Grandma’s 3-Ingredient Soft Banana Bread Cookies are the kind of simple, wholesome treat that feels like a warm hug straight from the kitchen. Thank you for being here, truly. Recipes like this remind me of afternoons when overripe bananas on the counter meant something sweet was about to happen — no fancy ingredients, no fuss, just pure comfort.
These cookies are soft, naturally sweetened, and made with only three simple pantry staples. They’re perfect for quick snacks, lunchboxes, or those “I need something sweet but simple” moments.
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Overview of Recipe Content
What Are Grandma’s 3-Ingredient Soft Banana Bread Cookies?
These are soft, cake-like banana oatmeal cookies made with mashed ripe bananas, rolled oats, and warm cinnamon. That’s it. No flour, no refined sugar, no butter.
They’re perfect for:
- Healthy snacks
- Kid-friendly treats
- Quick breakfast bites
- After-school goodies
- Meal prep
If you love simple bakes like my Butterscotch Toffee Cookie Bars https://poulef.com/butterscotch-toffee-cookie-bars/ or Soft and Chewy Twix Cookies https://poulef.com/soft-and-chewy-twix-cookies/, this is the wholesome cousin in the cookie family.
Why You’ll Love Them
- Only 3 base ingredients
- Naturally sweetened
- Gluten-free (if using certified GF oats)
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Freezer-friendly
What They Taste Like
Think soft banana bread meets chewy oatmeal cookie. They’re lightly sweet, warmly spiced, and incredibly comforting. The banana flavor shines through beautifully.
Add chocolate chips? Now you’ve got a cozy dessert. Add nuts? Perfect breakfast bite.
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional:
- Handful dark chocolate chips
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Pinch of salt
- Splash of vanilla extract
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or potato masher
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Substitutions & Additions
- Add 1 tablespoon peanut butter for richness.
- Stir in shredded coconut.
- Add chia seeds for extra nutrition.
- Sprinkle with sea salt before baking.
How to Make Grandma’s 3-Ingredient Soft Banana Bread Cookies
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mash Bananas
In a bowl, mash ripe bananas until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine.
The riper the banana, the sweeter the cookie.
Step 3: Mix in Oats & Cinnamon
Stir in rolled oats and cinnamon. Mix until fully combined.
If using chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in now.
The mixture will be thick and sticky.
Step 4: Scoop & Shape
Scoop spoonfuls onto baking sheet. Gently flatten with the back of a spoon — they won’t spread much.
Step 5: Bake
Bake 12–15 minutes until edges are lightly golden.
Let cool 5–10 minutes before transferring.
They’ll firm up slightly as they cool but remain soft inside.
What to Serve with Banana Bread Cookies
These pair beautifully with:
- Morning coffee
- Warm milk
- Greek yogurt and berries
- A drizzle of peanut butter
For a cozy snack spread, serve alongside Peanut Butter Sheet Cake https://poulef.com/old-school-peanut-butter-sheet-cake/ and Butterscotch Toffee Cookie Bars https://poulef.com/butterscotch-toffee-cookie-bars/.
And don’t forget to save them on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/ — they’re perfect for healthy baking boards!
Tips for Making Them Perfect
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots.
- Do not overbake — they should stay soft.
- For firmer cookies, bake 1–2 minutes longer.
- Chill dough 10 minutes if too sticky.
- Store completely cooled to avoid moisture buildup.
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature: 2 days in airtight container.
Refrigerator: Up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp.
They reheat beautifully for 10 seconds in the microwave.
General Information
Simple banana oat cookies became popular as healthier alternatives to traditional cookies. They’re naturally sweetened and require minimal ingredients — perfect for busy households or beginner bakers.
It’s the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need complicated steps to create something comforting and delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use quick oats?
Yes, but texture will be softer and less chewy.
Can I make them vegan?
They already are!
Can I add protein powder?
Yes — add 1–2 tablespoons and a splash of milk if needed.
Why are mine too soft?
They may need an extra minute or two of baking.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — this recipe scales beautifully.
Conclusion
Grandma’s 3-Ingredient Soft Banana Bread Cookies are simple, wholesome, and incredibly comforting. They’re proof that sometimes the best recipes are the easiest ones.
If you love cozy baked treats, you’ll also enjoy Butterscotch Toffee Cookie Bars https://poulef.com/butterscotch-toffee-cookie-bars/ and Soft and Chewy Twix Cookies https://poulef.com/soft-and-chewy-twix-cookies/.
Bake them once — and they might just become your new everyday favorite.
Interactive Elements
Did you try these banana cookies? Leave a comment and star rating below — I love hearing how they turn out!
Snap a photo and tag it on Pinterest at https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/ so I can see your healthy creations!
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Cookie – 12 Cookies)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 5mg |
Grandma’s 3-Ingredient Soft Banana Bread Cookies – Naturally Sweet, Comforting & Guilt-Free (Ready in 15 Minutes!)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Description
These soft 3-Ingredient Banana Bread Cookies are made with ripe bananas, oats, and cinnamon for a naturally sweet treat.
Ingredients
2 large ripe bananas, mashed
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line baking sheet.
2. Mash bananas until smooth.
3. Stir in oats and cinnamon.
4. Scoop onto baking sheet and flatten slightly.
5. Bake 12–15 minutes until lightly golden.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for natural sweetness.
Do not overbake to keep cookies soft.
Add chocolate chips for dessert version.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Table of Contents
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!
