Introduction
Banana-Oat Christmas Cookies with Cinnamon and Raisins are a soft, comforting delight that embody the warm spirit of the holidays. Each cookie blends mashed bananas, rolled oats, cinnamon, and plump raisins into a wholesome, naturally sweet treat. They’re perfect for festive mornings, cozy evenings, or anytime you want a guilt‑free snack that feels like a hug. With their chewy texture and nostalgic flavor, these cookies add a touch of homemade magic to the Christmas season—simple ingredients, easy preparation, and plenty of joy baked right in.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Holiday baking has long been a cherished tradition across cultures, and these cookies embrace that legacy with a healthier twist. The combination of oats, bananas, and cinnamon reflects a shift toward mindful celebration—honoring seasonal flavors while reducing refined sugar. Bananas and oats have roots in many traditional breakfasts and baked goods, symbolizing comfort and nourishment. Cinnamon, a holiday staple, brings warmth and festivity. Together, they create a treat that feels classic, modern, and deeply comforting.
Unique Ingredients and Flavors
What makes these cookies special is the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, eliminating the need for added sugar. Rolled oats provide heartiness and a chewy structure, while raisins offer juicy bursts of sweetness. A generous sprinkle of cinnamon ties everything together with unmistakable holiday warmth. Optional add‑ins like chopped nuts, vanilla, or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile even further, but even the base recipe shines with pure, simple goodness.
Cooking Techniques
The recipe is wonderfully beginner‑friendly—just mix, shape, and bake. The key lies in using very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture. Oats should rest briefly in the mixture so they can absorb the banana and become soft and cookie‑like. Baking at a moderate temperature ensures the cookies remain tender rather than dry. This hands‑off method allows you to enjoy a festive treat without fuss, keeping the holiday spirit relaxed and joyful.
Banana-Oat Christmas Cookies with Cinnamon and Raisins
Description
These Banana-Oat Christmas Cookies with Cinnamon and Raisins are easy to make, incredibly soft, and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas. Perfect for a healthier holiday treat everyone can enjoy.
Ingredients for Banana-Oat Christmas Cookies with Cinnamon and Raisins
Instructions
Preparing the Cookie Dough
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Mash the Bananas
Mash the bananas thoroughly in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy. This creates the base moisture for the dough.
The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cookies. -
Combine Dry Ingredients
Add oats, cinnamon, salt, and raisins to the mashed bananas. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
Let the mixture rest for 3–5 minutes so the oats soften slightly. -
Add Vanilla and Optional Nuts
Stir in vanilla extract and, if using, chopped walnuts. Mix until fully incorporated.
Don’t overmix—just combine gently to keep the texture soft.
Shaping and Baking
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Shape the Cookies
Scoop tablespoon‑sized portions onto a parchment‑lined baking sheet. Flatten each portion lightly with the back of a spoon to form cookie shapes.
These cookies won’t spread in the oven, so shape them as you want them to appear. -
Bake
Bake at 350°F for 12–15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Avoid over‑baking to keep the cookies soft and tender. -
Cool and Serve
Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Cooling helps the cookies firm up to the perfect chewy texture.
Note
- Use bananas with plenty of brown spots—they offer the sweetest flavor.
- If the mixture seems dry, add 1 extra tablespoon of mashed banana.
- For extra warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger.
- To make the cookies chewier, let the dough rest for up to 10 minutes.
- For more texture, use golden raisins or a mix of dried fruits.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness.
- For a firmer cookie, bake an additional 2–3 minutes.
- Add dark chocolate chips for a more indulgent variation.
