Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies Recipe with Walnut
Banana oatmeal cookies are one of those recipes that instantly make you feel like you’re doing something good for yourself — without sacrificing comfort, flavor, or that cozy homemade vibe we all love. If you have a couple of ripe bananas sitting on your counter and a bag of oats in your pantry, you’re already halfway there. This is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or just to have something wholesome on hand during the week.
These banana oatmeal cookies with walnut are soft, lightly chewy, naturally sweet, and incredibly satisfying. They don’t try to be fancy. They’re simple, honest, and exactly what you want when you’re craving something homemade but don’t feel like dealing with complicated steps or a long ingredient list.
Why you’ll love these banana oatmeal cookies
I love recipes that feel approachable, and these banana oatmeal cookies check all the right boxes. They’re quick to mix, forgiving if you eyeball the ingredients, and flexible enough to adapt to whatever you have at home.
They’re also one of those recipes where the ingredients do most of the work. Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, oats give structure and texture, and walnuts add a slightly nutty richness that makes every bite feel more complete.
Here’s why I keep making them:
- They come together in one bowl
- No mixer required
- Naturally sweetened with fruit (plus optional honey or maple syrup)
- Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or light dessert
- Great for meal prep
And honestly? They make your kitchen smell amazing while they bake.
When these cookies are perfect
These banana oatmeal cookies fit into so many moments of everyday life. They’re not just “cookies” in the traditional sense — they’re more like a soft-baked, nourishing treat that works anytime.
You’ll love them:
- As a quick weekday breakfast with coffee or tea
- Packed into lunchboxes for kids or adults
- As a mid-afternoon snack when you need something filling
- After a workout, when you want something comforting but not heavy
- On cozy weekends when you’re in the mood to bake without stress
They’re also a great option if you’re trying to cut back on overly processed sweets but still want something that feels indulgent.
banana oatmeal cookies Recipe
Ingredients for healthy banana oatmeal cookies with walnut
This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients. Nothing complicated, nothing hard to find.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup rolled oats (90 g)
- ½ cup ground walnuts (60 g)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
If your bananas are very ripe, you might not even need the extra sweetener. Taste the mixture before baking and decide what works for you.
Ingredient notes and easy swaps
These banana oatmeal cookies are very forgiving, which is one of the reasons they’re so popular.
A few simple tips:
- Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats will work, but the cookies will be softer and less chewy.
- If you don’t have walnuts, you can substitute ground almonds, pecans, or even sunflower seeds.
- Cinnamon adds warmth, but you can also try nutmeg or pumpkin spice.
- Maple syrup works just as well as honey if you prefer a vegan option.
This recipe adapts easily to what you already have in your kitchen.
How to make banana oatmeal cookies step by step
You don’t need any special equipment for this recipe. A bowl, a fork, and a baking sheet are enough.
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
If you’re using a convection oven, set it to 340°F (170°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Mash the bananas
Place the bananas in a bowl and mash them with a fork until smooth and creamy. A few small lumps are perfectly fine — they add texture.
The riper the bananas, the easier this step will be.
3. Mix everything together
Add the rolled oats, ground walnuts, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and honey or maple syrup (if using) to the mashed bananas.
Stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should be thick, sticky, and easy to scoop.
4. Shape the cookies
Scoop small portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each one.
Use the back of a spoon to gently flatten each mound into a cookie shape. These cookies won’t spread much on their own, so shaping them is important.
5. Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
If you prefer a firmer, slightly crispier texture, you can bake them for up to 20 minutes.
6. Cool and enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a rack.
They’ll firm up slightly as they cool, but they’ll stay soft and chewy in the center.
Texture and flavor: what to expect
These banana oatmeal cookies are soft, slightly chewy, and naturally sweet. They’re not crunchy like classic cookies, and that’s part of their charm.
The oats give them structure, while the bananas keep them moist. Walnuts add a subtle crunch and a warm, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
If you enjoy baked oatmeal, banana bread, or soft breakfast cookies, this recipe will feel right at home.
How to store banana oatmeal cookies
These cookies store very well, making them ideal for meal prep.
Room temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator:
Keep them in a sealed container for up to 5 days. They stay soft and fresh.
Freezer:
These banana oatmeal cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months.
To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave or oven.
Serving ideas
These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also enjoy them in different ways:
- With Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for breakfast
- Spread with a little peanut butter or almond butter
- Crumbled over oatmeal or smoothie bowls
- Paired with coffee or tea as an afternoon treat
They’re simple, versatile, and endlessly comforting.
More cozy baking inspiration
If you enjoy wholesome, comforting recipes like these banana oatmeal cookies, you might also love these favorites from my site:
- Extra creamy coconut muffins – soft, rich, and perfect for coconut lovers
- Apple baked oatmeal with almond flakes – warm, filling, and ideal for make-ahead breakfasts
- Easy beetroot heart cookies with lemon and ginger – a fun and colorful twist on healthy baking
Each of these recipes follows the same philosophy: simple ingredients, approachable steps, and cozy results.
Follow along on Pinterest
I share all my newest recipes, baking ideas, and seasonal inspiration on Pinterest. If you love easy, wholesome treats like these banana oatmeal cookies, you’ll feel right at home there.
You can follow me here:
DailyAppetizer Pinterest
I regularly pin new recipes, step-by-step visuals, and cozy food ideas you can save and come back to anytime.
Final thoughts
These banana oatmeal cookies are proof that simple ingredients can create something truly satisfying. They’re easy to make, easy to love, and easy to fit into everyday life.
Whether you bake them for breakfast, snacks, or a cozy afternoon treat, they’re the kind of recipe that quietly becomes a staple. No fuss, no stress — just good food made with intention.
If you try them, I hope they bring a little warmth to your kitchen and become one of those recipes you instinctively reach for when you have ripe bananas waiting to be used.
Healthy Banana Oatmeal Cookies with Walnut
Banana oatmeal cookies are one of those recipes that instantly make you feel like you’re doing something good for yourself — without sacrificing comfort, flavor, or that cozy homemade vibe we all love. If you have a couple of ripe bananas sitting on your counter and a bag of oats in your pantry, you’re already halfway there. This is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or just to have something wholesome on hand during the week.
These banana oatmeal cookies with walnut are soft, lightly chewy, naturally sweet, and incredibly satisfying. They don’t try to be fancy. They’re simple, honest, and exactly what you want when you’re craving something homemade but don’t feel like dealing with complicated steps or a long ingredient list.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup rolled oats (90 g)
- ½ cup ground walnuts (60 g)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions
You don’t need any special equipment for this recipe. A bowl, a fork, and a baking sheet are enough.
1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
If you’re using a convection oven, set it to 340°F (170°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. Mash the bananas
Place the bananas in a bowl and mash them with a fork until smooth and creamy. A few small lumps are perfectly fine — they add texture.
The riper the bananas, the easier this step will be.
3. Mix everything together
Add the rolled oats, ground walnuts, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and honey or maple syrup (if using) to the mashed bananas.
Stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should be thick, sticky, and easy to scoop.
4. Shape the cookies
Scoop small portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little space between each one.
Use the back of a spoon to gently flatten each mound into a cookie shape. These cookies won’t spread much on their own, so shaping them is important.
5. Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.
If you prefer a firmer, slightly crispier texture, you can bake them for up to 20 minutes.
6. Cool and enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a rack.
They’ll firm up slightly as they cool, but they’ll stay soft and chewy in the center.
Notes
How to store banana oatmeal cookies
These cookies store very well, making them ideal for meal prep.
Room temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator:
Keep them in a sealed container for up to 5 days. They stay soft and fresh.
Freezer:
These banana oatmeal cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months.
To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave or oven.
Serving ideas
These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also enjoy them in different ways:
- With Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for breakfast
- Spread with a little peanut butter or almond butter
- Crumbled over oatmeal or smoothie bowls
- Paired with coffee or tea as an afternoon treat
They’re simple, versatile, and endlessly comforting.
