Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only three pantry ingredients
• No mixer required
• Ready in under 20 minutes
• Soft, chewy texture
• Naturally flourless
• Easy to customize with chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit
• Perfect beginner baking recipe

What Are 3 Ingredient Cookies?

These cookies are often called peanut butter banana oat cookies because they’re traditionally made with ripe bananas, peanut butter, and old-fashioned oats. The combination creates a naturally sweet, soft cookie that tastes like a cross between a breakfast cookie and dessert.

Popular food blogs often highlight how versatile these cookies are, and for good reason. They’re simple enough for everyday baking but easily dressed up with endless flavor combinations.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ripe Bananas

The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.

Peanut Butter

Creamy peanut butter works best for a smooth texture. Natural peanut butter can also work but may create a softer cookie.

Old-Fashioned Oats

Old-fashioned oats provide the best chewy texture, although quick oats can be substituted in a pinch.

Ingredient Measurements

• 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups old-fashioned oats

Optional additions:

• Chocolate chips
• Cinnamon
• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Raisins or dried cranberries
• Vanilla extract
• Flaky sea salt

How to Make 3 Ingredient Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until mostly smooth.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Stir in the peanut butter and oats until fully combined.

Step 4: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, place portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the cookies are lightly golden around the edges.

Step 6: Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

What Do These Cookies Taste Like?

These cookies have a soft, chewy texture with a lightly sweet banana flavor and rich peanut butter taste. They’re less sugary than traditional cookies, making them a wonderful option for breakfast, snacks, or healthier desserts.

For a sweeter cookie experience, adding mini chocolate chips transforms them into an irresistible treat.

Tips and Tricks for the Best 3 Ingredient Cookies

Use very ripe bananas. Brown spotted bananas provide the best sweetness and moisture.

Do not overbake. These cookies continue to set as they cool.

Use old-fashioned oats for the chewiest texture.

Chill the dough for 10 minutes if it seems too soft.

Add a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top for bakery-style flavor.

Mix in mini chocolate chips for a more dessert-like cookie.

Slightly flatten the cookies before baking since they do not spread much.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for an extra soft and chewy texture.

Variations to Try

Chocolate Chip Version

Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips.

Peanut Butter Lover’s Cookies

Add extra peanut butter drizzle after baking.

Cinnamon Raisin Cookies

Mix in raisins and a teaspoon of cinnamon.

Trail Mix Cookies

Stir in chopped nuts and dried fruit.

Double Chocolate Cookies

Add cocoa powder and chocolate chips.

Caraway

For these easy 3-ingredient cookies, I love using my Caraway Half Sheet Pan because it helps the cookies bake evenly while preventing overbrowning on the bottoms. The naturally slick ceramic coating means you can use less oil and enjoy easy cleanup afterward—perfect for quick baking recipes like this one. If you’re making multiple batches for meal prep or school snacks, the generous size of the baking sheet gives you plenty of room to bake all the cookies at once while still allowing enough airflow for perfectly chewy centers and lightly crisp edges. Click here for an extra savings on your order. Discount applied at checkout.

Storage Instructions

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 1 week.

These cookies also freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I Make These Ahead?

Absolutely. The dough can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

Serving Suggestions

These cookies are delicious with:

• A glass of cold milk
• Morning coffee
• Afternoon tea
• Vanilla yogurt
• Ice cream sandwiches
• Packed school lunches

Why These Cookies Are So Popular

Simple recipes continue to dominate online searches because people are looking for quick, affordable desserts with minimal ingredients. These cookies are approachable, family-friendly, and incredibly forgiving, making them ideal for beginner bakers and experienced home cooks alike.

More Cookie Recipes to Try

If you loved these easy 3 ingredient cookies, be sure to try these reader favorites:

• Molasses Cookies
• Wedding Cookies
• Shortbread Cookies
• Eggless Cookie Dough
• Chocolate Chip Blondies
• Sugar Cookies
• Snickerdoodle Cookies
• Oatmeal Cookies
• Brownies with Chocolate Chips
• Vanilla Cupcakes
• Homemade Frosting

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use quick oats instead of old-fashioned oats?

Yes. Quick oats work well, although the texture will be slightly softer.

Can I make these cookies without peanut butter?

Yes. Almond butter, sunflower butter, or cashew butter work nicely.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

They can be if you use certified gluten-free oats.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely. Chocolate chips are one of the most popular additions.

Why are my cookies too soft?

They may need additional baking time or your bananas may have been extra large.

Do these cookies spread?

No. They hold their shape, so gently flatten them before baking.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes. Scoop the dough into portions and freeze for up to 2 months.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Very ripe with plenty of brown spots.

Can kids help make these?

Definitely. This is one of the easiest recipes for little helpers.

Can I use crunchy peanut butter?

Yes. It adds a delicious texture.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes. The recipe is naturally vegan as written.

Why are my cookies dry?

Too many oats or overbaking can cause dryness.

Can I add protein powder?

Yes, although you may need a little extra banana to maintain moisture.

Are these healthy cookies?

They’re a wholesome option made with simple ingredients and no refined flour.

Can I make mini cookies?

Yes. Reduce the baking time by 1 to 2 minutes.

Can I use steel-cut oats?

No. Steel-cut oats are too firm for this recipe.

What can I add for more sweetness?

Honey, maple syrup, or chocolate chips work well.

How do I know when they’re done?

The edges will appear lightly golden and the centers will be set.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. This recipe scales beautifully.

Can I make them in the air fryer?

Yes. Air fry at 325°F for about 6 to 8 minutes.

Can I use almond butter?

Yes. Almond butter creates a delicious nutty flavor.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes. Thaw and drain excess liquid before using.

Do these cookies taste like bananas?

Yes, but the peanut butter balances the flavor nicely.

Can I add cinnamon?

Absolutely. Cinnamon pairs beautifully with banana and oats.

How long do leftovers last?

About 3 days at room temperature or 1 week refrigerated.

Are these good for meal prep?

Yes. They make an excellent grab-and-go snack.

Can I add nuts?

Yes. Pecans and walnuts are delicious additions.

Can I make bars instead?

Yes. Press the mixture into an 8×8 pan and bake slightly longer.

Why are these cookies so popular?

Because they are easy, affordable, customizable, and require minimal ingredients.

What is the best way to serve them?

Warm with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and a few chocolate chips.