I absolutely love sharing this Strawberry Banana Oat Cookies Recipe because it’s one of those easy, wholesome treats that feels like a warm hug in cookie form. Whenever I want something sweet but without the guilt or a complicated ingredient list, these cookies come to the rescue. They’re naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and fresh strawberries, making them perfect for a quick breakfast on the go or a guilt-free snack that kids and adults both rave about.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how versatile and forgiving it is—you don’t have to be a baking pro to get delicious results. Plus, the combination of oats, fruit, and almond butter means you’re actually feeding your body something nourishing. I find that whenever I bring these to a casual get-together or pack them in lunchboxes, they disappear fast. If you’ve been searching for a simple, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened cookie, this Strawberry Banana Oat Cookies Recipe is definitely worth trying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of wholesome pantry staples to make these cookies.
- Naturally Sweetened: Ripe bananas and fresh strawberries add perfect sweetness without refined sugar.
- Gluten-Free Friendly: Using rolled oats makes it easy to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Kid-Approved and Healthy: My family goes crazy for these, and I feel good serving them as a snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Strawberry Banana Oat Cookies Recipe comes from pairing simple ingredients that offer both texture and nutrition. You’ll want ripe bananas for natural sweetness and creamy almond butter to keep the cookies moist and chewy.
- Rolled oats: Use gluten-free oats if needed, as they add hearty chew and fiber.
- Bananas: Make sure they’re very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Strawberries: Fresh and chopped strawberries add a juicy pop of flavor and color.
- Almond butter: You can swap this for any nut or seed butter you prefer for creaminess.
- Chocolate chips (optional): Because sometimes a little indulgence makes these cookies even better.
Variations
I love mixing things up depending on what I have on hand or who I’m baking for. This Strawberry Banana Oat Cookies Recipe is super flexible, so don’t hesitate to personalize it!
- Nut-free version: I’ve swapped almond butter for sunflower seed butter for a safe and equally delicious option for nut allergies.
- Add spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg gives the cookies a cozy, fall-inspired twist that I adore.
- Boost with seeds: Chia or flaxseeds add nutrition and a bit of crunch, perfect for a wholesome snack.
- Make it vegan and allergy-friendly: This recipe is naturally eggless, so it works beautifully for many dietary needs as is.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Oat Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Get Everything Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or use a Silpat mat if you have one. This prep makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your cookies don’t stick. While the oven warms up, mash your ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth—that’s your natural sweetener and binder.
Step 2: Mix the Basics
Into the mashed bananas, add the rolled oats and almond butter. Stir gently until all the ingredients come together into a doughy mixture. Save the chopped strawberries and chocolate chips for last so they keep their shape and don’t get lost in the mix.
Step 3: Fold in the Berries (and Chocolate!)
Carefully fold the chopped strawberries and chocolate chips into the mixture. This part is fun because you get to see all those colorful bits scattered through the batter. Just be gentle so the strawberries don’t get too smashed and watery.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Scoop out small portions—about 12 in total—and roll them into balls. Place them spaced out on your lined tray, then gently press each to flatten into a cookie shape. Pop them in the oven and bake for 12 minutes, or until the edges just start turning golden. That slight crisp edge with a chewy middle is what you’re aiming for!
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the cookies cool completely on the tray. They firm up nicely as they cool, so resist the urge to eat them immediately (though I know it’s tempting!). This cooling step helps preserve the chewy texture and prevents them from falling apart.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Banana Oat Cookies Recipe
- Use Very Ripe Bananas: I learned that using bananas with plenty of brown spots really amps up sweetness and moisture, no extra sugar needed.
- Don’t Overmix the Strawberries: Fold them in gently so your cookies don’t get soggy or too wet.
- Press Cookies Evenly: I use the bottom of a glass to gently press the dough balls flat for even baking and a nice shape.
- Watch the Baking Time: Baking a minute or two longer can dry them out, so keep an eye for those golden edges.
How to Serve Strawberry Banana Oat Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple and sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top before baking to enhance all the flavors—that little salt-sweet combo is killer. Sometimes, I’ll add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a special treat that’s still on the healthier side.
Side Dishes
These cookies go perfectly with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a refreshing glass of almond milk. When I serve them for a brunch spread, I like pairing with fresh fruit salad or a simple smoothie to keep the whole meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthday parties or special occasions, I’ve arranged these cookies on a pretty platter with fresh strawberry halves and banana slices around the edges. Stacking them into a little tower tied with twine makes a charming gift, too. Whenever kids are around, I let them add their own sprinkles or mini chocolate chips on top before baking – they love making these their own.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Because these cookies are naturally moist and eggless, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. They stay delicious for up to a week, which is perfect for nibbling over several days without drying out.
Freezing
I’ve had great success freezing these cookies in ziplock bags—just separate layers with parchment paper so they don’t stick together. They keep beautifully for up to 6 months, so you can always have a tasty snack on hand when you’re short on time.
Reheating
When I want that fresh-baked warm feeling, I pop leftover cookies in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes to freshen up their texture. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make them a bit soggy, so I prefer the oven method for that perfect chewy bite.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid from frozen strawberries to avoid soggy cookies. Fresh strawberries work best, but frozen can be a good substitute when you’re in a pinch.
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Are these cookies gluten-free?
They can be, as long as you use gluten-free rolled oats. Check your oat packaging since some oats can be cross-contaminated with gluten.
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Can I substitute almond butter with something else?
Absolutely! Any nut or seed butter like peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter works well. Just pick one you enjoy.
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How do I make these cookies less sweet?
You can use slightly less banana or substitute half the banana with unsweetened applesauce to tone down the sweetness while keeping moisture.
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Can I add other mix-ins to the cookies?
Definitely! Chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or pumpkin seeds are great options. Just add them at the same time as the strawberries for even distribution.
Final Thoughts
This Strawberry Banana Oat Cookies Recipe is one of those little kitchen treasures that I always keep in rotation. They’re quick enough to whip up when you need a snack pronto, and wholesome enough to feel really good eating. I hope you’ll find these cookies as comforting and versatile as my family does—they’re perfect for busy mornings, afternoon pick-me-ups, or when you need a little homemade sweetness without the fuss. Give them a try, and don’t be surprised if they become your new favorite go-to cookie!
PrintStrawberry Banana Oat Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and healthy strawberry cookies made with rolled oats, mashed bananas, almond butter, and fresh strawberries. These eggless cookies are naturally sweetened and perfect for a nutritious snack or dessert, with optional chocolate chips for an extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats (gluten free, if needed)
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup almond butter (can substitute any nut or seed butter of choice)
Mix-ins
- 1/4 cup strawberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a large baking tray with parchment paper or use a Silpat cookie sheet. Set aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, mashed bananas, and almond butter. Mix well until thoroughly combined. Then gently fold in the chopped strawberries and chocolate chips (if using).
- Form Cookies: Scoop out 12 small balls of cookie dough. Place each ball onto the lined baking tray and press down gently to form cookie shapes.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until they turn golden on the edges.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool completely on the tray before serving or storing.
Notes
- These cookies are eggless and best stored in the refrigerator as they do not keep well at room temperature. Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- To freeze, place leftover cookies in a ziplock bag and freeze for up to 6 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly before eating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 98
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg