Thank you for being here, truly. There’s something so comforting about a recipe that asks for almost nothing… yet gives you warm, chewy, homemade cookies in return. These Quick and Delicious 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies are exactly that kind of magic. Simple, honest, and made with ingredients you probably already have sitting in your kitchen right now.
This 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies recipe is my go-to when I want something sweet but refuse to turn the kitchen upside down. No flour. No refined sugar. No complicated steps. Just hearty oats, naturally sweet bananas, and creamy peanut butter coming together in the most beautiful way.
And if you love cozy, fuss-free recipes like this, don’t forget to subscribe to get my newest treats delivered straight to your inbox. I promise—there’s always something delicious baking around here.
If you’re one of my Pinterest friends (https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/), you already know how much we adore quick cookie recipes over there!
Overview of Recipe Content
These 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies are soft, chewy, naturally sweetened cookies made in one bowl and baked in under 25 minutes. They’re perfect for:
- After-school snacks
- Quick breakfast bites
- Healthy-ish dessert
- Meal prep
- Late-night cravings
Why You’ll Love Them
- Only 3 ingredients
- Naturally sweetened with banana
- No flour
- No added sugar
- Ready in 25 minutes
- Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
What They Taste Like
Think soft-baked oatmeal cookies with a gentle peanut butter richness and caramel-like sweetness from ripe bananas. They’re not crispy—they’re tender, chewy, and wholesome. The kind of cookie you don’t feel guilty reaching for twice.
Health & Nutritional Benefits
- Oats provide fiber and slow-digesting carbs
- Bananas add potassium and natural sweetness
- Peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats
- No refined sugar
- Naturally gluten-free (if using certified gluten-free oats)
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup natural peanut butter
That’s it. Three ingredients. No tricks.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Fork (for mashing bananas)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Oven
Optional Add-Ins (Highly Recommended!)
I promised you flexible—and here we are:
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of cinnamon
- Raisins or chopped nuts
If you love banana-based cookies, you must try my Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Cookies: https://poulef.com/chocolate-banana-oatmeal-cookies/
And for another quick healthy treat, my Peanut Butter Oat Energy Balls are always a hit: https://poulef.com/peanut-butter-oat-energy-balls/
How to Make Quick and Delicious 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. A few small lumps are okay—but aim for mostly creamy.
The riper the bananas, the sweeter the cookies. Those brown-spotted bananas on your counter? They were meant for this.
Step 3: Add Oats and Peanut Butter
Stir in the rolled oats and peanut butter.
Mix until fully combined. The dough will be thick, slightly sticky, and hearty.
If you’re adding chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in now.
Step 4: Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto your baking sheet.
Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon. These won’t spread much in the oven, so shape them how you want them to look.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 12–15 minutes.
The edges should look set and lightly golden. The centers will still be soft—but they firm up as they cool.
Step 6: Cool
Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5–10 minutes before transferring to a rack.
That first warm bite? Pure comfort.
What to Serve with 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies
These cookies are lovely on their own, but if you want to elevate the moment:
- Serve with a glass of cold almond milk
- Pair with coffee or espresso
- Add Greek yogurt and berries for breakfast
- Crumble over smoothie bowls
For a cozy snack board, serve them alongside my Healthy Chocolate Avocado Mousse (https://poulef.com/healthy-chocolate-avocado-mousse/) and a refreshing Strawberry Banana Smoothie (https://poulef.com/strawberry-banana-smoothie/).
Trust me—that combination disappears fast.
Tips for Making Them Perfect
- Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness
- Choose creamy natural peanut butter (stir well before using)
- Don’t overbake—these are meant to stay soft
- Flatten before baking—they don’t spread
- Add a pinch of salt if your peanut butter is unsalted
For crispier cookies, bake 2–3 extra minutes.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator
Keep for up to 1 week. They’ll become slightly firmer.
Freezer
Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.
They’re perfect for meal prep.
General Information
Oatmeal cookies have been an American kitchen staple for generations. This simplified 3-ingredient version leans into modern, wholesome baking trends while keeping that nostalgic chewiness we all love.
Bananas replace refined sugar. Peanut butter replaces flour and butter. Oats provide structure and heartiness.
It’s old-fashioned comfort with a modern twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these vegan?
They already are vegan—just ensure your chocolate chips (if adding) are dairy-free.
Can I use quick oats?
Yes, though the texture will be slightly softer. Rolled oats give better chew.
Can I replace peanut butter?
Absolutely. Almond butter or sunflower seed butter works beautifully.
Why are my cookies too soft?
They may need 1–2 more minutes in the oven—or simply more cooling time.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe doubles perfectly.
Conclusion
These Quick and Delicious 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies prove that baking doesn’t need to be complicated to be wonderful. They’re wholesome, satisfying, naturally sweet, and ready in just 25 minutes.
If you loved this recipe, try my Chocolate Banana Oatmeal Cookies or Peanut Butter Oat Energy Balls next. Simple ingredients, big comfort—that’s how we bake around here.
Interactive Elements
Did you make these cookies? I’d love to hear how they turned out.
Leave a comment below and share your favorite add-ins!
And don’t forget to share your cookie photos on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/ or tag me on social media. Seeing your creations truly makes my day.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie – Approximate)
Makes 10 cookies
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 95 kcal |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbohydrates | 12g |
| Sugar | 5g (natural) |
| Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 1g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 45mg |
Quick and Delicious 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies (Ready in 25 Minutes!)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These quick and delicious 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies are naturally sweetened, flourless, and ready in just 25 minutes. Made with bananas, oats, and peanut butter.
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup natural peanut butter
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mash bananas in a bowl until smooth.
3. Stir in oats and peanut butter until fully combined.
4. Scoop dough onto baking sheet and flatten slightly.
5. Bake 12–15 minutes until edges are set.
6. Cool before serving.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for best sweetness.
Flatten cookies before baking since they do not spread.
Do not overbake for soft texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
Let’s be friends!
