Forget everything you know about healthy cookies! These oatmeal chia cookies are about to change your snack game forever. We’re talking no-bake magic that takes just 15 minutes and tastes like pure indulgence.
I’m obsessed with these little powerhouses! They’re naturally sweetened with bananas, packed with crunchy chia seeds, and loaded with dark chocolate chunks. Plus, you probably have everything you need sitting in your pantry right now.
The best part? No oven required, no complicated steps, and they actually taste amazing! These banana oatmeal chia seed cookies are perfect for when you want something sweet but don’t want the sugar crash.
Ready to make some cookie magic happen? Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Why These Oatmeal Chia Cookies Are About to Become Your New Obsession
Listen, I’ve tried A LOT of healthy cookie recipes, and most of them taste like cardboard. But these? These are the real deal! The secret is in the combination – bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, while chia seeds give you that satisfying crunch plus a boost of omega-3s.
What makes these oatmeal chia seed cookies so special is that they actually taste indulgent. The medjool dates add this rich, caramel-like sweetness, and those dark chocolate chunks make every bite feel like a treat. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, so they work for pretty much everyone at your next gathering!
Ingredients For these Oatmeal Chia Seed Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need (and trust me, it’s simpler than you think!):
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons chia seeds – These little powerhouses add texture and nutrition
- 1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk – Any plant milk works great here
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed – The riper, the better for natural sweetness
- 3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats – Don’t use quick oats – we want that chewy texture
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut – Adds amazing flavor and texture
- 1/4 cup chopped medjool dates – Nature’s candy! Remove pits first
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chunks – Go for 70% cocoa if you can
- 1 Tablespoon creamy almond butter – Helps bind everything together
- Large pinch of cinnamon – Because everything’s better with cinnamon!
Pro Tips Before We Start:
- Make sure your bananas are super ripe (brown spots are your friend!)
- Chop your dates into small pieces so they distribute evenly
- Room temperature almond butter mixes way easier
How to Make Banana Oatmeal Chia Seed Cookies (Step-by-Step)
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! This is SO much easier than you think:
Step 1: Mix Your Chia Seeds Combine chia seeds with almond milk in a small bowl. Let this sit for about 5 minutes while you prep everything else. The chia seeds will get all gel-like and help bind our cookies together.
Step 2: Mash Those Bananas In a large bowl, mash your bananas really well. I like to leave just a few tiny chunks for texture, but that’s totally up to you! The bananas are doing all the heavy lifting for sweetness here.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients Stir in your chia seed mixture and almond butter to the mashed bananas. Mix until everything’s combined and creamy.
Step 4: Mix in the Dry Stuff Add oats, shredded coconut, chopped dates, and cinnamon. Stir gently until everything’s evenly distributed. Don’t overmix – we want these oatmeal cookies with chia seeds to stay tender!
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Gently fold in those gorgeous chocolate chunks. This is my favorite part because you know it’s about to get delicious!
Step 6: Shape and Chill Using your hands or a spoon, form the mixture into 12 small cookies on a parchment-lined plate. Pop them in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up, and you’re done!
Quick Tips for the Best Oatmeal Cookies with Chia Seeds
Storage Magic: These beauties keep in the fridge for up to a week (if they last that long!). I like to store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
Make Them Your Own: Want to switch things up? Try swapping the chocolate chunks for dried cranberries, or add a handful of chopped walnuts. The base recipe is super forgiving!
Texture Tips: If you like your cookies a bit firmer, add an extra tablespoon of oats. For softer cookies, mash your bananas extra smooth.
If you’re loving the oat vibes, you’ve GOT to try my Baked Oatmeal with Berries – it’s like having dessert for breakfast, but totally guilt-free!
More Healthy Oat Recipes You’ll Love
Since you’re clearly on the healthy oat train (and I’m SO here for it!), let me share a couple more recipes that’ll blow your mind:
My Peanut Butter Oat Breakfast Bars are absolutely incredible – they’re like a cross between a granola bar and a cookie. Perfect for busy mornings when you need something grab-and-go!
And if you’re feeling fancy, these Healthy Flapjack Bars are next-level amazing. They’re chewy, sweet, and somehow taste like they took hours to make (spoiler alert: they didn’t!).
Final Thoughts on These Amazing No-Bake Treats
Guys, I cannot even tell you how much I love these oatmeal chia cookies! They’re proof that healthy doesn’t have to mean boring or tasteless. Every time I make a batch, they disappear so fast – my family can’t get enough!
The best part? You’re getting all that wholesome goodness from oats, chia seeds, and bananas, but it tastes like pure indulgence. These cookies are perfect for afternoon snacks, lunchbox treats, or even a quick breakfast on busy mornings.
So grab those ingredients and give these babies a try! I promise you’re going to fall head-over-heels in love with them.
FAQs About Oatmeal Chia Cookies
Can I put chia seeds in oatmeal cookies?
Absolutely! Chia seeds are PERFECT in oatmeal cookies. They add a lovely crunch, boost the nutritional value with omega-3s, and help bind the ingredients together naturally. Just remember to let them soak in liquid for a few minutes first – it helps them distribute evenly.
Can you eat banana and oatmeal together?
Yes! Banana and oatmeal are actually a match made in heaven. The bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, while the oats provide fiber and that satisfying chewy texture. Plus, this combo gives you sustained energy that’ll keep you happy for hours.
Do I need to soak chia seeds before baking cookies?
For these no-bake cookies, yes! Soaking chia seeds for about 5 minutes helps them form a gel-like consistency that acts as a natural binder. If you’re making traditional baked cookies, you can sometimes skip this step, but soaking always gives better results.
Can you substitute chia seeds for eggs in cookies?
You bet! Chia seeds make an excellent egg replacement. Use 1 tablespoon of chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water (let it sit for 5 minutes) to replace one egg. It’s perfect for vegan baking and adds extra nutrition too!
Banana Oatmeal Chia Seed Cookies
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon
- Parchment paper
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/4 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
- 2 ripe bananas mashed
- 3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup chopped medjool dates pits removed
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chunks preferably 70% cocoa
- 1 tablespoon creamy almond butter
- Large pinch of cinnamon
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine chia seeds and almond milk. Let sit for 5 minutes to thicken.
- In a large bowl, mash the bananas well, leaving some small chunks if desired.
- Add the soaked chia mixture and almond butter to the mashed bananas. Stir until smooth.
- Add oats, shredded coconut, chopped dates, and cinnamon. Mix until evenly combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chunks.
- Form mixture into 12 small cookies on a parchment-lined plate.
- Refrigerate for 10 minutes to firm up before enjoying.
