids love the taste!
Get cozy and enjoy these freshly baked cookies alongside a cup of Chai Coffee or Warm Almond Milk.
Perfect to pack with you to work for a healthy afternoon snack.

FAQS

Are these cookies gluten-free?

If you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, then yes! They are. If you have gluten sensitivity or intolerance, ensure that all ingredients used are free from gluten contamination

Can I use these cookies as a breakfast option?

Absolutely! These cookies can make a nutritious and portable breakfast, especially when paired with a decent source of protein, like natural Greek yogurt.

Storage tips

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, store the container in the fridge for up to a week.

To freeze these cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in a microwave for a few seconds when ready to eat.

More healthy recipes with ripe bananas

Banana Almond Butter Smoothie

collage of images with recipes using overripe bananas with text overlay.

Healthy Banana Recipes – Using Ripe + Overripe Bananas

Banana Protein Muffins

Gluten Free Banana Bars

**This recipe was originally posted on July 28, 2014, updated on January 27, 2020, and updated again on August 20, 2023, with recipe notes, writing, and new photos.**

If you’ve tried our 3-ingredient banana oatmeal cookies, please rate the recipe and let us know how it turned out by leaving me a comment below. We’re always interested in feedback!

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