4 ingredient oatmeal cookies are a dream for quick and healthy snacking, especially when you have a toddler in the house. These are the easiest way to use up brown bananas and the whole family will love them.
In the world of snacks, I feel like toddler moms (🙋♀️) are at peak inventory.
You can never have too many snacks on hand. One thing I don’t really buy are the packaged bars, because they’re pricey and most aren’t all that good. Instead I try to always have some sort of homemade baked good on hand and you guys… it doesn’t get any easier than this one.
A few weeks ago when the notorious afternoon snack time was fast approaching, I decided to throw these together. Even with a whiney toddler at your feet, they come together so fast. Kind of like a Bobo’s bar but better?
As a bonus, you get to enjoy something warm and homemade. What could be better? I present to you, 4-ingredient oatmeal cookies.
Ingredients
- banana (the more ripe, the better!)
- rolled oats, which I buy at Costco because we use them so fast
- peanut butter, the “drippy” natural kind
- chocolate chips which are optional but make them a little more fun
Yes, that’s it! I know it seems too good to be true, but this absolutely works.
Now full disclosure here: this is not a novel idea.
There are probably hundreds of similar recipes floating around the internet and I’ve made a few of them, but I was always underwhelmed. The banana was overpowering, or there wasn’t enough peanut butter flavor (or any peanut butter at all).
I tweaked the amounts of each ingredient over time and finally came up with my perfect ratio so of course I wanted to share it!
The thing I love about these “cookies” (I use that term lightly here) is that they’re basically oatmeal, but ready-to-eat and portable.
They’re great with a cup of coffee first thing in the morning before your “real” breakfast. But they actually do work as a breakfast when paired with some protein too.
You can leave off the chocolate chips to keep them totally free of added sugar (or for babies), but personally I’m not opposed to a few chocolate chips at breakfast.
The next time you have some extra brown bananas to use up, keep this recipe in mind! You can go from start to finish in about 15 minutes with one bowl and a few utensils to clean. The longest step is waiting for the oven to preheat.
They’re wholesome, tasty and incredibly simple. Now THAT, is what I call a kitchen win.
You might also like:
- Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Zucchini Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal
- Strawberry Dark Chocolate Oat Bars
4 Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies
4-ingredient oatmeal cookies are a dream for quick and healthy snacking, or when you have a toddler in the house! These are the easiest way to use up brown bananas and the whole family will love them.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 cookies
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 large banana, mashed (the more ripe, the better!)
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (see notes)
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Use a fork to mash the banana in a medium mixing bowl. Then add peanut butter and oats, stirring until well combined.
- Drop 1.5 tablespoon balls on the cookie sheet and flatten slightly with a fork (these cookies won’t change shape/size when baked). Press a few chocolate chips in each cookie.
- Bake for 8 minutes, then remove from oven and enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container for up to two days.
Notes
- The equipment section above includes affiliate links to things I use often in my kitchen and recommend.
- Natural “drippy” peanut butter works best for this recipe to add more of a liquid component. If you only have the no-stir type, you may want to add more banana.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 88 calories
- Fat: 5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
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tc lottery says
These oatmeal cookies sound delicious and so easy to make! I love that they only require four ingredients. Perfect for a quick snack or a healthy treat. Can’t wait to try them!
daman club says
I just made these 4 Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies, and they are incredible! Super easy to whip up and so delicious. I love that they’re healthy but still satisfy my sweet tooth. Can’t wait to try adding some nuts or chocolate chips next time! Thanks for the recipe!
Diane says
Recipe looks great and looking forward to making them. Have you added chia seeds, trying to figure out if I need to add liquid if I add chia seeds?
Leanne says
I have not tried this Diane! I think it would work just fine without adding liquid.
Joseph says
Just made these (used drippy almond butter instead) and they came out perfect. Nice consistency. Soft. Hearty. Not too sweet. And, best of all, the easiest and healthiest cookie recipe ever.
Definitely going to make these again. Next time, I’ll try adding dried cranberries or raisins. Maybe a splash of maple syrup. Thank you for sharing this! I really didn’t know baking could be this easy.
Leanne says
Thank you Joseph! These are very easy to customize – glad they were a hit!
Vidmate says
These oatmeal cookies look absolutely delicious and so simple to make! I love that they only require four ingredients—perfect for a quick healthy treat. Can’t wait to try them out this weekend! Thanks for sharing!
Leanne says
They’re the best! Hope you love them.
Colleen says
Can I freeze the cookies?
Leanne says
I haven’t done it, but it should work just fine!
DudeFromCalifornia says
I just baked these cookies, and they turned out really well. I included blueberries and used dark chocolate chips. Thank you for the recipe!
Leanne says
Wonderful!! Thank you so much for coming back to leave a star rating and review. I’m happy these turned out well for you and I love your additions.
Becky says
I love these. Made them several times. They were also great with almond butter. Made them as bars and added 1/2 cup chopped walnuts. They are great for snack or breakfast.
Leanne says
Such a great idea to make them into bars! Love it. Thanks so much Becky!
Francesca Galati says
Delicious, my husband loves cookies & thus is a low sugar alternative!
Leanne says
Hi Francesca! I’m so happy to hear! I love that about this recipe too – you still get the fun of eating a cookie but without so much added sugar. I’m glad you and your husband like them as much as we do.
Paula says
Love these – I make them into bars.
Leanne says
What a great idea! I haven’t tried that variation yet. Thanks for reporting back Paula!
Jackie says
I made these to have as my healthy-ish snack for the work week. So easy and the perfect amount of sweetness!
Leanne says
So glad to hear it Jackie! Thank you!
Sue says
A quick, simple & tasty way to use up those brown bananas! Love having these around for a breakfast coffee buddy or a light afternoon snack. I used those big Ghirardelli dark chocolate chips–delish!
Leanne says
So glad I could help with the brown bananas haha! Thanks Sue!
Janet says
I am attracted to recipes that have oatmeal as an ingredient. Peanut butter is yummy too.
Leanne says
These are right up your alley! They are the easiest thing to make and such a great snack. Thanks for the comment!