Oven-Baked Banana Walnut Oatmeal Cookies
Chewy oatmeal cookies studded with ripe bananas and crunchy walnuts, baked to golden perfection for a wholesome dessert or snack. This american-inspired desserts ready in about 25 minutes layers medium, mashed ripe bananas, old-fashioned oats, all-purpose flour into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 110 calories and feeds 18, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 medium, mashed ripe bananas
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup, packed brown sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 4 tbsp, melted unsalted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, mash 2 medium ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in 4 tbsp melted unsalted butter and 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 3: Add 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix until fully combined.
- Step 4: Fold in 1/2 cup chopped walnuts evenly through the batter.
- Step 5: Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
- Step 6: Bake for 12-15 minutes until cookies are golden brown on the edges and set in the center. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Oven-Baked Banana Walnut Oatmeal Cookies take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Oven-Baked Banana Walnut Oatmeal Cookies?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Oven-Baked Banana Walnut Oatmeal Cookies?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Oven-Baked Banana Walnut Oatmeal Cookies for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 18 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 18). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Oven-Baked Banana Walnut Oatmeal Cookies?
American desserts like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
