These healthy oatmeal cookies are the perfect answer when you’re craving something sweet but still want to keep ingredients simple and nourishing. Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and applesauce, they skip refined sugar entirely while still delivering a soft, chewy texture. They’re great for breakfast on the go, an afternoon snack, or a kid-approved treat you can feel good about serving.
With just one bowl and minimal prep, this recipe is ideal for busy days. You can easily customize the mix-ins—go classic with raisins or add chocolate chips for a slightly more indulgent feel. Whether you’re baking with kids or meal-prepping for the week, these cookies come together quickly and store well for easy snacking.
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 3 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup raisins or chocolate chips
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease or line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth. Add the applesauce, milk, vanilla extract, and cinnamon, and stir until well combined.
- Fold in the oats and raisins or chocolate chips. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated and the mixture resembles thick cookie dough.
- Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, gently flattening each mound with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the cookies are set and lightly golden on the bottom.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days.
Based on recipe found on favfamilyrecipes.com