Healthy 3-Ingredient Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Uncover the surprising truth about 3-ingredient banana oatmeal cookies: Are they really as healthy and delicious as everyone claims?

Servings

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Equipment

Oven
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixing Bowl
Fork
Measuring cups/spoons
Wire rack

Ingredients

3 bananas (ripe, mashed)
2 cups oats (old-fashioned)
1 tsp cinnamon (ground)

Instructions

Mash Ripe Bananas Thoroughly
Start by thoroughly mashing your ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl. You'll want to guarantee they're well-mashed for the best texture in your cookies.
But how can you tell if your bananas are ripe enough? Look for these banana ripeness indicators: a yellow peel with brown spots, a soft texture, and a sweet aroma. The riper the banana, the sweeter and easier to mash it'll be.
When it comes to banana mashing techniques, you've got options. A fork works well for small batches, but for larger amounts, try using a potato masher or even a hand mixer for super-smooth results.
Don't be afraid to put some elbow grease into it! The goal is to achieve a creamy consistency with minimal lumps. Remember, the more thoroughly you mash, the better your cookies will hold together.
As you're mashing, take a moment to appreciate the natural sweetness of the bananas. Isn't it amazing how nature provides such perfect ingredients?
Once you've got a smooth mash, you're ready to move on to the next step in creating your healthy, delicious cookies.
Mix in Oats and Cinnamon
Now that you've mashed your bananas to perfection, it's time to fold in the oats and cinnamon. Grab your measuring cups and scoop out two cups of old-fashioned oats. Why old-fashioned? They'll give your cookies that delightful chewy texture you're after.
As you mix them in, think about the oat benefits you're adding to your treat - fiber, protein, and a host of vitamins and minerals.
Next, sprinkle in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Can you smell that warm, inviting aroma? The cinnamon flavor won't only tantalize your taste buds but also add a subtle sweetness without extra sugar.
As you stir, make sure every oat gets coated with that banana-cinnamon goodness. Don't overmix, though! You want to keep some texture in there.
Are you noticing how the mixture is coming together? It should be thick and slightly sticky. If it seems too wet, don't worry - the oats will absorb some moisture as they bake.
Ready to shape your cookies? Let's move on to the next step and get these beauties in the oven!
Shape Cookies on Baking Sheet
With your baking sheet lined and ready, it's time to shape your cookies. You've got a few cookie shaping techniques at your disposal, so let's explore your options.
The simplest method is to use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop about 2 tablespoons of batter onto the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Want a more uniform look? Try using your hands to roll the dough into balls, then gently flatten them with your palm.
For a rustic appearance, use a fork to create a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie. This not only adds visual interest but also helps the cookies bake more evenly.
Remember, these aren't your typical butter-laden cookies, so they won't spread much during baking. That means you can place them closer together on the sheet if needed.
As you're shaping, take a moment to reflect on your baking sheet preparation. Did you line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat? This step is essential for easy removal and cleanup.
Ready to bake? Let's get those cookies in the oven!
Bake Until Edges Golden
Once your cookies are shaped and ready on the baking sheet, it's time to transform them into golden delights. Slide the tray into your preheated oven and let the baking magic begin.
Keep a watchful eye on your cookies as they bake, as the timing is essential for achieving the perfect texture. You're aiming for that sweet spot where the edges turn a light golden brown, signaling that they're done.
Are you wondering about the ideal baking techniques for these healthy treats? Here's the secret: don't overbake them! These cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so it's better to err on the side of caution.
After about 12 minutes, start checking them every minute or so. When you see that golden hue creeping around the edges, it's time to pull them out. Remember, the centers might still look a bit soft, but that's okay.
This method guarantees you'll end up with cookies that have a slightly crisp exterior and a delightfully chewy interior. Isn't it amazing how a simple baking technique can make such a difference in cookie texture?
Cool Before Serving
After baking your cookies to golden perfection, you might be tempted to bite into them right away. But hold on! Cooling is an essential step that shouldn't be overlooked. Why? It's all about achieving that ideal cookie texture you're aiming for.
Let's talk cooling techniques. First, leave your cookies on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to set slightly, making them easier to handle.
Then, transfer them to a wire rack. This clever tool allows air to circulate around the entire cookie, preventing soggy bottoms. But what if you don't have a wire rack? No worries! A clean, flat surface will do in a pinch.
As your cookies cool, you'll notice they firm up. This isn't just about temperature; it's about structure. The cooling process helps the ingredients bind together, giving you that perfect chewy texture.

Nutrition

Calories: 78kcalCarbohydrates: 16gProtein: 2gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 155mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 19IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg

Calories: 78kcal

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Health-conscious

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