Vegan Banana Nut Oatmeal Cookies: Easy & Healthy Recipe

Craving a Cookie That’s Both Wholesome and Delicious?

Imagine biting into a soft, chewy cookie that’s packed with the goodness of oats, the sweetness of bananas, and the crunch of walnuts. Sounds too good to be true? It’s not! These Vegan Banana Nut Oatmeal Cookies are incredibly easy to make, delightfully satisfying, and absolutely perfect for any time of day. Get ready to impress your friends and family (or just yourself!) with this amazing treat.

Why You’ll Love Vegan Banana Nut Oatmeal Cookies?

• They’re incredibly soft and chewy, with the perfect texture.
• The combination of banana and walnuts creates a warm, comforting flavor.
• They are surprisingly quick and easy to make, requiring minimal effort.
• They’re naturally vegan, making them a great option for plant-based diets.
• They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, a midday snack, or a guilt-free dessert.

What Makes Vegan Banana Nut Oatmeal Cookies Unique?

This recipe stands out because it uses ripe bananas not just for flavor but also as a natural binder and sweetener, reducing the need for processed sugars and eggs. The walnuts add a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft, chewy oatmeal base. This isn’t your average cookie; it’s a wholesome, flavorful, and vegan-friendly treat that’s genuinely good for you. The balance of sweetness and nuttiness is just irresistible!

Ingredient List for Vegan Banana Nut Oatmeal Cookies

• 1 ½ cups rolled oats (not instant)
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts
• ⅓ cup plant-based milk (like almond or soy)
• ¼ cup maple syrup (or agave nectar)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions for Vegan Banana Nut Oatmeal Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
3. Add the plant-based milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well.
4. In the same bowl, add the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix all the ingredients until well combined. The batter will be slightly sticky.
6. Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Enjoy your delicious vegan banana nut oatmeal cookies!

Optional Toppings/Variations

Want to jazz up your cookies even more? Here are some fantastic additions:

• Add a handful of vegan chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
• Sprinkle some extra chopped nuts on top before baking for added crunch.
• Drizzle a little melted vegan dark chocolate over the cooled cookies.

Expert Tips

• Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The more brown spots, the better!
• Don’t overmix the batter. Mix until just combined to prevent tough cookies.
• For a chewier cookie, slightly underbake them. They will continue to set as they cool.
• If your dough is too wet, add a tablespoon more of oats at a time until desired consistency is reached.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I substitute the walnuts with other nuts? Yes, pecans or almonds would also work well. Feel free to use your favorite nuts or a mix.
• Can I use instant oats instead of rolled oats? I recommend using rolled oats for the best texture. If you use instant oats, your cookies might be too soft.
• Can I make these cookies gluten-free? Yes! Just ensure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free, as oats can sometimes be cross-contaminated.
• How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much? Make sure your oven is at the correct temperature and that your batter is not too wet. Chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking can also help.
• Can I freeze these cookies? Absolutely! Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Variations and Customization Options

These cookies are versatile and can be easily adjusted to your liking. Try these variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.
• Nut-free option: Replace walnuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
• Dried fruit delight: Mix in some dried cranberries or raisins for added sweetness and chewiness.
• Peanut butter swirl: Add a dollop of natural peanut butter to each cookie before baking for a delicious peanut butter banana combo.

Serving Suggestions

These vegan banana nut oatmeal cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also enjoy them with a glass of your favorite plant-based milk, a cup of hot tea or coffee, or even as a base for a mini vegan ice cream sandwich. They’re the perfect grab-and-go snack or a comforting treat anytime you crave something sweet and wholesome.

Conclusion

These Vegan Banana Nut Oatmeal Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a testament to how simple, plant-based ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and packed with wholesome goodness, they are a perfect addition to your baking repertoire. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! Share your pictures with me, and don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes!