Spiced Banana Oatmeal Cookies

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Moist and chewy cookies made with ripe bananas, oats, and warm spices, perfect for a cozy dessert or breakfast treat. This american-inspired desserts (gluten-free) ready in about 33 minutes layers ripe bananas (mashed), oats (old-fashioned), 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 140 calories and feeds 12, 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 18 min Serves 12 American cuisine 140 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, mash 2 large ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Whisk together 1 cup oats, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg. Add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
  4. Step 4: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each portion slightly with the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are set. Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Banana Oatmeal Cookies take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 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 Spiced Banana 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 Spiced Banana 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 Spiced Banana Oatmeal Cookies for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). 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.

Is Spiced Banana Oatmeal Cookies gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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