Ever have one of those days where you just need a cookie, but guilt-free? These Healthy 3-Ingredient Banana Oat Chocolate Chip Cookies are like a comforting hug for your taste buds without the calorie remorse.
Picture this: ripe bananas mingling with hearty oats, and—just a handful—of chocolate chips.
It’s a quick-bake miracle that even a preoccupied mind can appreciate.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and prepare a cookie sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash two ripe bananas until smooth. Add 1 ¾ cups of quick oats to the mashed bananas and stir until well mixed.
- Gently fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips into the banana-oat mixture until evenly distributed.
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared cookie sheet and flatten each to form 2 ½ inch discs. Space them an inch apart as they won’t spread much during baking.
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the cookies are set to the touch.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe large bananas
- 1 ¾ cups (5 ¼ oz or 160 g) quick oats
- ½ cup (3 oz or 85 g) chocolate chips (either semi-sweet or dark)
FAQ
- Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats in this recipe?
- While quick oats are recommended for these cookies due to their ability to cook quickly, rolled oats can be used but may result in a chewier texture. It’s important to note that steel-cut oats are not suitable for this recipe.
- What can I use as a substitute for bananas in this recipe?
- Applesauce or pumpkin puree can be used as substitutes for bananas. However, keep in mind that these substitutes may alter the sweetness and flavor of the cookies.
- How should I store these cookies after baking?
- Once baked, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- Are these cookies suitable for a vegan diet?
- Yes, these cookies can easily be made vegan by using dark chocolate chips. It’s advisable to check the chocolate chip package to ensure there are no dairy additives.
- What are some ways to customize these cookies?
- These cookies can be customized by adding nuts, dried fruits, or even a dash of peanut butter for extra flavor and texture. A pinch of salt or a few drops of vanilla extract can also enhance the overall taste.
Tips
- Use ripe bananas with speckled skin for the best flavor and sweetness in your cookies, but avoid those that are too black as they might be overly mushy.
- Opt for quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats to ensure the cookies have the right texture; old-fashioned oats might make them too chewy and undercooked.
- If you’re looking to boost the protein content, consider adding 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the mix, which will also enhance the flavor.
- For a dairy-free option, use dark chocolate chips, but always check labels to ensure there are no hidden dairy ingredients.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Glass measuring jug
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire rack
