Easy 2-Ingredient Cookies Recipe You'll Love

by Marta Kowalska 45 views

Hey guys! Who doesn't love a good cookie? But sometimes, the thought of measuring out a million ingredients and spending hours in the kitchen can be a little daunting. What if I told you that you could whip up some seriously delicious cookies with just two ingredients? Yes, you read that right! Two! Let's dive into this super simple, amazingly tasty recipe that's perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet but don't want the fuss.

Why Two-Ingredient Cookies?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of the recipe, let’s talk about why these two-ingredient cookies are a game-changer. First off, they are incredibly easy to make. We're talking minimal effort, maximum reward. You don’t need to be a baking pro to nail this recipe. It’s perfect for beginner bakers, kids who want to help out in the kitchen, or anyone who just wants a quick treat.

Secondly, the simplicity of the recipe means you likely already have the ingredients on hand. No need to run to the store for a long list of items. This makes it a fantastic option for those spontaneous cookie cravings that hit at the most unexpected times. Plus, it's a great way to use up ingredients you might have lingering in your pantry or fridge.

Another huge benefit is the customization potential. While the basic recipe is fantastic on its own, you can easily tweak it to suit your taste. Want to add a little extra flavor? Throw in some chocolate chips, a dash of cinnamon, or a sprinkle of sea salt. The possibilities are endless! This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity, allowing you to experiment and create your own signature cookies.

And let's not forget about the health factor. Depending on the ingredients you choose, these cookies can be a healthier alternative to traditional recipes loaded with butter, sugar, and processed flour. This is especially true if you opt for natural sweeteners or healthier nut butter. So, you can indulge in a sweet treat without feeling too guilty about it.

The Magic Ingredients

So, what are these magical ingredients that can transform into delicious cookies? The stars of our show are:

  • Ripe Bananas: These provide natural sweetness, moisture, and act as a binder for our cookies. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Those brown, spotty bananas you thought were past their prime? They’re perfect for this recipe! They mash easily and add a wonderful depth of flavor.
  • Oatmeal: This is what gives our cookies structure and a lovely chewy texture. Oatmeal is also packed with fiber, making these cookies a slightly healthier option compared to your average sugary treat. You can use either rolled oats or quick oats for this recipe, depending on your preference. Rolled oats will give a slightly chewier texture, while quick oats will result in a smoother cookie.

That’s it! Just two simple ingredients, and you’re on your way to cookie heaven. Now, let’s get baking!

Step-by-Step: Making Your Two-Ingredient Cookies

Alright, let's get down to the fun part: making the cookies! Don’t worry, this is so easy, you’ll be amazed. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of warm, delicious cookies in no time.

Step 1: Prep Your Bananas

First things first, you'll need about two ripe bananas. Peel them and place them in a mixing bowl. Now, grab a fork and mash those bananas until they're nice and smooth. You want to get rid of any big chunks, so really put some elbow grease into it. The smoother the bananas, the better the texture of your cookies will be. This is also a great stress reliever, so go ahead and have some fun with it!

Step 2: Add the Oatmeal

Next, add one cup of oatmeal to the mashed bananas. You can use either rolled oats or quick oats, depending on what you have on hand and your preferred texture. If you like a chewier cookie, go for rolled oats. If you prefer a smoother texture, quick oats are the way to go. Once the oatmeal is in the bowl, give everything a good mix until it’s well combined. You want the oatmeal to be evenly distributed throughout the banana mixture.

Step 3: Get Creative (Optional)

This is where you can get creative and add any extra goodies you like. Chocolate chips are a classic choice, but you could also throw in some chopped nuts, dried fruit, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a dash of vanilla extract. Feel free to experiment and make these cookies your own! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of sea salt to enhance the sweetness. Mix in your chosen additions until they’re evenly distributed.

Step 4: Shape the Cookies

Now it’s time to shape your cookies. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. You can make them any size you like, but keep in mind that they won’t spread much while baking, so shape them as you want them to look.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges. Keep an eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven. Once they’re done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them firm up and prevent them from breaking.

Step 6: Enjoy!

Finally, the best part: it’s time to enjoy your delicious two-ingredient cookies! These are best enjoyed fresh, while they’re still warm and chewy. They’re perfect with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or just on their own as a sweet little treat. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. But let’s be honest, they probably won’t last that long!

Variations and Add-Ins

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity and versatility. While the basic banana and oatmeal combo is fantastic, there are endless ways to customize these cookies to suit your taste. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

  • Chocolate Chip Cookies: This is a classic for a reason! Add about 1/2 cup of your favorite chocolate chips to the batter for a decadent twist. You can use milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips. For an extra touch, try adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
  • Nutty Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. You can also use different types of nut butter, such as peanut butter or almond butter, for a richer taste. Just make sure to adjust the amount of oatmeal if you’re using nut butter, as it can make the cookies denser.
  • Spiced Cookies: A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger can add warmth and spice to your cookies. This is perfect for the fall season or any time you’re craving a cozy treat. You can also add a pinch of cloves for a deeper, more complex flavor.
  • Fruity Cookies: Mix in some dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates for a chewy and sweet addition. Dried fruit adds a lovely texture and a burst of flavor that complements the banana and oatmeal perfectly. You can also add fresh berries, but keep in mind that they might make the cookies a bit more moist.
  • Coconut Cookies: Add shredded coconut for a tropical twist. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness and a delightful chewiness to the cookies. You can use either sweetened or unsweetened coconut, depending on your preference.
  • Protein-Packed Cookies: For a healthier option, add a scoop of protein powder to the batter. This will boost the protein content of the cookies and make them a great post-workout snack. You can use your favorite protein powder flavor, such as vanilla or chocolate, to add an extra layer of flavor.

Tips for Perfect Two-Ingredient Cookies

To ensure your two-ingredient cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

  • Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Those brown, spotty bananas that are sitting on your counter? They’re perfect for this recipe! They mash easily and add a wonderful depth of flavor.
  • Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can result in tough cookies. Mix the ingredients just until they’re combined. There’s no need to beat the mixture vigorously. A gentle stir is all you need.
  • Adjust Oatmeal for Texture: If you prefer a chewier cookie, use rolled oats. If you prefer a smoother texture, use quick oats. You can also adjust the amount of oatmeal slightly to achieve your desired consistency. If the batter seems too wet, add a bit more oatmeal. If it seems too dry, add a splash of milk or water.
  • Shape the Cookies Evenly: To ensure the cookies bake evenly, try to make them all the same size and shape. This will help them cook at the same rate and prevent some from being overbaked while others are underbaked.
  • Let Them Cool: It’s tempting to dig in as soon as the cookies come out of the oven, but letting them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack will help them firm up and prevent them from breaking. This is especially important for these delicate cookies.
  • Store Properly: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This will help them stay fresh and prevent them from drying out. If you want to store them for longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to two months.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – a super easy, incredibly delicious two-ingredient cookie recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a beginner baker, a busy parent, or just someone craving a quick and tasty treat, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. With just two simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can whip up a batch of warm, chewy cookies that everyone will love.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different add-ins and variations. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe so much fun. So, grab your bananas and oatmeal, and let’s get baking! Enjoy, guys!