Healthy Recipe: Banana Coconut and Oatmeal Cookies

Are you craving a wholesome, delicious and perfect sweet treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without sacrificing your health goals? Look no further! These Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Coconut are the perfect solution. Packed with the goodness of ripe bananas, shredded coconut and old fashioned rolled oats, this healthy and delicious little cookie is sure to win your heart and taste buds over. Use the button above to jump to the recipe card. Happy Baking!

What’s In These Oatmeal Cookies

What makes these cookies truly special and a great recipe to try is the harmonious combination of flavours and textures, especially the coconut flavor. The natural sweetness and creamy consistency of ripe bananas provide the base for these cookies, while the old fashioned oats add a delightful chewiness. And let’s not forget the rich and decadent touch of shredded coconut, which incorporates perfectly within the banana cookies. To round out the ingredients for these cookies, all you need is a few other pantry stables that are easily accessible from your local grocery store. You’ll need some butter, brown sugar and finally a splash of vanilla!

Why You’ll Love These Banana Oatmeal Cookies

These Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Coconut are sure to become a household favourite. They are quick and easy to make, requiring just a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, like quick oats. From the moment you mix the banana oatmeal cookie dough to the heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake, the process is pure joy.

But that’s not all—these banana cookies cater to a variety of dietary needs. They can be made gluten-free by using certified gluten-free oats. The recipe also accommodates those who prefer dairy-free options, allowing you to savour these delectable treats without worry.

Whether you’re seeking a nutritious afternoon snack, a delightful addition to your dessert table, or even a fun treat for brunch, these Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Coconut are a perfect choice. Bake a batch and watch as your friends and family gather around, unable to resist the enticing aroma and irresistible taste of this healthy snack. They pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee too!

Let’s Get Baking

So, grab your ripe bananas, old-fashioned oats, and shredded coconut, and get ready to experience the ultimate combination of flavours. Follow our tried-and-true recipe, and in just a short time, you’ll be savouring soft, chewy, and perfectly golden cookies that will leave you wanting more. Don’t wait any longer—indulge in these heavenly Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Coconut, made with love and wholesome ingredients will be enjoyed by all!

Expert Tip: How ripe should bananas be for baking?

When it comes to baking with bananas, the ripeness of the fruit plays a crucial role in achieving the desired flavour and texture. For most banana-based recipes, including these banana oatmeal cookies, it’s best to use ripe or even overripe bananas. Here’s a breakdown of banana ripeness levels and their suitability for baking:

1. Green or Unripe Bananas: These bananas are not suitable for baking as they are firm, starchy, and lack the natural sweetness required to enhance the flavour of baked goods.
2. Yellow Bananas with Green Tips: At this stage, bananas are still relatively firm and have a mild sweetness. While they are edible, they won’t provide the optimal flavour and moisture needed for baking.
3. Yellow Bananas: Bananas that are fully yellow and have no green on the skin are ideal for most baking recipes. They offer a good balance of sweetness and moisture, which adds flavour and texture to your baked goods.
4. Yellow Bananas with Brown Spots: As bananas ripen further, they develop brown spots on the skin. These bananas are even sweeter and have a softer texture. They are excellent for baking, as they impart a stronger banana flavour and help keep your baked goods moist.
5. Brown or Overripe Bananas: Bananas that are fully brown and soft are perfect for baking. They are the sweetest and have the highest moisture content, which adds richness and moistness to your baked treats. Overripe bananas are also easier to mash and incorporate into your recipes.

In summary

The ideal bananas for baking should be fully yellow with some brown spots or fully brown and soft. These ripe bananas will provide the best flavour, sweetness, and texture when used in banana oatmeal cookies and other baked goods. So, don’t throw away those overripe bananas! Instead, put them to good use in your next baking adventure.

Tips and Tricks: How to Ripen Bananas

If you have green or underripe bananas that you want to ripen quickly for baking, there are a few methods you can try. Here are some effective ways to ripen bananas:

1. Leave them at room temperature: The most common method is to simply leave the bananas at room temperature. Place them in a fruit bowl or on the kitchen counter, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Over time, the natural ripening process will occur, and the bananas will gradually turn yellow and develop brown spots. This method may take a few days to a week, depending on the initial ripeness of the bananas.
2. Enclose them with other ripe fruit: Ripe fruits, such as apples or oranges, emit ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that accelerates the ripening process. By placing green or underripe bananas in a paper bag or a closed container with ripe fruit, you can trap the ethylene gas and speed up the ripening. Check on them periodically, as they may ripen within a day or two using this method.
3. Apply heat: If you need ripe bananas urgently, you can use a gentle heat source to speed up the process. Place the bananas on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at a low temperature, around 250°F (120°C), for approximately 15-20 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent them from becoming overly soft or overly ripe.
4. Use a microwave: Another quick method to ripen bananas is by using a microwave. Make a few punctures on the bananas with a fork, place them on a microwave-safe plate, and heat them in short intervals of 30 seconds until they reach the desired ripeness. Microwaving will soften the fruit and accelerate the ripening process.

Important Note

Remember that these methods can help ripen bananas faster, but they may not fully replicate the flavour and sweetness of naturally ripened bananas. If you have a bit of patience, allowing the bananas to ripen naturally at room temperature is often the best way to achieve optimal flavour and texture.

Ingredients: Banana Oatmeal Cookies

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/4 cup of butter, melted
• 1/2 cup of brown sugar
• 2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free, if desired)
• 1 cup shredded coconut or coconut flakes
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, optional
• Pinch of salt

How to Make Banana Oatmeal Cookies

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet or baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted butter, brown sugar and vanilla. Stir until well combined.
3. Add in the dry ingredients: the rolled oats, shredded coconut, cinnamon, and salt to the bowl. Mix all the ingredients together until evenly combined and a cookie dough-like consistency is achieved.
4. Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
6. Once baked, remove the oatmeal banana cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, about 5-7 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack or cooling rack to cool completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten free rolled oats to make this cookie recipe gluten-free. You can even use coconut sugar in place of brown sugar if you prefer!

Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?

Yes, you can substitute coconut oil for melted butter in these oatmeal cookies recipe. However, coconut oil adds a unique flavour and can make the cookies a little more moist.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to use regular chocolate chips or even dairy-free ones if you have those on hand. Add 1/2 cup chocolate chips to make banana oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.

Can I add nuts or dried fruits to the recipe?

Yes, you can customize these cookies by adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even chia seeds for extra texture and flavour. Just make sure to adjust the quantities, possibly reducing the amount of unsweetened coconut. This is to achieve the great texture and desired consistency you are looking for.

How To Store the Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies

To ensure the freshness and maintain the texture of your banana oatmeal cookies, proper storage is key. Here are some guidelines on how to store banana oatmeal cookies effectively:

1. Completely Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before storing them. If you place warm cookies in an airtight container, they can become moist, losing their desired texture.
2. Choose the Right Container: Select an airtight container or a cookie jar with a tight-sealing lid. This will help preserve the cookies’ freshness by preventing them from being exposed to air and becoming stale.
3. Layer and Separate: When storing multiple cookies, layer them between sheets of parchment paper or wax paper. This helps prevent them from sticking together and becoming misshapen.
4. Avoid Moisture Exposure: Moisture can make the cookies go soft and lose their texture. To protect against moisture, you can add a small piece of bread or a silica gel packet to the container. The bread or silica gel will absorb excess moisture, keeping the cookies crisp.
5. Store in a Cool, Dry Place: Find a cool and dry spot in your kitchen or pantry to store the cookies. Avoid placing them near a heat source or in direct sunlight, as this can cause them to become stale or spoil faster.
6. Enjoy within a Reasonable Timeframe: While the cookies can last for several days when stored properly, it’s best to consume them within 3-4 days, up to a week for optimal freshness. Over time, even with proper storage, the texture and flavour may start to decline.

Can you Freeze Banana Oatmeal Cookies?

Yes, you can freeze banana oatmeal cookies to extend their shelf life. Freezing is a great option if you want to store the cookies for a longer period or if you have made a large batch. Here’s how you can freeze banana oatmeal cookies:

1. Cool the Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely after baking. It’s important to let them cool down to room temperature before freezing.
2. Prepare for Freezing: Line a baking sheet or a flat surface with parchment paper or wax paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking to each other during freezing.
3. Arrange the Cookies: Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching one another. This will help prevent them from sticking together during freezing.
4. Freeze the Cookies: Transfer the baking sheet with the cookies to the freezer and let them freeze for about 1 to 2 hours or until they are firm.
5. Package for Freezing: Once the cookies are frozen, remove the baking sheet from the freezer. Transfer the cookies into airtight containers, resealable freezer bags, or freezer-safe containers. If you are using freezer bags, try to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
6. Label and Date: Don’t forget to label the containers or bags with the date of freezing. This will help you keep track of their freshness and ensure you consume them within a reasonable time frame.
7. Freeze the Cookies: Place the containers or bags with the cookies back into the freezer. Store them in a flat position to prevent the cookies from breaking.
8. Thaw and Enjoy: When you’re ready to enjoy the frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature. They will typically thaw within 1 to 2 hours. You can also heat them briefly in a preheated oven at a low temperature to restore their crispness if desired.

Frozen banana oatmeal cookies can typically be stored for up to 2 to 3 months. However, for the best flavour and texture, it’s recommended to consume them within the first month.