Easy Vegan Banana Fig Oatmeal Cookies: Healthy Breakfast & Snack Idea

2 weeks ago

Inspired by: @david-

Looking for a healthy, satisfying, and incredibly easy way to start your day or fuel your afternoon? These Vegan Banana Fig Oatmeal Cookies are your perfect solution! Naturally sweetened with ripe bananas and chewy dried figs, these cookies are a wholesome, plant-based treat that comes together in minutes. They’re ideal for busy mornings, a post-workout bite, or a guilt-free snack. Plus, they’re versatile and adaptable to various dietary needs, including being naturally dairy-free and egg-free.

This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly delightful. As one abillion user humorously noted about the original recipe, "Hahaha... love that humour David! (Or is it just in the mind of the beholder? :-)", referring to the fun flexibility in shaping these cookies. Whether you make them big, small, or somewhere in between, they're sure to be a hit!

Here’s how you can whip up a batch of these delicious and healthy cookies.

Ingredients for Vegan Fig Oatmeal Cookies laid out on a rustic wooden surface, featuring ripe bananas, rolled oats, chopped dried figs, almonds, chia seeds, and cardamom, ready for mixing.

What You'll Need

Equipment

Baking sheet
Mixing bowl
Fork or potato masher (for bananas)

Ingredients

2 overripe bananas, mashed
1 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup ground almonds
3/4 cup dried figs, chopped (Look for soft, budget-friendly options, like the ones from Turkey often found at stores like Lidl.)
1/2 teaspoon cardamom
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon sweetener of choice (e.g., sugar, agave syrup)

Baking sheet lined with parchment paper, topped with small, round portions of the vegan fig oatmeal cookie dough, ready to be baked.

Simple Steps to Deliciousness

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed overripe bananas, rolled oats, ground almonds, chopped dried figs, cardamom, chia seeds, and your chosen sweetener.
Stir everything together thoroughly until well combined.
Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes. This allows the chia seeds and oats to absorb some moisture, helping the cookies hold their shape. If the mixture seems too runny after this resting period, simply add a bit more oats or almond flour until it reaches a firm, moldable consistency.
Form balls or flattened cookie shapes from the mixture and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch. Baking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your cookies.

A close-up of baked vegan fig oatmeal cookies, showing their soft, chewy texture and visible bits of dried figs and oats, resting on a cooling rack.

Tips for the Perfect Batch

Overripe Bananas are Key: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more moist your cookies will be. They also act as a fantastic natural binder.
Consistency Control: Don't hesitate to adjust the amount of oats or almond flour if your dough feels too wet or too dry. The goal is a firm, scoopable mixture.
Get Creative with Spices: While cardamom adds a unique warmth, feel free to experiment with cinnamon, nutmeg, or a dash of ginger for different flavor profiles.
Storage: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. They also freeze well for longer storage!

Variations & Adaptations

Gluten-Free: Ensure you use certified gluten-free rolled oats to make these cookies suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Add-Ins Galore: Boost the flavor and texture by adding a handful of vegan chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, pecans, or sunflower seeds.
Extra Sweetness: If your bananas aren't super ripe or you prefer a sweeter cookie, increase the amount of sweetener slightly to taste.
Fig Alternatives: Not a fig fan? Swap them out for other dried fruits like chopped dates, raisins, apricots, or cranberries.

These simple, wholesome cookies are a delightful way to enjoy a quick, healthy bite. Give them a try and discover your new favorite go-to snack!

A stack of freshly baked vegan fig oatmeal cookies, showcasing their inviting texture and delicious appearance.