Banana cookies are a delicious way to use up ripe bananas while making a treat that feels both comforting and a little healthier than traditional cookies. With their soft texture, warm flavor, and natural sweetness, banana cookies are perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a guilt-free dessert.
The magic of banana cookies starts with overripe bananas. The more brown spots, the better. These bring moisture and natural sweetness, so you can cut back on added sugar. When mixed with ingredients like oats, cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of butter or oil, they create a dough that bakes into soft, chewy cookies with just the right amount of sweetness.
One of the best things about banana cookies is how adaptable they are. You can stir in chocolate chips for a classic treat, add chopped nuts for crunch, or toss in dried fruit like raisins or cranberries. Looking for a healthier option? Use whole wheat flour, swap in maple syrup or honey, or skip the sugar altogether for a more wholesome version.
They also make a great choice for those with dietary restrictions. Many banana cookie recipes can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with a few simple substitutions. You can even make them vegan by replacing eggs with more mashed banana or a flax egg.
Banana cookies are easy to make and bake quickly. There’s no need to chill the dough, and you probably already have the ingredients in your kitchen. They store well, stay soft for days, and taste even better the next day.
Whether you’re baking with kids, prepping school snacks, or just craving a cookie that feels a little more nourishing, banana cookies are a go-to. They’re cozy, flavorful, and just the right mix of sweet and satisfying.
This recipe is made by Joeanna A Wilson Harrell.
Ingredients
- 2 bananas (large)
- 1 cup oatmeal
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup walnuts chopped
- 4 dried cranberries per cookie
- 4 dried blueberries per cookie
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mash the 2 large bananas until smooth.
- Add 1 cup of oatmeal and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the mashed bananas. Mix well.
- Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.
- Using a tablespoon, scoop the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, forming each portion into a rounded cookie shape.
- Place 4 dried cranberries and 4 dried blueberries on each cookie, pressing them slightly into the dough.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15 minutes.
- Take out and cool and put in a glass jar. Enjoy!
Yummy! The chocolate chips add a nice touch. Will make again for sure.
5 stars! These cookies are just the best, I even shared with my neighbors.
So glad you loved them! Sharing with neighbors is such a nice touch!
These cookies sound good, but I don’t know about the fruits. Are they really necessary?
Pretty solid recipe! I used quick oats and had to bake like 2-3 minutes longer, but the texture was great. Would definitely make again.
OMG these taste sooo good! xxx
These cookies are amazing! I love the banana and chocolate combo.
I made these cookies last night and they turned out so good! My kids ate them all! Thanks for sharing the recipe!
They sound good, but I don’t know if bananas and chocolate actually go together. I’m skeptical.
350°F for 15 minutes felt short. I pulled them out when they looked set, but they stayed soft in the middle. Flavor was good, texture was off.
These are kinda bland to me. Maybe needs more spices?
I thought they were pretty good! Just the right amount of sweetness for me. Maybe you can try adding a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor?
Super easy to make! I just used whatever nuts I had.
I love that you made it with whatever nuts you had! That’s how cooking should be, right? Just use what you got! 😄
I love bananas, but my son hated these! Mixed emotions over here.
Weird recipe. Mixing fruit with breakfast food is like mixing ice cream with soup… not for me.
Yum! I love the combo of flavors in this cookie! Will make again for sure.
These didn’t turn out like cookies for me… more like blobs. 🤷♂️
I followed it exactly and they tasted a little bland to me. Next time I’ll add vanilla or a bit of salt. Also 350F seems fine, but mine needed longer.
Yum yum! I added some peanut butter too, thanks for the recipe!
These cookies are delicious! I made them for my kids, and they loved them!
Bananas in cookies? Sounds weird. But I gave it a try. Not bad but not great either.
I thought the same thing at first, but these cookies turned out better than I expected! The banana adds a nice sweetness.
Banana in cookies? Nah, that ain’t normal. I wouldn’t try it.
These are the best cookies ever! Super easy to make. My kids loved them!
Not really a fan of healthy cookies. I like my chocolate chips all gooey.
I dunno, I think oatmeal cookies should have flour. This just seems wrong.
I get where you’re coming from, but these cookies are meant to be a healthier option! Give them a try before knocking it.
My dried cranberries were super sticky so I pressed them in and the cookies kinda clumped. Not pretty, but taste was good and the jar idea is nice.
Hmm, 4 dried cranberries and 4 dried blueberries per cookie sounds like a lot… no wonder it clumps. I’d cut the fruit in half or bake a minute or two longer. Also sticky cranberries usually need less pressing than the recipe says.
That “clumped but tasty” is still a win 😄 I’ve had dried fruit do that when it’s extra sticky—maybe next time toss the cranberries/blueberries in a little oatmeal first so they don’t glue together.
I don’t know about the dried fruits, seems weird. Maybe just chocolate chips would be better.
I followed the recipe but they didn’t rise or get crunchy. They’re more like muffins in cookie shape. 🤷♂️
Sorry to hear that! Maybe try adding a bit more oatmeal next time or reduce the banana? They can turn out too mushy if there’s too much banana.
I don’t see how they wouldn’t be crunchy! I think you should’ve baked them longer or at a higher temp. Just my two cents!
350°F for 15 minutes was a little short for me—top looked set but inside was still soft. I went 3-4 minutes more and they were perfect.
I was skeptical about banana cookies, but wow! They turned out better than I expected. Nice texture!
The cranberries and blueberries are a nice touch! Very colorful. 🙂
Colorful? Sure. But bananas and berries? Sounds weird to me. I’m skeptical about this combo.
Totally agree! The berries make it look so appetizing. I can’t wait to try it out!
Not a fan of bananas, but my grandma loved these! She says they’re a healthy choice.
Wow! These cookies taste like healthier dessert. I’m giving this a 5 even though I doubled the walnuts and now I’m basically addicted 😅
Yum! Super easy and great for breakfast on the go!
These are surprisingly good—banana + oats makes them taste like actual cookies, not health food sadness. I added a pinch of salt and they still worked great.
Yes!! The cinnamon + banana vibe is real. I did the pinch of salt too and they came out way more “cookie-like.”
Just made these! My kids loved helping mash the bananas! Fun cooking time!
Not bad, but I thought they would taste more like cookies and less like mush. Might just stick to regular cookies.
easy rec? I subbed out the cranberries for raisins like my grandma did. still good!
These cookies are sooo good! I made them for my kids and they devoured them. Will definitely make again.
I’m glad to hear that! They’re a favorite in my house too. Did you add any extra toppings? 🍪
Why do you even put blueberries? Makes no sense. Just banana, chocolate, and oats is enough.
I’m not convinced about the blueberries in cookies. They should be in pancakes.
I get what you mean, but blueberries in cookies give a nice twist! They’re not just for pancakes, you know? Give it a shot!
OMG! 😍
Will they go bad quickly? No preservatives, right?
Yeah, since there’s no preservatives, they might not last long. Best to eat them soon or freeze them!
Not gonna lie the “4 dried cranberries and 4 dried blueberries per cookie” part is weirdly specific lol. I estimated and some cookies were way more fruit than others, but they were still tasty.
Used peanut butter instead of walnuts because I’m allergic. Still turned out great!
I used almond butter instead of bananas. Result: disaster!
Almond butter instead of bananas? That’s not gonna work! Stick to the recipe next time.
Cookies that are healthy? I’m in! 🌟 Great recipe, easy peasy.
350°F for 15 minutes felt a bit short for my oven. I pulled them early at 13 and they were softer than I wanted. Next time I’ll add 3-5 minutes.
I tried this recipe and they was mushy. 😞
I’m sorry to hear that! Maybe try baking them a bit longer next time? They can be a bit soft sometimes.
I dunno, they came out kinda mushy. Maybe I did something wrong? I followed the recipe!
These were so good, I might eat all of them in one sitting! 😍
Yum! I added some honey too and it was fabulous. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
Bananas are gros. I’m not gonna make these.
These cookies were delicious! I loved the combination of bananas and chocolate chips. Will definitely make them again.
Not what I expected… where did the flour go? 😂
Not gonna lie, I was skeptical about “cookies” with no egg or butter… but wow. They’re chewy and satisfying. Maybe my bananas were riper than average?
Great way to use overripe bananas! My kids loved them, ate them all!
I can’t cook! But this looks easy enough. I’ll try it with my kids.
Too many ingredients! I just wanted simple banana cookies.
I get what you’re saying, but those ingredients make it really tasty. Kids love them!
Yea, too much stuff! Just bananas and oats would do fine. Keep it simple!
I used quick oats and it came out kind of grainy. Flavor was fine, but next time I’ll use regular oatmeal like the recipe says. Don’t rush the cooling—helps them set.
I think you should’ve baked them a little longer? I always do like 20 minutes so they firm up, otherwise bananas stay too soft. Also “dried blueberries” sounds like it would burn—mine did 😅
Good catch—quick oats can definitely make things feel more grainy. I’ve had that happen too. The cooling step matters a lot for the texture!
These cookies have too much fruit in them. Not a fan!
I think the fruit makes them more nutritious! But I get it, not everyone’s taste. 🍪
I accidentally put in too much cinnamon and now it’s too spicy. Be careful with that!
Just made them and they were a total flop. Couldn’t get them into cookie shape. Help!
Sorry to hear that! Maybe try mashing the bananas a bit more or adding a little more oatmeal to help with the shape.
I think it’s just the banana thing. Cookies can be tricky! They don’t really hold shape like regular cookies. Don’t give up!
I don’t get why people like these. They taste too banana-y and like soggy oatmeal!
Cute idea using banana instead of flour. The cinnamon + walnuts combo is awesome. Only thing: 4 cranberries and 4 blueberries each felt like a lot—my topping fell off a bit.
Cute idea but yeah… my toppings fell off too 😅 I think my bananas weren’t as big/ripe, so the dough was looser. Next time I’ll mash better or add a tiny bit more oatmeal. Still tasty though!
I totally get what you mean—those “4 and 4” toppings can be a lot. I’ve had better luck using fewer (like 2 cranberries + 2 blueberries) and pressing them in real gently so they actually stick.
Made these today—super easy and the banana flavor really shines. I added a tiny pinch of salt and they tasted even better. Will definitely bake again.
Love this! I did basically the same thing—banana + cinnamon is such a good combo. Also, that little pinch of salt is 100% the move. 😄
I added peanut butter too, sooo good!
These cookies are AMAZING! I love the combo of bananas and oatmeal. Will make again!
I don’t know, man. Bananas in cookies? Seems weird. I prefer chocolate chip cookies without all the fruit stuff.
I’m so glad you loved them! They are indeed super delicious and healthy. I’ve made them twice this week already!
Shouldn’t there be eggs in cookies? Not sure this is legit.
I can’t believe you can bake cookies with just bananas and oatmeal. Seems too easy, are they really cookies? 🤨
I wish the recipe said how many cookies this makes. Also I misread “4 dried cranberries per cookie” and did like 10… oops. They were sweet anyway!
It says “4 dried cranberries per cookie,” so I’m guessing it’s like 4 + 4 total pieces. I know that’s a weird way to measure though. Your batch must’ve been super loaded!
Totally agree—this recipe needs a yield. I usually assume ~12–16 cookies depending on how big you scoop. Also lol about the cranberries—still, sweet is sweet 😄
Yum! I added some vanilla extract too. Can’t go wrong with bananas and chocolate!
Cookies??? I thought it was banana bread recipe.
I don’t know about this recipe… I mean, banana cookies? Sounds weird. How can they be good?
Baked these for a potluck, everyone loved them! However, I forget to add walnuts 🤦♂️.
Are the walnuts really necessary? I dont like them. Can I skip it?
Banana cookies = best cookies. Forget the haters! 😄
I dunno… Banana cookies? Seems a bit weird to me. Real cookies need flour, don’t they? 🤔
Yeah, banana cookies are the best! Love how they turn out so soft and yummy! 😍
I didn’t have walnuts, so I used pecans and they were fine. But don’t call them cookies if no flour is involved! It’s more like banana oatmeal blobs.
How long do I bake them for? I’m a little confused with the instructions.
One star less because my oven runs hot—burned a couple. Otherwise, super quick recipe. Also parchment paper helps a lot.
Wait… dried blueberries *per cookie*?? That seems like a lot. Still, I’m glad it was quick. I might just do fewer toppings next time.
Good tip about the oven—mine runs hot too. I’ll try turning it down or baking a minute less. Love that you said parchment paper helps!
These cookies are amazing! I can’t believe how easy they are to make. My kids loved them!
These turned out way better than I expected—sweet, chewy, and the dried fruit pops nicely. I added a pinch more cinnamon and it was perfect.
I used quick oats and it got kind of mushy. Like, they’re edible, but the texture wasn’t cookie-y. Maybe old-fashioned oats are key.
I tried these but they didnt turn out right. Too mushy for me.
I followed it pretty much exactly, but mine didn’t really “cookie” up—more like chewy blobs. Still ate them all though. Next time I’ll chill the dough maybe.
That sounds super similar to what I got the first time—more like “drop cookies” than firm cookies. I think chilling the dough (even 20–30 min) helps it set up, and also I’d make sure the oven temp is actually hitting 350F.
Mine came out kind of crumbly. I think I used smaller bananas and the dough was too dry—next time I’ll mash more thoroughly or add a splash of banana.
Mine did the same thing 😅 I think 15 min is not enough? Mine stayed kinda dry even after cooling. Also I probably mashed with a fork too hard to. Next time I’ll weigh the bananas or add a bit more moisture.
Yeah, that makes sense. If the bananas weren’t quite the same size or they weren’t mashed smooth, the oatmeal won’t bind as well. I’d try adding just a teaspoon or two of banana (or even a splash of milk/extra mashed banana) until it holds together.