Name: 3-Ingredient Vegan Banana Oat Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-491573H9M54S
Total time: PT-491573H9M54S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas (medium to large, mashed); 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional); Pinch of salt; ¼ cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds); ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (sugar-free for a no-sugar version); ¼ cup dried fruits (e.g., raisins, cranberries); 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra fiber

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If you have a sweet tooth but want to keep things simple, wholesome, and totally delicious, my 3-Ingredient Vegan Banana Oat Cookies Recipe is here to save the day. This recipe transforms just mashed bananas, gluten-free rolled oats, and vanilla extract into irresistibly soft and naturally sweet cookies. Each bite bursts with warm banana flavor and a comforting oat texture that feels like a little hug from the inside. It’s perfect when you want a healthy, fuss-free treat that’s vegan-friendly and free of any refined sugars. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how something this easy can taste so fantastic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding three layers: a smooth light yellow banana puree on the left, a pile of light brown rolled oats in the middle, and a small mound of white shredded coconut and brown cinnamon on the right. Another clear glass bowl on the same white marbled surface shows a mix of thick light brown dough with a big pile of dark brown chocolate chips on top. In a third image, the same clear glass bowl contains a combined cookie dough with chocolate chips mixed evenly, and a woman's hand holds a black spoon scooping the dough. The final image shows a stack of three golden-brown oatmeal chocolate chip cookies with visible oats and scattered chocolate chips on top, all placed on a small square piece of white paper over the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These three core ingredients make this recipe a breeze, and each plays a pivotal role in creating cookies that are chewy, flavorful, and satisfying. Let’s break down why they’re so essential:

Ripe Bananas: Naturally sweet and creamy, they bind the dough together while imparting their signature mellow flavor.
Gluten-Free Rolled Oats: Provide a hearty, chewy texture and keep the cookies wholesome and filling.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a cozy aroma and deepens the overall flavor profile, making the cookies taste just right.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Vegan Banana Oat Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Mash Those Bananas

Begin by peeling two ripe bananas and mashing them thoroughly in a large bowl. Use a fork or potato masher to get a smooth, jam-like texture—this will serve as the natural sweetener and binder, so getting it just right is key.

Step 2: Mix in the Oats and Vanilla

Next, add one cup of gluten-free rolled oats and a teaspoon of vanilla extract to your mashed bananas. Stir everything together until the mixture is evenly combined. The oats soak up the moisture, giving your cookies that perfect chewy bite.

Step 3: Form Your Cookies

Grab a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out your cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Give each mound a little gentle flattening with the back of your spoon, shaping them into perfect cookie rounds that will bake evenly.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn a lovely golden brown. If you prefer using an air fryer, set it to 325°F (165°C) and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, keeping an eye on them near the end to avoid overcooking.

How to Serve 3-Ingredient Vegan Banana Oat Cookies Recipe

A stack of golden brown oatmeal cookies with dark chocolate chips is placed on white parchment paper over a light wooden board. Each cookie shows visible oat flakes and several scattered glossy chocolate chips on top, with some chocolate chips also embedded inside the cookies. Around the stack, a few single cookies lie flat, showcasing a rough, textured surface with the oats and chocolate chips standing out. The background is a white marbled texture with a blurred white cup visible at the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For a little extra flair, sprinkle your cookies with chopped nuts or a dusting of cinnamon before serving. This adds texture and enhances the warm flavors, making each bite even more delightful.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair brilliantly with a hot cup of herbal tea or your favorite plant-based milk. They’re also excellent alongside fresh fruit to balance out the sweetness and keep your snack fresh and vibrant.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress guests or jazz up your snack time? Stack these cookies between slices of vegan ice cream or spread a thin layer of almond butter between two cookies for a delicious cookie sandwich. Easy, fun, and utterly tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and chewy without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to keep your cookies fresh for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll last up to two months this way, ready whenever a sweet craving strikes.

Reheating

Warm frozen or refrigerated cookies in a toaster oven or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked softness. Just enough heat to make them feel cozy again without making them dry.

FAQs

Can I add other ingredients to the 3-Ingredient Vegan Banana Oat Cookies Recipe?

Absolutely! While the basic recipe is simple, feel free to fold in nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruits, or seeds to customize your cookies and add texture and flavor complexity.

What bananas are best for this recipe?

Use ripe or very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots—they are sweeter and mash more easily, which enhances the flavor and consistency of these cookies.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

They can be, as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats. This makes the recipe friendly for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Can I substitute the vanilla extract?

If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can omit it or replace it with a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract for a different but delicious twist.

How chewy or crunchy are these cookies?

These cookies are naturally soft and chewy because of the bananas and oats. They won’t be crispy like traditional cookies but have a satisfyingly tender texture that’s perfect for snacking.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly wonderful about how just three simple ingredients can come together to make such a comforting, wholesome treat. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this 3-Ingredient Vegan Banana Oat Cookies Recipe as much as I do. It’s a small, sweet reminder that ease doesn’t have to compromise taste, and that delicious moments can be found in the simplest of snacks. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed.

Chef Sara

3-Ingredient Vegan Banana Oat Cookies Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need