If you love classic oatmeal cookies but crave something with a golden crunch and a hint of banana sweetness, you have to try these Crispy Banana Oatmeal Cookies. Imagine everything wonderful about cozy homemade treats—caramelized edges, chewy oats, a subtle warmth from spices—wrapped around the flavor of ripe banana. Every bite offers a crispy snap, thanks to a clever blend of simple pantry ingredients. It’s the kind of cookie that feels nostalgic and new all at once, perfect for sharing, gifting, or sneaking with your afternoon coffee!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Crispy Banana Oatmeal Cookies is just how accessible the ingredients are—most you probably already have in your kitchen. Each one adds its own special touch, from flavor depth to irresistible texture, ensuring these cookies always hit the spot.
- All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies structure for that delicate crisp outside and tender middle.
- Baking soda: Lends lift and slight spread so the cookies bake up light and crisp.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with banana and oats.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a touch adds an extra dimension of cozy flavor.
- Unsalted butter (softened): The secret to a golden-brown, crispy edge and rich flavor throughout.
- Granulated sugar: Helps provide that beautiful crisp texture on the cookie’s edges.
- Packed light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a gentle caramel note that rounds out each bite.
- Large egg: Binds the dough and ensures a perfectly chewy-in-the-middle cookie.
- Vanilla extract: Brings all the flavors together with a sweet, aromatic finish.
- Ripe banana (mashed): The star ingredient, offering natural sweetness and a soft, banana-rich flavor.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: The classic hearty bite and wholesome texture make these cookies irresistible.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a nutty crunch that keeps every bite interesting—feel free to omit if you prefer nut-free!
How to Make Crispy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), the sweet spot for creating a golden, crispy cookie while allowing all the flavors to mingle. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper, so nothing sticks and your cookies slide off effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing spices and leaveners into the flour ensures every Crispy Banana Oatmeal Cookie comes out evenly flavored, with that subtle spiced aroma in every bite.
Step 3: Cream Butters and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture looks creamy and pale—about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial, as it whips in air for a lighter texture, and ensures those irresistibly crisp edges.
Step 4: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Banana
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Then, mix in your mashed banana. The banana not only flavors the cookies—it keeps them perfectly tender, so you end up with cookies that are crispy but not dry.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gently stir your dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Mix just until everything comes together; you want a cohesive dough without over-mixing (which can make cookies tough instead of crisp).
Step 6: Stir In Oats and Nuts
Fold in the rolled oats, and if you’re using them, add the chopped walnuts or pecans. The oats bring that classic heartiness, while nuts provide little pockets of crunch—totally optional but highly recommended!
Step 7: Scoop, Flatten, and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each one with the back of a spoon; this helps them bake up extra crispy. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, watching for golden edges and set centers. For ultimate crunch, you can bake an extra minute or two, but keep an eye out—these cookies crisp up fast.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes (they’ll set up and crisp even more), then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. That first warm, crispy bite will make all your patience worth it!
How to Serve Crispy Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Garnishes
A little finishing touch can make your Crispy Banana Oatmeal Cookies feel fancy and extra special. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of dark chocolate, or a light sprinkle of cinnamon over the top just before serving. If you’re making them for guests, a few banana chips or a scattering of extra chopped nuts as a garnish makes them look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
While these cookies easily stand alone, they also shine next to an afternoon cup of coffee, tea, or even a cappuccino. For a classic cookie-and-milk moment, try pairing them with a cold glass of milk (dairy or non-dairy). Feeling decadent? Serve them with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream and let the textures mingle.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Crispy Banana Oatmeal Cookies in a glass jar or arrange them in a rustic basket lined with parchment for a homemade gift. For parties, build a mini cookie tower with fresh banana slices or tuck a couple into lunch boxes with a cheerful napkin. If your inner kid is craving a treat, use two cookies to sandwich a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate crispy ice cream cookie sandwich!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Crispy Banana Oatmeal Cookies at their best by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. Stack them gently, and if you’re layering, place wax or parchment paper between each layer to keep the cookies from sticking. They’ll stay deliciously crisp for up to five days, though chances are they’ll disappear long before then.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully! Once cooled completely, place the cookies in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container, separated by parchment sheets. They’ll keep for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a crunchy snack.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop a cookie or two in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for two to three minutes. This works wonders to restore their crisp edges. If you’re in a rush, a quick 8–10 seconds in the microwave will do, but for real crunch, the oven is your best friend.
FAQs
Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?
Quick oats can work in a pinch, but they’ll make the cookies less hearty and slightly less crisp. For the best texture in your Crispy Banana Oatmeal Cookies, stick to old-fashioned rolled oats whenever possible.
How ripe should the banana be for these cookies?
The riper, the better! A well-spotted, soft banana will give the cookies more sweetness and a stronger banana flavor, helping you use up bananas that are too mushy for snacking.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute a one-to-one gluten-free flour blend for all-purpose, and double-check that your oats are certified gluten-free. The cookies will still turn out deliciously crispy and flavorful.
Do these cookies spread much during baking?
They spread a little, which gives those golden, lacy edges. Flattening the dough slightly before baking helps encourage that perfect, classic crispy cookie look and texture.
Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Chilled dough often makes for a slightly thicker, chewier cookie but you’ll still enjoy those wonderful crispy edges.
Final Thoughts
Few things in life are as satisfying as baking (and eating!) a tray of homemade Crispy Banana Oatmeal Cookies. With their irresistible crunch, cozy banana flavor, and simple ingredients, they’re bound to become your go-to for sweet snack attacks or sharing with friends. Give them a try—you may just find yourself making them again and again!
Print
Crispy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 29 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Banana Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful treat with the perfect balance of sweetness and crunch. Made with ripe bananas, oats, and a hint of warm spices, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a snack or a sweet ending to your meal, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium ripe banana (mashed, about 1/2 cup)
Additional:
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and creamy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed banana until combined.
- Combine and Bake: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, then fold in the oats and nuts. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets, flatten slightly, and bake for 12-14 minutes.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, bake a minute or two longer, but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
