Cocoa Banana Nut Butter Cookies – Quick & Healthy Snack Idea!

These cocoa banana oat flour cookies are such a treat! The combination of cocoa and banana makes them sweet and rich without being overwhelming. Plus, the oat flour gives them this lovely, slightly nutty flavor that feels a little extra special. Do you know how sometimes cookies can feel too heavy? These are just the opposite—light but still so satisfying!

The smell that fills the kitchen while they’re baking is incredible! That warm, comforting aroma of cocoa and honey makes it impossible to wait for them to cool down. They’re perfect for those moments when you want something sweet but wholesome enough to enjoy without feeling too indulgent. And seriously, who can resist that chocolatey goodness with a hint of banana?

I’m always a fan of cookies that come together easily, and these do just that. You don’t need any fancy equipment or ingredients—just grab a few pantry staples, and you’re good to go! It’s one of those recipes you can whip up whenever you feel like a cozy snack, whether it’s a lazy afternoon or a late-night craving.

And the best part? These cookies have that perfect balance of softness and chewiness. Every bite has a little bit of everything—moist banana, rich cocoa, and that hearty texture from the oat flour. They’re great with a cup of tea or coffee, and honestly, once you try one, it’s hard to stop!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Chocolate Flavor: The combination of cocoa and banana creates a rich and satisfying chocolate experience. Plus, with more cocoa, every bite is a chocolate lover’s dream!

• Naturally Sweetened: This recipe uses honey as a sweetener, making it a healthier option compared to cookies loaded with refined sugars. You’ll enjoy the sweetness without the guilt!

• Nut Butter Goodness: Adding nut butter not only enhances the flavor but also adds healthy fats and protein. It’s a great way to make your cookies a bit more filling and satisfying!

• Easy to Make: You don’t need any fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Just mix it all together and bake—perfect for when you want something delicious without a lot of fuss!

• Wholesome Ingredients: With oat flour, bananas, and nut butter, these cookies are packed with nutrients. They make a great snack or dessert that you can feel good about enjoying!

• Paleo-Friendly: This recipe fits well within the paleo guidelines. It uses whole, natural ingredients without any processed sugars or grains, making it a great choice for a paleo diet!

• Gluten-Free: This recipe is gluten-free if you use gluten-free all-purpose flour! Just make sure to check the labels on your ingredients to be safe, and you can enjoy these cookies worry-free!

Ingredients Needed

• Ripe Banana: Choose a banana that’s very ripe, as the natural sweetness enhances the flavor and helps bind the cookies together.

• Oat Flour: Look for finely ground oat flour for the best texture, or you can easily make your own by blending rolled oats until fine!

• All-Purpose Flour: Regular all-purpose flour helps give structure to the cookies, balancing the moisture from the bananas and nut butter.

• Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder to control the sweetness in the cookies and give them a rich chocolate flavor.

• Honey: Opt for raw or local honey for a touch of floral flavor that enhances the overall taste of the cookies!

• Nut Butter: Almond butter, peanut butter, or any nut butter of your choice adds creaminess and healthy fats—just make sure it’s smooth for easy mixing!

• Baking Powder: This is essential for helping the cookies rise slightly, making them softer and fluffier.

• Coconut Oil or Butter: Either works well, but if you choose coconut oil, make sure it’s melted for easier incorporation into the dough.

• Optional Ingredients: Feel free to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or just shredded coconut like I did for an extra layer of flavor and texture that makes these cookies even more delightful!

How To Make: Step-By-Step

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and helps achieve that perfect texture. While the oven is heating, you can prepare your cookie dough!

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray or oil.

Step 3: Mash the Banana

• In a medium mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork until it’s smooth. Ensure there are no large chunks left, as you want a creamy consistency. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful it will be!

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

• To the mashed banana, add the honey and nut butter (like almond or peanut butter), along with the melted coconut oil (or butter). Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined and smooth. This creates a rich, sweet base for your cookie dough!

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the oat flour, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Make sure there are no lumps, especially with the cocoa powder. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or spoon until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—just mix until you see no dry flour. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.

Step 7: Optional Add-Ins

• If you’d like, now’s the time to fold in any optional ingredients like chocolate chips or chopped nuts. This adds extra flavor and texture, making your cookies even more delightful!

Step 8: Scoop the Dough

• Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, form small balls of dough (about 1-2 tablespoons each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each ball, as they will spread a bit during baking.

Step 9: Flatten the Cookies

• Gently press down on each dough ball with the back of a spoon or your fingers to flatten them slightly. This helps them bake more evenly and gives them a nice shape!

Step 10: Bake the Cookies

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look soft.

Step 11: Cool the Cookies

• Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set and makes it easier to transfer them without breaking.

Step 12: Transfer and Enjoy

• After a few minutes, carefully transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Once they’re cooled, enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, or simply as a delicious snack!

Tips & Ideas

• Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and flavor. The brown spots on the skin indicate they’re perfect for baking!
• Nut Butter Variations: Experiment with different nut butters like cashew or sunflower seed butter for a unique twist! Each nut butter brings its own flavor and creaminess to the cookies.
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer sweeter cookies, feel free to increase the amount of honey slightly. You can also add a bit of maple syrup for extra sweetness and flavor!
• Add Spices: Consider adding spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile. Just a teaspoon of vanilla can make a big difference!
• Texture: For a bit of crunch, mix in some chopped nuts or seeds. Almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds can add a delightful texture!

Alternatives:

• Flour Alternatives: If you don’t have all-purpose flour, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend that mimics all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind that different flours may alter the texture slightly.

• Sweetener Options: Instead of honey, you can use agave nectar, maple syrup, or date syrup. Adjust the quantity based on your sweetness preference, as these can vary in sweetness!

• Dairy-Free Options: If you want to make these cookies dairy-free, stick with coconut oil or nut butters and ensure your chocolate chips (if using) are dairy-free as well.

• Flavor Add-Ins: Try adding a tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the dough for a mocha flavor. It pairs wonderfully with chocolate!

• Chilling the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes can help the cookies hold their shape better while baking. This is especially helpful if you’re in a warm environment!