Don't throw out those spotty bananas! Make these quick and easy 3 ingredient banana oat breakfast cookies instead! This simple and versatile recipe requires no added sugar, no egg and no flour.
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No egg, flour or added sugar at all is required (or recommended) for these cookies. The bananas and oatmeal work in tandem to hold everything together.
So, that also means you can eat the batter, if you want (I won't tell).
Since sugar and fat (which this recipe has very little of) usually work together to make cookies sweet and crispy, you can expect this cookie to be mildly sweet, chewy and somewhat dense. Kind of like a soft breakfast granola bar.
🎙 What people say about this recipe
"I'm mostly PBWFNO. Perfect for the golf course instead of a protein bar!"
- Ann
"Wonderful recipe and I can’t wait to make again! These cookies will be a weekly staple at my house!! Thanks so much for a great recipe. I added in a few things I had an hand, shredded coconut, dark chocolate chips, walnuts and cranberries. This recipe is so versatile. I love it!!!"
- Cynthia
"Very good - will make again"
- Deb
🧄 Very useful ingredient notes
- Bananas - The ripe, spotty bananas offer sweetness and moisture.
- Rolled oats - Old-fashioned or quick cooking oatmeal will work.
🔪 Instructions
Mash the bananas
You'll want them be mashed very well, with only very small chunks remaining.
Add oats and cinnamon
Stir in your rolled oats and cinnamon.
Spoon and shape cookies, then bake!
Drop spoonfuls of batter on a baking tray and then shape them with your hands.
These cookies will not spread out, so make them into the shape, width and height you want from the beginning.
Take my advice and use a silicone mat or parchment paper to line your baking sheet, because these will stick without it.
💭 Tips
- Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to bake these, otherwise they will stick.
- Shape with your fingers before baking.
- Mash your banana really well.
- You can make these cookies any size without adjusting the ingredients. You would only need to adjust the time in the oven.
- For smaller cookies, reduce the time by 3-5 minutes.
- For large cookies, increase time in oven by 2-3 minutes.
🔄 Variations
What if you wanna make these a little fancier? Go gourmet with fresh blackberry and fennel cookies.
There's all sorts of beautiful things you can stir in or top these 3 ingredient banana oatmeal cookies with, my favorites being dark chocolate or walnuts.
Try these toppings or mix-ins:
- Chocolate chips or shavings - like these banana oat chocolate chunk cookies!
- Walnuts (halved or chopped)
- Pecans (halved or chopped)
- Sunflower seed kernels
- Small smear of fruit preserves, jam or jelly, like blackberry preserves
- Peanut butter (or other nut butter) for making 4-ingredient banana oatmeal peanut butter cookies
- Fresh sliced berries
- Raisins
- Dried cranberries
- Flaxseed (a teaspoon mixed in)
- Coconut
- Wheat germ (a teaspoon mixed in works well)
👨👩👦👦 Serving suggestions
Kid friendly cookies
These simple, chewy cookies are great for a kids breakfast or snack throughout the day.
They keep, stored in the refrigerator, for 3-4 days, but do not have to stay chilled, so you can throw them in your kids' lunch box for school. Or, in your purse for running errands.
Love this recipe?
Please rate it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a comment below, so I know which recipes you like the best. This helps me know what to make more of!
📖 Recipe
3 Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies (no egg, no flour)
Ingredients
- 2 bananas ripe and spotty, mashed, about 200g
- 1 cup rolled oats old fashioned or quick cooking
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Peel and mash bananas in a medium bowl with a potato masher or fork. Make sure they are well-mashed, with only small chunks remaining.
- Stir in rolled oats and cinnamon. Set aside for a few minutes to allow the oats to soak up the moisture. If the batter is very wet/thin still, add 1-2 tablespoons of oats.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. (Cookies will stick if you skip this step).
- Drop spoonfuls of batter onto baking tray and then shape with your fingers. Cookies do not spread out while baking, so shape them into the width and height you want them to be. This recipe will make about eight medium, 3-inch wide cookies.
- Add optional toppings, if using.
- Bake cookies for 17 minutes. *See notes for adjustments for smaller or larger cookies.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before enjoying.
Nicole says
I made them twice first time the traditional recipe which was delicious and today I added tail mix and peanut butter. Delicious both ways I'll be making it often thanks for the great recipe
Abi Cowell says
What great additions! I'm so happy you're enjoying this recipe. It's so fast and easy and a great way to use up those leftover bananas!
Beth says
How much pb did you add?
Abi Cowell says
I would recommend shaping the cookies with your fingers, so that there's a little well in the center of them before baking, then placing a small dollop (about 1/2 a teaspoon) of peanut butter in the well. Then, bake them and you'll have a rich peanut butter topping! Don't overdo the peanut butter, though, or it will overflow.
Hope that helps!
- Abi
Rihanna Semaan says
If they are packaged for Selling as a product , can I know how much time they last in a room temp. Please ?!?
Abi Cowell says
I typically refrigerate these to store them and keep them for 3-5 days. I don't think they would last longer than a day at room temperature, since they don't have sugar to preserve them. Sorry.
Mellissa says
I am not usually a baker but I tried your recipe to use up some very ripe bananas! I didn’t have cinnamon...so I made it with only 2 ingredients! Haha Thank you for sharing and I’ll tag you on Instagram with the final reveal. 🙂
Abi Cowell says
Melissa, your cookies looked great!!! These cookies are an easy way to use up those overripe bananas.🙌🏻🍌
Cynthia says
Wonderful recipe and I can’t wait to make again! These cookies will be a weekly staple at my house!! Thanks so much for a great recipe. I added in a few things I had an hand, shredded coconut, dark chocolate chips, walnuts and cranberries. This recipe is so versatile. I love it!!!
Abi Cowell says
I'm so glad you enjoyed them, Cynthia! 😄 Your toppings sound absolutely delicious.
Kelly says
Love these. My older children and husband love them too! Not just for little ones. Wondering if you have an oat preference. Quick or old fashion?
Abi Cowell says
So glad to hear your family loves these as much as we do. I usually prefer to use old-fashioned oats for these. But, quick oats will work, too!
Shannon says
These look really good and I'm notorious for over buying bananas. Have you ever frozen over-ripe bananas then thawed for this or other recipes where the bananas are cooked? I have lots of frozen bananas because I always plan to make Yonanas from them but often fail to do it.
Abi Cowell says
I haven't done that before, but they would probably work. The cookies would be darker, though, since frozen bananas usually are a darker color once thawed.
Misty M Fincher says
I freeze all of my bananas when they are starting to brown. I either peel them and put in whole or slice them up. They freeze perfectly fine for baking with. I also use the sliced ones in my smoothies
Gina says
I couldn’t wait...I ate 1/3 of the dough raw with some frozen berries. Yum! I only had raisins to add into the dough. All good.
Abi Cowell says
Lol! It's yummy straight out of the bowl, isn't it?!
Shari says
Is there a way to get these cookies crispy? I made similar recipe and they were delicious but I would love them to be crispy,
Thank you for your help.
Arpan says
How long do these cookies last and can they be frozen?
Abi Cowell says
Hello, I store leftover cookies in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. I have not attempted to freeze them, so I'm not sure how they would turn out. However, the ingredients themselves can be frozen, it may darken the cookies, since frozen bananas often darken. I hope that helps!
Tabytha says
I freeze them all the time and they taste just as great as they do fresh! I just pop in the toaster oven on 350 for 5 mins and it's mint!
Abi Cowell says
Sweet! so glad to hear that. whatever makes life a little bit easier!
Janice says
what temperature , do you bake the cookies at 350?
Abi Cowell says
Yes, bake at 350 degrees F.
Rozann Cupidi says
I love this recipe. It’s amazing. It’s so simple and so healthy, but I would like to make them in a 8 x 8 pan instead of as cookies which I’ve been doing is that possible and how long to cook for
Abi Cowell says
Yes, Rozann, you can bake them in a pan instead and then cut them into squares or bars. You'd have to play around the with the baking time, since I haven't baked these in an 8x8 pan. But, if I was making them, I'd bake for about the same amount of time as called for in the recipe. I hope that helps!
Cheryl says
I made these with defrosted frozen bananas. Like you said a little darker. The bananas soaked up the oatmeal so added a tad bit more. Baked up nice and delicious. Great recipe.
Abi Cowell says
Fantastic! Thanks for stopping back by and letting us know how it went with the frozen banana. Great tip!
Sarah says
I love these cookies. I followed the recipe the 1st time, but the second time around I added a pinch if salt, pecans, cranberries and a splash of almond extract! So good! Thank you!
Joanna says
I think needs a little grease and sweetener
Abi Cowell says
Thanks for your feedback, Joanna. This recipe is a super-simple, low ingredient and meant to be oil-free and sugar-free. But, feel free to adjust to your liking! 🙂
Lisa says
I just made these following your directions and they are so so yummy! Thank you for a delicious and healthy snack recipe!!
Ann cranford says
I just bought a small box of "heatthy" cookies about 8 cookies (5oz.) for $ 6.00.
When I got home my husband started to gobble them up ,I said no way ,eat them slowly and enjoy them because they are EXPENSIVE!
(I don't think he could enjoy them at that price)
I decided to look up a healthy cookie recipe and found yours. I made them in 10 minutes (not counting baking time)
They are delicious. I added chai seeds,walnuts and a little Lilly chocolate chips.
I will keep making these and experiment different options.
Thank you, you have a winner recipe.
Jackie says
How much peanut butter would you recommend adding into the mix before you bake?😊 These look so yummy!
Abi Cowell says
Hi Jackie,
So sorry for the delay in getting back to you! I would recommend shaping the cookies with your fingers, so that there's a little well in the center of them before baking, then placing a small dollop (about 1/2 a teaspoon) of peanut butter in the well. Then, bake them and you'll have a rich peanut butter topping! Don't overdo the peanut butter, though, or it will overflow.
Hope that helps!
- Abi
Doreen Hadsall-Perdue says
Made these with cinnamon, raisins and walnuts for the Hubble. I made a second batch with pumpkin pie spice, Lily’s pumpkin pie spice chips and pecans. To those I also added 1 TBLS of monk fruit in the raw and 1 tsp of vanilla. OMG these are a great post run energy fueled snack!! Thanks so much.
Abi Cowell says
Great additions, Doreen! Love these cookies for healthy on the go snacks.
Bryson Debard says
Just made these, love the way they came out! I added 1 1/2 oz of TX Whiskey and walnuts! Topped with some peach jelly! Soooo freaking good!
Laurie says
This is a really versatile recipe! Delish and healthy!
I added pecans, ground flax seed, & since we have an awful sweet tooth, a small amount of brown sugar. They turned out great! Thanks bunches!
I’ll post a picture, if I can find out where!
Abi Cowell says
Great additions! I love how versatile it is, too!
M says
Quick guilt free dessert. I used old fashioned oats and added about one tablespoon of peanut butter snd three tablespoons of raisins. Delicious!
Abi Cowell says
Sounds delicious!
Sandy Brown says
Hi! I’m a keto eater but my hubby is not. While these are not keto friendly. They are grandkid and hubby friendly! And...I have something other than banana bread to make with my ripe bananas! Great idea! Thanks!
Ally says
I made these for my one year old. Decided to add 2T PB fit powder for added protein and worked very well!
Abi Cowell says
That's a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing. I recently bought the PB fit powder for my boys to try. They like the plain peanut butter one, but the chocolate one is not their favorite, go figure.
Kathy Mercon says
The only thing that I'd change the next time I make these is to add a bit of salt. Otherwise, I liked them.
Jean says
Can applesauce be used instead of bananas?
Abi Cowell says
Hi Jean, I have not tested replacing the bananas with applesauce, but you could certainly try it! I would recommend trying a small batch and you probably won't need as much applesauce, since it is more watery. I hope that helps!
Litecook says
Would a bit of peanut butter added work? I added a bit of raisins. Easy peasy!
Abi Cowell says
Yes! You can absolutely add some peanut butter, almond butter or even powdered de-fatted peanut butter powder (PB2) to this recipe.
Davida says
Mine came out very soft and chewy after 18 minutes of bakibg. What did I do wrong???
Abi Cowell says
Maybe the bananas you used were really big and you needed to add more oats? If the batter is very wet, then definitely add a little more rolled oats. These cookies are intended to be chewy (not crispy) but they firm up after baking. So, they shouldn't be super soft. I hope that helps!
anonymous says
they taste so good dipped in almond milk and the easiest homemade cookies i’ve made, i added raisins and chocolate chips to mine 🙂
PatriciaBeckerSpellman says
Day two, and not a rotten banana to be found! They are so tasty, easy and healthy. The best part is that we will never throw an overripe banana away again! Can’t wait to try the variations!
Stephanie says
Delicious but I would double the recipe at least. This only made about six small cookies for us-all gone in seconds. I think if i added some nut butter and dried fruit, they would be bigger.
June B Deisenroth says
I did not add cinnamon but will the next time, I did add some vanilla. AN I will also try with some peanut butter powder. I will let you know how they turn out.
Kerry says
Could you make this as a slice,just pressed into a tray? More cooking time maybe?
Abi Cowell says
YES. You can definitely can. In fact, I just published a recipe for banana oatmeal bars! Check it out: Healthy Banana Oatmeal Bars (5 ingredients, no flour, no egg, sugar free)
Nicola says
Followed the recipe except that I added some extra cinnamon and a teaspoon of vanilla powder. Very yummy! Will make again for sure.
Tiffany says
Haven't made these yet, but I'm considering making these for my 8mo daughter with a few slight adjustments to them..... Shes exclusively breastfeeding still and has refused to eat anything else thus far when offered. So I've been trying to find a recipe with simple ingredients for her. I'll be using baby cereal for the oats, banana puree and breastmilk. Any suggestions on the possible adjustments i should use for these? I just want her to have something that she will enjoy and can use for teething that she might not reject. I want them firm enough for her to chew on and not just disintegrate but soft enough that they will slowly dissolve without coming off in chunks.... Ideas possibly?
Abi Cowell says
Hi Tiffany, my boys are 13 and 15 years old now, so I'm digging in the recesses of my brain to think of what might work well for your 8 month old. I think your plan to use baby cereal, banana puree and breastmilk is good, you'll have to just mix up the batter until it gets firm enough to spoon into little "cookies", but not so firm that they become dry. As far as something for her to chew on without it coming off in chunks - I don't know how they will be since I've never made them like that before. The oat/banana version definitely is chewier and will come off in little chunks, so they are better for a toddler/slightly older child. If you test this out, please reply back and let me know how it goes and if it worked for your little one!
- Abi 🙂
Audrey says
Hi! I just found you and subscribed as soon as I read you post on these cookies lol! I joined NOOM back in January to regain my health. Since then, we only eat healthy 'everything!' My hubby dropped over 50 lbs., my son over 20, and I'm at 40 with a few more to go BUT, I'm always on the lookout for good, healthy meals, snack's and everything in between because let's face it, who doesn't like food?! I just whipped up your cookie recipe for the first time, adding in cinnamon, pecans, almond extract and crossed my fingers that I didn't ruin them. They are AMAZING and so EASY and QUICK to make! I wish I could show you a pic! I will be trying all kinds of add-ins from this day forward! I had filled my cookie sheet and had some left in the bowl still as I used 3 bananas' (because I had them) and added more oatmeal accordingly. While they were in the oven, I decided to taste the batter,.........then polished it off lol!!!!! DELICIOUS! I'm going to do my best to wait on the actual cookies until my guy's get home from work, so I HAD to put them out of my sight ha ha ha!!!!! Thank you for this perfect recipe!!!!!!
Abi Cowell says
Congrats! So happy for you and your family, that's quite a feat! I'm glad you're loving how easy and versatile these cookies are, too!
Sue says
I them for the first time and everyone loved them. Great tasting and easy easy to make.
Sherri says
I made these & drizzled pb on top & used in batter chocolate chips but my came out soft inside.why...?
Abi Cowell says
Hi Sherri, when I make these they usually turn out chewy and firm. But, if I make the cookies larger or taller, sometimes they need a little longer to cook. Also, you may need to try adding extra oats next time. I hope that helps!
- Abi
Janine says
Yum! Thank you so much, I love this recipe..topped with chopped walnuts. BIG HIT up in the mountain Lion den here 😁
Abi Cowell says
So glad to hear it! Love these with walnuts, yum!
Patricia says
Very good. Not sweet I added unsweetened coconut, raisins and chopped pecans. Raisins gave it the sweetness. Thank you
Joni Weaver says
I love this recipe but I was wondering, if we don't have parchment or a seal mat can baking spray be used?
Abi Cowell says
Hi Joni, yes you can use baking spray if you don't have parchment paper or a silpat mat.
Linda says
Delicious ! My husband and I both enjoyed them. I added toasted walnuts and course sea salt to the top. This would be a great snack for my grandchildren. I may add dried cranberries or apricots for them.
Abi Cowell says
Hi Linda, I'm so glad y'all liked them! Your additions sound absolutely delicious. I hope your grandchildren enjoy them, too!
- Abi
sonia Mayoral says
can you freeze these cookies
Abi Cowell says
Hi Sonia, I don't think they would freeze well since they don't have much fat in them. But, feel free to try a few and see if you like the result. Let me know if you experiment with it!
Deb says
very good will make again
Ann says
I'm mostly PBWFNO. Perfect for the golf course instead of a protein bar!
Janice says
Hi Abi, how many grams of 2 banana and thank you ?
Corinna says
Made a raw version of your recipe: manually rolled oats (store bought get hot in the rolling process), bananas and walnuts formed in small cookie shapes and dried at 42°C. Dry until crisp. Cacao nibs go well with it, also vanilla or cinnamon.
Thanks for the idea!
christine malmoe says
Can I use frozen bananas?
Abi Cowell says
Yes, you can. The cookies would be darker, though, since frozen bananas usually are a darker color once thawed. Other readers have reported that they've used frozen bananas for this recipe and it worked out great! They did find that they needed to use a little bit more oats to soak up all the liquid.
Janice says
Hi Abi, how many grams of 1 banana purée? Thank you.
Janice says
Hi Abi, how many grams of 1 peeled of banana? Thank you.
Abi Cowell says
About 100g for 1 peeled banana, mashed.
Kim Miles says
Do they freeze well?
Abi Cowell says
I haven't ever tried! If you try it, please report back and let us know.
Gail Carneiro says
Tried this recipe...doubled it and added more cinnamon as we are cinnamon lovers. Made big ones. VERY good! Will def. make again.
Erin says
These are delicious. Simple, sugar free and tastes so clean and delicious. Perfect to have to have for snacks in the house. I make huge batches and keep in the fridge. I add walnuts, pecans and coconut on top.
Michele says
Easy recipe and it seems kind of healthy for a cookie. I added mini chocolate chips, pecans, dried cranberries, and shredded unsweetened coconut. Turned out good even though I forgot to start the timer for baking time.
Marylynne Cartwright says
Happy Holidays Everyone!
On my way to the kitchen to bake these fabulous cookies for the second time. I add reduced sugar cranberries and the pop of color is eye appealing. It's going to be an Abi cooking day bc I'll also be making your Tofu Pasta Sauce for the first time when dinner rolls around. Thank you Abi for so many ways to cook healthy meals.
Abi Cowell says
You are so very welcome, Marylynne! Enjoy!!!
- Abi
Debra Jorae says
Love the easy recipe without eggs. My grandson is allergic to eggs!
Abi Cowell says
I'm so glad to hear it, Debra!
All the best, Abi
Carol says
Can you add cocoa to this for a chocolatey flavour?
Abi Cowell says
Absolutely! Would be delicious!
Murphy Christiansen says
talk about bliss!!
Opal says
these are delicious. I put pieces of rubarb in mine
Sharon says
Quick way to use up old bananas. No fat or sugar required! I added 1/8 tsp cardamom and a small handful of raisins. Will make these again.