If you’re looking for a cozy, wholesome treat that feels like a small victory on any busy day, then this 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies Recipe is about to become your new best friend. With just ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and hearty rolled oats, you get chewy, naturally sweet cookies that satisfy your snack cravings without any fuss or complicated steps. These cookies are perfect for those moments when you want homemade goodness without pulling together a long list of ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Only three simple pantry basics bring these cookies to life, each playing a crucial role in creating just the right flavor, texture, and richness. Let’s walk through why these ingredients are so essential:
- 2 ripe bananas: The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
- 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned oats): These give the cookies their classic hearty texture, perfect for that satisfying chew.
- 1/2 cup peanut butter: Adds richness and a luscious creaminess that ties the cookies together.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a medium bowl, mash the 2 ripe bananas until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are absolutely fine—these add a little texture and character to your cookies.
Step 3: Stir in the Peanut Butter
Add the 1/2 cup peanut butter to your mashed bananas. Mix thoroughly until the mixture looks creamy and cohesive, giving your dough a beautiful, rich base.
Step 4: Incorporate the Oats
Pour in 1 cup of rolled oats and stir it into the mixture. The dough will be thick and slightly sticky—think scoopable rather than pourable—which is perfect for shaping cookies.
Step 5 (Optional): Add Extra Flavors
This is your moment to get creative! A handful of chocolate chips, raisins, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a splash of vanilla can add personality without complicating the recipe.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop mounds of dough onto your prepared baking sheet and gently flatten each one. Because these cookies won’t spread much on their own, shaping them before baking is key.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, keeping an eye on the edges—they should look set and the tops lightly firm when they’re ready to come out of the oven.
Step 8: Cool Briefly
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This short rest period helps the cookies finish setting and keeps their texture tender.
How to Serve 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few toasted oats or a light dusting of cinnamon on top for visual appeal and a subtle flavor boost. Drizzling a little melted peanut butter or honey adds an inviting shine and extra richness too.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of tea, or your favorite coffee. Their hearty texture and natural sweetness make them a great companion for simple beverages that highlight their wholesome goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board alongside nuts, fresh fruit, or a small bowl of yogurt for a delightful snack platter. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies with a smear of peanut butter or cream cheese for a quick, indulgent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your oatmeal cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keeping them sealed helps retain their soft, chewy texture and fresh flavor.
Freezing
If you want to save these cozy cookies for later, freeze them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag once solid. This way you can keep them fresh for up to three months.
Reheating
To revive your frozen or leftover cookies, warm them in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness you love.
FAQs
Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter work just as well and can add a different flavor profile to these delightful cookies.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, these cookies are safe for a gluten-free diet.
Can I add sweeteners like honey or maple syrup?
The bananas provide a natural sweetness, but if you prefer a sweeter cookie, a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup can be added without disrupting the simplicity too much.
What’s the best way to make the cookies softer?
For softer cookies, bake them closer to the 10-minute mark and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet, which helps keep moisture inside.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales up easily. Just double the ingredients and bake on multiple sheets, rotating them halfway through to ensure even baking.
Final Thoughts
There is something wonderfully rewarding about whipping up a batch of these warm, chewy treats with just three basic ingredients you probably already have on hand. This 3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies Recipe brings back the simple joy of baking without the fuss, proving that sometimes the best things in life are charmingly uncomplicated. Go ahead — treat yourself and your loved ones to this easy, cozy win today!
Print
3-Ingredient Oatmeal Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These 3-ingredient oatmeal cookies are a simple and wholesome treat made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, and peanut butter. Perfect for busy days, they come together quickly with no mixer required, offering a cozy, healthy snack that you can customize with optional add-ins like chocolate chips or raisins.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned oats)
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
Optional Add-Ins
- Chocolate chips
- Raisins
- A pinch of cinnamon
- A splash of vanilla extract
- A tiny pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Mash the bananas: In a medium bowl, mash 2 ripe bananas until they are mostly smooth, leaving a few small lumps for texture.
- Stir in the peanut butter: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter to the mashed bananas and mix until the mixture is creamy and cohesive.
- Add the oats: Stir in 1 cup of rolled oats. The dough will become thick and slightly sticky, scoopable but not pourable.
- Fold in optional add-ins: If desired, gently fold in chocolate chips, raisins, a pinch of cinnamon, a splash of vanilla, or a tiny pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
- Portion and shape: Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds onto the lined baking sheet and gently flatten them. These cookies won’t spread much during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges look set and the tops feel lightly firm to the touch.
- Cool briefly: Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a rack to finish setting and maintain a tender texture.
- Texture tips: For softer cookies, bake closer to 10 minutes; for firmer, toastier cookies, bake near 12 minutes.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for natural sweetness and better mashability.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats provide a hearty texture; quick oats can be used but will result in a softer cookie.
- Peanut butter can be substituted with almond or sunflower butter if preferred.
- Optional add-ins like chocolate chips or raisins are tasty but not necessary.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- These cookies are naturally gluten-free if using certified gluten-free oats.
