The smell of warm oats and cinnamon instantly takes me back to Saturday mornings in fuzzy socks, stealing cookie dough from the bowl before it even hit the oven. These ingredient oatmeal cookies are everywhere right nowflashing by on TikTok, popping up on Pinterest boards, loved for how crazy simple (and kinda nostalgic) they are.
You only need three thingsbananas, oats, and a handful of chocolate chips or raisins if you’re feeling wild. They’re soft, lightly sweet, and wildly pantry-friendly. Like your grandma’s cookies if she’d discovered 3 ingredient recipes healthy-enough for breakfast. Full details in the blog!
I first whipped these up after one of those “what the heck do we even have left in the kitchen?” kind of days. My daughter called them “couch cookies” because we ate the whole batch during a movie. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
These ingredient oatmeal cookies are soft and chewy treats perfect for breakfast or snack. They use just three healthy ingredients and are easy to prepare. Enjoy a simple recipe that fits well into 3 ingredient recipes healthy and 3 ingredient cookies oatmeal diets.
Ingredients
Scale
1½ cups mashed banana about 3 mediu bananas
½ cup (128 g) peanut butter
2 cups (160 g) rolled oats use GF if needed
1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
¼ teaspoon salt optional
½ cup (85 g) chocolate chips optional
Instructions
Heat your oven to 350 F (177 C) and prepare two large baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper.
Mash the bananas in a large bowl until mostly smooth with some small lumps left, then mix in the peanut butter and vanilla extract until the mixture is evenly combined.
Add oats and optional chocolate chips to the bowl and stir the mixture thoroughly.
Cover the dough and let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes while the oven finishes preheating.
Use a medium cookie scoop to drop about 2 tablespoon-sized dollops of dough onto the prepared sheets; gently press each mound down if you prefer flatter cookies and add extra chocolate chips on top if desired.
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges look set and show a light golden color.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely and then serve.
Notes
Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
See the recipe variations section for banana-free options
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:10 minutes
Category:Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Method:Baked
Cuisine:American
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
If there’s one recipe that feels like a warm hug from your oven, it’s these simple oatmeal cookies made with just three ingredients. They’re soft, naturally sweet, and incredibly versatileperfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about whipping these up without a measuring marathon in your kitchen.
Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate the joy of using what’s already in your pantry! These cookies are a great example of making something delicious with the bare basics. No mixers or fancy gadgets neededjust mash, mix, and bake.
Bonus: These are the kind of cookies you can feel good about enjoying. Whether you call them “3 ingredient recipes healthy” or just a no-fuss treat, they fit perfectly into your busy yet cozy lifestyle.
Key Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but also in the everyday ingredients you (probably) already have tucked away in your pantry or fridge. Here’s what you need:
Mashed Bananas: They act as the base and natural sweetenerabout three medium ones will do the trick.
Peanut Butter: Creamy and smooth works best to bind everything together, but chunky adds a little crunch if you’re into that vibe.
Rolled Oats: These give the cookies their hearty, chewy texture. Be sure to grab the gluten-free kind if needed!
Optional Extras: Feel free to toss in some chocolate chips if you’re feeling indulgent or a splash of vanilla extract for a warm, cozy aroma. Adding a touch of salt can also balance the sweetness beautifully.
As for tools, you’ll only need a mixing bowl, a fork for mashing, and a baking sheet. Simple, right?
How to Make Them Step-by-Step
Here’s the easiest breakdown of the stepsno stress, no fuss, just delicious cookies coming your way.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze!
Mash your bananas in a large mixing bowl. Aim for mostly smooth with a few lumpsit doesn’t need to be perfect.
Add the peanut butter and stir until everything is combined. Mix in the oats, plus any optional add-ins like chocolate chips or vanilla extract.
Let the dough rest for 20–30 minutes. This allows the oats to soak up moisture, resulting in a better texture when baked.
Scoop the dough into 2-tablespoon-sized mounds and flatten slightly if you prefer a classic cookie shape. They won’t spread much!
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and set. Let cool for 15 minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack.
Step
Timing
Mixing & Mashing
10 minutes
Resting
20-30 minutes
Baking
10-12 minutes
Cooling
15 minutes
Pro Tips & Variations
This recipe is nearly foolproof, but here are a few tips to make your cookies even better:
Banana Too Ripe? Perfect. The riper the banana, the sweeter your cookies will be.
Add Some Texture: Stir in crushed nuts, dried fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a fun twist.
No Bananas? Substitute with 1½ cups of unsweetened applesauce. The cookies will be softer but still delicious!
You can also skip the optional vanilla and salt to stick to a pure “3 ingredient oatmeal cookies” versionno frills, just as yummy.
Serving, Storing & Reheating
Let these cookies cool to room temperature before digging in… or not. I won’t judge if one (or five) disappear while still warm.
Storing: Keep the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. This helps them stay soft and chewy.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze them! Pack the cookies in a freezer-safe bag, where they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Let them thaw on the counter or warm briefly in the microwave.
Reheating Tip: Warm one briefly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a just-baked feel.
And there you have itsoft, wholesome, and irresistibly simple cookies! Ready to become your go-to “3 ingredient recipes healthy” treat any time of day.
Expert Says
Oatmeal cookies benefit from the natural fiber in oats, which not only adds texture but helps retain moisture, keeping the cookies soft and chewy. Using whole oats balances sweetness while providing a modest nutritional boost, making ingredient oatmeal cookies a satisfying treat with more depth than traditional sugar cookies.
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How I Finally Nailed My Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies
These ingredient oatmeal cookies didn’t come together overnight. After too many batches where they either crumbled like crazy or stuck to the pan, I learned to balance chewiness and crispness just right. Today’s recipe is the result of those little kitchen mishaps and a house full of taste testers cheering me on.
FAQs ( Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies )
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, to make this recipe gluten-free, use certified gluten-free oats instead of regular oats. Make sure any additional ingredients you add are also gluten-free. This swap works well and keeps the cookies just as chewy and delicious.
How do I store the cookies to maintain freshness?
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Just let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to this meal?
Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts is a great way to boost flavor and texture. Just fold them into the batter gently before baking. Keep in mind that these additions may alter baking time slightly.
What is the best substitute for banana in this dish?
If you don’t have ripe bananas on hand, unsweetened applesauce is a reliable substitute. Use the same quantity to maintain moisture and binding. Both will keep cookies soft while preserving balanced sweetness.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
To enhance the health benefits, consider adding ground flaxseed or swapping regular oats for steel-cut oats if texture allows. You can also reduce any added sweeteners or use natural peanut butter without salt or sugar for added protein.
Conclusion
There’s something truly comforting about these ingredient oatmeal cookiesbaked in just about 40 minutes, with minimal fuss and maximum coziness. You’ll love how they come out soft, chewy, and gently sweet, filling your kitchen with a warm, nostalgic aroma that hugs you from the inside out. Honestly, they’re proof that sometimes the simplest recipes bring the biggest smiles (and sneaky second helpings!).
If you want to switch things up, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or tossing in chopped nuts for a little crunchmy favorite “oops” upgrade from a last-minute bake. Here’s a trick I picked up from my aunt: store them in the fridge to keep that perfect chewy bite, then warm one up for a quick, comforting snack anytime. Easy, adaptable, and just right for whatever snack attack hits next.
Do these cookies remind you of a family favorite or a cozy memory? I’d love to hear your stories or see your cookie creationsshare a pic or drop a comment! Don’t forget to save this recipe for your next sweet craving or to share a little kitchen warmth with someone you love. After all, the best treats are the ones shared around the table.
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
