If you love cookies but want a treat that’s both delicious and nourishing, these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies are a perfect choice. Packed with wholesome ingredients like rolled oats, peanut butter, shredded coconut, and naturally sweet bananas, these cookies are naturally sweetened, lower in sugar, and full of fiber. They’re also gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, making them a snack everyone can enjoy.
Why These Cookies Are a Healthier Treat
We all crave something sweet from time to time, but it’s important that those treats actually provide some nutritional value. These cookies hit the sweet spot between indulgence and nourishment. Here’s why they stand out:
- Homemade goodness: You know exactly what’s in every bite—no hidden preservatives or processed sugars.
- Wholesome flavors: Made with natural, clean ingredients that taste amazing on their own, without the need for artificial flavors.
- Nutrient-rich: Packed with fiber, healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins, these cookies are more than just a snack—they’re a mini nutritional boost.
These cookies are perfect for breakfast on the go, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a guilt-free dessert. The combination of oats, peanut butter, and bananas makes them satisfying and filling, so you’ll feel energized rather than sluggish after eating one.
Using Natural Sweeteners
Sugar isn’t inherently bad, but excessive refined sugar can spike blood sugar levels, affect gut health, and even impact immunity. One of the best ways to sweeten baked goods naturally is with fruit. Ripe bananas, dates, or other naturally sweet fruits provide a subtle sweetness while adding fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
For this recipe, mashed bananas play a starring role. They provide natural sweetness and moisture, making the cookies soft and tender. Plus, they’re packed with potassium, vitamin B6, and antioxidants, which help support overall health.
Pro tip: Don’t toss overripe bananas! Those spotty bananas are perfect for this recipe. You can even peel them, freeze them, and use them whenever you’re ready to bake.
Why Oats Are a Star Ingredient
Rolled oats are another key ingredient in these cookies. They are rich in fiber, particularly beta-glucan, which supports digestion and heart health. Oats also help make the cookies filling and satisfying without needing added unhealthy fats.
Pairing oats with peanut butter adds a boost of plant-based protein and healthy fats. This combination ensures that your cookies are more than just a sweet snack—they help keep you full and energized.
The Perfect Balance of Chocolate
No cookie is complete without chocolate. Using a moderate amount of dark chocolate chips provides the indulgent flavor everyone loves without overpowering the natural sweetness of bananas. Dark chocolate also offers antioxidants, making it a slightly healthier choice than milk chocolate.
A Cookie for Everyone
These cookies are naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, which makes them suitable for a wide variety of dietary needs. Whether you’re looking for a snack to enjoy at home, a breakfast option, or a dessert that won’t derail your healthy eating goals, these cookies are versatile enough to fit the bill.
They are easy to make, require minimal ingredients, and come together in less than half an hour. Plus, storing them is simple: they keep well in a sealed container in the fridge for up to five days, making them perfect for meal prep or grab-and-go snacks.
Print
Healthy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
2 medium very ripe bananas
1/4 cup Choc Zero syrup, maple syrup, or honey
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
1 1/2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth.
- Mix the base: Add your choice of syrup (Choc Zero, maple, or honey), sea salt, baking powder, and peanut butter to the mashed bananas. Stir well until fully combined.
- Add the dry ingredients: Fold in the rolled oats, then add the chocolate chips and shredded coconut. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Form the cookies: Using a tablespoon, scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough for each cookie and place on the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 1 inch between cookies.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 18 minutes, or until the bottoms are lightly golden.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack or serving.
Notes
- Ripe bananas: The riper, the better. Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture.
- Nut butter: Use any natural peanut or almond butter without added sugar or hydrogenated oils.
- Chocolate: Adjust chocolate chips according to preference. You can also add chopped nuts for extra texture.
- Sweetness: If you prefer sweeter cookies, slightly increase the syrup or honey.
- Vegan option: Make sure your syrup or chocolate chips are vegan-friendly to keep the recipe fully plant-based.
