Soft Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Soft banana oatmeal cookies offer a delightful blend of ripe banana flavor, warm spices, and chewy oats, perfect for a wholesome snack or sweet treat for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Cut in the shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg, mashed bananas, chopped walnuts, rolled oats, and raisins (if using).
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto an ungreased baking sheet.
- Bake at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes until golden brown.
- Optional: Frost warm cookies with a confectioners sugar icing made with shortening, milk, vanilla, and confectioners sugar.
- Allow cookies to cool. These cookies freeze well.
Tips & Substitutions
For softer cookies, ensure not to overbake them. If you want to reduce sugar, try using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. You can substitute the shortening with coconut oil or unsalted butter for a richer flavor. For added moisture, consider incorporating applesauce. To enhance the spices, experiment by adding a pinch of ginger or using pumpkin pie spice.
Serving Suggestions
These soft banana oatmeal cookies are delicious on their own but can be enjoyed with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert. They pair beautifully with coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. For a festive twist, serve them alongside Pineapple Nut Cake during celebrations.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds until warmed through or enjoy them cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Soft Banana Oatmeal Cookies contains roughly 246 calories, with 6g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, you can use quick oats in this recipe. They will create a slightly different texture, making the cookies a bit more chewy, but they will still hold together well and taste great.
What can I replace walnuts with if I have nut allergies?
If you have nut allergies, you can replace walnuts with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Alternatively, you can omit them entirely or use chocolate chips for added sweetness and flavor.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies are done baking when they are golden brown around the edges and still slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).