I absolutely love this 3 Ingredient Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe because it’s simplicity at its best. Whenever I’m craving something sweet but don’t want to dive into a complicated bake, this little recipe saves the day. It uses just ripe bananas, oats, and chocolate chips—ingredients you probably already have on hand—and comes together in less than 30 minutes!
What’s great is how versatile and forgiving these cookies are. Whether you need a quick breakfast bite, an after-school snack for the kids, or a nutritious treat to satisfy chocolate cravings without guilt, you’ll find that this recipe ticks all the boxes. Trust me, once you try these, baking elaborate cookies might seem like a hassle!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only 3 Simple Ingredients: No fuss, just ripe bananas, oats, and chocolate chips — easy to grab from your pantry.
- Fast and Easy: From mixing to baking, it takes just about 25 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Naturally Sweet and Healthy: No added sugar needed since the bananas and chocolate chips bring the perfect sweetness.
- Kid-Friendly and Allergy-Friendly: Great for picky eaters and a gluten-free option if you use gluten-free oats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this 3 Ingredient Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe lies in these wholesome ingredients that naturally complement each other. Make sure you pick bananas that are ripe with plenty of brown spots for the best sweetness and texture.
- Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better—they add moisture, sweetness, and act as a natural binder.
- Quick Oats: These blend smoothly into the dough and keep the cookies soft while adding heartiness.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips add just the right touch of indulgence without overpowering.
Variations
I love how easy it is to personalize this 3 Ingredient Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Once you nail the basics, you can get creative by swapping in ingredients or adding extras to suit your mood or dietary needs.
- Nutty Twist: I like tossing in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Spiced Up: Cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of vanilla extract can elevate these cookies to another level.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free chocolate chips to keep them suitable for vegan or lactose-intolerant friends.
- Extra Sweetness: If your bananas aren’t super ripe, adding a teaspoon of maple syrup or honey works wonders.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Baking Sheet
Before you get started mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper—it helps the cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze. This small prep step goes a long way to ensure your cookies don’t stick and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Mash Those Bananas
Take your ripe bananas and mash them thoroughly in a large bowl using a fork or potato masher. I like to make sure there aren’t any big lumps left; you want a smooth, creamy base that mixes evenly with the oats. This step is where your natural sweetness comes from, so resist the urge to add extra sugar!
Step 3: Mix in the Quick Oats
Once the bananas are nice and smooth, add the quick oats directly to the bowl. Stir everything together until the oats are completely incorporated into the banana mixture. The batter will be thick and sticky, almost like cookie dough, which makes scooping easier.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, saving a few to sprinkle on top if you want those melty little chocolate pockets right on the surface. This part feels like the best reward—you’ll smell the promise of chocolate even before baking!
Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto your prepared sheet. Then, flatten each slightly into a 2 ½ inch disc because these cookies won’t spread much as they bake. Arrange them about 1 inch apart, giving them enough room to hold their shape beautifully.
Step 6: Bake and Cool
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cookies turn a lovely golden color on top and feel just set when you gently touch them. Removing them too early can leave them too soft, but remember—they firm up a little as they cool. Let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them hold their shape and achieve the perfect texture.
Pro Tips for Making 3 Ingredient Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Choose Ripe Bananas: I learned that using bananas with lots of brown spots creates sweeter, moister cookies without any added sugar.
- Don’t Skip Parchment Paper: It prevents sticking and ensures effortless cleanup, saving you time and frustration.
- Flatten the Cookies: Because these don’t spread much, flattening them before baking helps them cook evenly and look more like traditional cookies.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Overbaking makes the cookies dry; pull them out when they’re just set and golden for soft, chewy perfection.
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Personally, I love adding a light dusting of cinnamon or even a tiny drizzle of melted dark chocolate over the cookies for a special touch. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top also balances the sweetness beautifully if you want to get a little fancy.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot tea, or your morning coffee. Sometimes, I serve them alongside Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a wholesome breakfast treat that still satisfies my sweet tooth.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I like arranging these cookies on a pretty platter with small bowls of extra chocolate chips and chopped nuts for dipping or sprinkling. They make adorable homemade gifts too—just pop them into a nice tin or wrap them in parchment tied with twine for a thoughtful, edible present.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After they’ve fully cooled, I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to two days, which is perfect for when you want a quick grab-and-go snack during the week.
Freezing
I sometimes freeze leftover cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag once firm. They defrost quickly at room temperature and maintain their chewy texture, making them great for prepping ahead.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, I pop a cookie into the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or briefly heat them in a toaster oven. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and melty chocolate goodness like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
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Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
You can use old-fashioned oats, but the texture will be a bit chewier and the cookies might not stick together quite as well. If you do swap them, consider pulsing them a few times in a food processor to break them down slightly for better results.
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Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe can be gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats can sometimes be contaminated with gluten during processing, so double-check if gluten sensitivity is a concern.
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Can I add nuts or dried fruits to the cookies?
Absolutely! Nuts like walnuts or pecans add great texture, while dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries give a delightful chewy contrast. Just fold them in during the step where you add the chocolate chips.
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How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh for up to two days. For longer storage, freezing is best, and you can reheat them gently before serving.
Final Thoughts
This 3 Ingredient Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort foods and quick treats for a reason. It’s straightforward, uses wholesome pantry staples, and comes out deliciously every single time. I can’t recommend it enough when you want a healthy-ish sweet fix without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite like I did!
Print3 Ingredient Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 12-15 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These 3 Ingredient Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies are a simple, healthy treat combining ripe bananas, quick oats, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Perfectly soft and naturally sweetened, they make a quick and wholesome snack or dessert that requires minimal ingredients and effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas
- 1 ¾ cup (5 ¼ oz / 160 g) quick oats
- ½ cup (3 oz / 85 g) semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas until smooth, creating a natural binder and sweetener for the cookies.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the quick oats to the mashed bananas and mix well until fully combined. Then gently fold in the chocolate chips to distribute evenly throughout the dough.
- Form Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop about 2 tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, flattening each mound into a 2 ½ inch (5 cm) disc. Space the cookies about 1 inch apart as they will not spread significantly during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the tops turn golden and the cookies are set to the touch but still soft inside.
- Cool and Store: Remove from oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- You can substitute quick oats with rolled oats, but the texture will be slightly different.
- For a vegan version, ensure chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- These cookies do not spread much, so flatten them before baking for classic cookie shape.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (based on 15 cookies)
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg