By Mary | Pur & Simple Recipes
Some recipes don’t just taste good—they bring comfort, nostalgia, and just the right amount of joy with every bite. That’s exactly what these Nutella Banana Oatmeal Cookies are all about.
They’re soft, chewy, a little gooey in the center (thanks, Nutella!), and naturally sweet from ripe bananas. They’re the kind of treat that feels indulgent, yet wholesome enough to sneak into a lunchbox or enjoy with a mid-afternoon tea.
Let’s explore what makes these cookies so simple, so delicious—and why they might just become your new go-to bake.
The Magic Trio: Nutella, Banana, and Oats
There’s a reason this combination works so well. Each of these ingredients brings something unique to the table:
- Bananas act as a natural sweetener, a binding agent, and a source of moisture. Plus, they bring that familiar warmth and softness that only banana-based cookies can.
- Nutella, with its silky hazelnut-chocolate swirl, brings richness and just the right amount of indulgence.
- Oats add texture, fiber, and a rustic, hearty feel that balances the sweetness.
Together? These three create a chewy, slightly crisped-edge cookie with a soft, fudgy middle. You get layers of flavor and texture with every bite.
This isn’t your standard sugar-laden, flour-heavy dessert. These banana nutella oatmeal cookies feel like a cozy, chocolatey hug. They’re simple to mix, even simpler to love.
Why These Cookies Are a Win for Busy Days
If you’re someone who juggles a million things before lunch, this recipe will speak to your soul. These cookies don’t require complicated steps or multiple bowls. They can be mixed in minutes—no fancy equipment, no creaming butter, no chilling time.
The batter is naturally soft and forgiving, making it perfect even if you’re not a confident baker. And the best part? They bake in under 15 minutes.
You could be baking while the coffee brews, or whipping up a batch while dinner finishes. That’s how banana and nutella cookies sneak into your weekly rotation—not because you plan them, but because they’re just that easy.
From After-School Snack to Grown-Up Dessert
At first glance, these cookies might look like they’re made for kids—and yes, they are fantastic for little hands and big smiles. But don’t be fooled—they’re just as satisfying for adults.
Serve them warm with coffee, dunked in milk, or even paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert. The combination of oats and banana gives them a homey, almost breakfast-y quality, while the Nutella makes sure they still feel like a treat.
That’s the charm of banana nutella cookies—they walk the line between snack and indulgence. Perfect for family life, solo cravings, or sharing with friends over tea.
Nutella Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas mashed
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1/2 cup Nutella
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mash bananas until smooth.
- Add oats, Nutella, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt; mix well.
- Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until cookies are set and slightly golden.
- Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Healthier Than They Taste
While we’ll never claim cookies are a health food, this batch is surprisingly balanced:
- No refined sugar when made with ripe bananas
- Fiber from the oats supports digestion and fullness
- Lower in fat than traditional cookies, especially if Nutella is used sparingly
If you’re mindful about what you eat but still want to indulge, these cookies offer a satisfying compromise—just like our Cottage Cheese Egg and Banana Pancakes, they prove that healthy and delicious can absolutely go hand in hand.. They’re soft, sweet, and perfectly portioned, without the crash that comes with ultra-processed baked goods.
Perfect for Gifting or Prepping Ahead
You know those recipes that look homemade in the best possible way? These cookies fall right into that category. Their slightly uneven shape, flecks of oats, and swirls of chocolate make them feel thoughtful and rustic—like something from your favorite local bakery.
That makes them ideal for gifting—or pairing with a comforting bowl of something savory like our Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup, for a sweet-and-savory combo that’s hard to beat. Wrap a few in parchment with twine, add a handwritten tag, and you’ve got a beautiful little gift for teachers, neighbors, or coworkers.
And if you’re a meal-prep fan? These cookies store well in airtight containers and freeze like a dream. Having a stash of nutella banana oatmeal cookies ready to go is like future-you giving present-you a sweet little hug.
Tips for Best Results
These cookies are hard to mess up—but here are a few tips to help them shine:
- Use overripe bananas. The browner, the better. They’re sweeter and add more flavor.
- Don’t overbake. Pull them when the edges are just golden—they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Swirl Nutella gently into the batter if you like marbled pockets of chocolate.
- For an extra treat, press a chocolate chip or banana slice on top before baking.
Want a slightly crispier edge? Add a spoonful of coconut oil to the batter. Prefer a softer bite? Let the cookies cool completely before storing in an airtight tin.
Variations to Try
One of my favorite things about baking is how easy it is to make a recipe your own. Here are a few fun ways to riff on the classic:
- Add walnuts or pecans for crunch, or pair them with something hearty and vibrant like our Sweet Potato Beet Kale Salad for a balanced snack plate that satisfies all your cravings.
- Sprinkle sea salt on top before baking for contrast
- Use dark chocolate hazelnut spread for a deeper flavor
- Mix in shredded coconut for a chewy tropical twist
Whatever you choose, this recipe plays well with extras. It’s a flexible, forgiving base that’s open to creativity.
FAQs – Nutella Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Is it OK to eat banana with Nutella?
Absolutely! Bananas and Nutella pair beautifully together, offering a naturally sweet and creamy combo that’s both comforting and indulgent. It’s no surprise they’re the stars in recipes like banana nutella cookies, where the fruity richness of banana complements the chocolate-hazelnut swirl perfectly.
How do you make banana oatmeal with Nutella?
Making banana oatmeal with Nutella is as easy as mashing ripe bananas, stirring in oats, and swirling through a spoonful of Nutella. Baked together, they become incredibly soft and chewy—just like in banana nutella oatmeal cookies, which are perfect for a quick snack or breakfast-on-the-go.
Why can’t you use instant oats in cookies?
Instant oats tend to break down too much when mixed, leading to a mushy texture that doesn’t hold up in baking. For recipes like banana and nutella cookies, it’s best to use old-fashioned or rolled oats. They provide structure and that satisfying chewy bite every good cookie needs.
What is the secret to moist cookies?
Moist cookies come down to balancing moisture-rich ingredients with proper bake time. Ripe bananas naturally provide that moisture, while Nutella adds richness. That’s why banana nutella oatmeal cookies turn out soft and fudgy in the center—they’re designed to stay tender and irresistible.
A Cookie You’ll Come Back To
Once you’ve made a batch, you’ll understand. These cookies are the kind you come back to when you don’t want to think too hard, but still want something special. They’re soft, familiar, and just fancy enough to feel fun.
Whether it’s a rainy weekend, a busy weekday morning, or a last-minute dessert, these cookies bring cozy vibes—especially when enjoyed after a warm bowl of Marry Me Chicken Tortellini Soup.
And if you sneak one straight from the tray while they’re still warm and gooey? No judgment. That’s how they’re meant to be enjoyed.
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