Brown Butter Caramelized Date and Banana Oatmeal Cookies
These Brown Cutter Caramelized Date and Banana Oatmeal Cookies are everything you want in a cozy dessert—soft and gooey in the middle, perfectly crisp and golden around the edges, and packed with layers of flavor. Melty chocolate chips pair with sweet, caramelized bits of banana and date in every bite. Finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and best enjoyed warm with a cold glass of milk, these cookies are a nostalgic, bakery-style treat you’ll keep coming back to.
If you try out this recipe, I’d love to see it! Leave a comment with a star rating below and tag @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and hashtag it #wellmadebykiley
Ingredients You Need:
Full ingredients and recipe are in the recipe card below. Read through this section for all the ingredients substitution and baking tips!
All-purpose flour
Old-fashioned rolled oats
Cinnamon
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Salted butter
Brown sugar, light or dark
Granulated sugar
Ripe bananas
Egg yolk
Vanilla extract
Chocolate chips
Flaky sea salt, for topping
Medjool dates
Why You’ll Love Brown Butter Caramelized Date and Banana Oatmeal Cookies:
Soft and Gooey Centers: Each bite has a warm, chewy middle that contrasts perfectly with the crisp edges.
Golden, Crisp Edges: The cookies bake up with beautifully caramelized, golden edges that add texture and flavor.
Caramelized Fruit Flavor: Chopped dates and banana pieces get caramelized during baking, creating deep, rich sweetness in every bite.
Brown Butter Boost: Brown butter adds a nutty, toasty depth that takes these cookies to the next level.
Melty Chocolate Chips: Pockets of melted chocolate give these cookies a comforting, indulgent finish.
Perfectly Balanced: The natural fruit sweetness pairs beautifully with dark chocolate and flaky sea salt.
Easy to Make and Share: These cookies come together with simple ingredients and are always a crowd favorite.
Great with Milk or Coffee: Enjoy them warm with a cold glass of milk or your favorite coffee for the ultimate cozy treat.
No Fancy Equipment Needed: You don’t need a mixer or chill time—just a bowl, a spoon, and an oven.
Tips for Making Brown Butter Caramelized Date and Banana Oatmeal Cookies:
Let the Brown Butter Cool Slightly: After browning the butter, give it time to cool until warm but not hot. This keeps the cookie dough from getting greasy and helps it come together more easily.
Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better. Overripe bananas bring out a deeper, sweeter flavor and add moisture to the dough.
Chop Dates Finely: Small, evenly sized pieces of dates ensure they caramelize properly in the oven and distribute well throughout each cookie.
Don’t Over-Mix the Dough: Once the flour is added, mix just until everything is combined. This helps the cookies stay soft and chewy.
Scoop Even-Sized Dough Balls: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out dough evenly so they bake at the same rate.
Give the Dough a Short Chill (Optional): Even 20–30 minutes in the fridge can help prevent too much spreading, especially on warmer days.
Use Parchment Paper for Best Texture: Baking the cookies on parchment helps the bottoms caramelize evenly without overbaking.
Sprinkle with Sea Salt Just After Baking: A pinch of flaky sea salt enhances the sweetness and brings out the chocolate flavor.
Let Them Cool Slightly Before Serving: These cookies are best a few minutes out of the oven when the edges are crisp and the centers are still gooey.
How to Store Brown Butter Caramelized Date and Banana Oatmeal Cookies:
Room Temperature: Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Tip: Add a slice of bread to the container to help keep the cookies soft.
Refrigerator: Place cookies in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5–6 days. Let them come to room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave before serving.
Freezer – Baked Cookies: Freeze fully baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes until warmed through.
Freezer – Cookie Dough: Scoop dough into individual cookie portions and freeze on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen at 350°F, adding 1–2 extra minutes to the bake time.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use regular butter instead of brown butter?
A: You can, but the brown butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that takes these cookies to the next level. If you’re short on time, melted butter works—but you’ll lose some of the depth.
Q: Do I need to caramelize the dates and bananas?
A: Yes, briefly caramelizing them enhances the sweetness and gives the cookies a gooey, toffee-like bite. It also helps concentrate the flavor so the fruit doesn't get lost in the dough.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Definitely. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours. Chilling also helps the flavors develop and keeps the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
Q: Can I freeze these cookies?
A: Yes! You can freeze both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough. Scoop the dough into portions before freezing for easy baking later.
Q: What kind of oats should I use?
A: Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Quick oats will work in a pinch, but they’ll make the cookies softer and less chewy.
Q: Can I leave out the chocolate chips?
A: Sure. The cookies will still be delicious without chocolate, though the melty bits do add an extra indulgent touch. You can also swap in chopped nuts or white chocolate if you prefer.
Q: Why are my cookies spreading too much?
A: Make sure the brown butter has cooled before mixing, and don’t skip chilling the dough if your kitchen is warm. Too-warm butter or an under-measured amount of flour can cause spreading.
Q: Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
A: You can try substituting a plant-based butter alternative, but the texture may change slightly. Look for one that browns well, or skip the browning and use it melted.
Check out my other banana recipes:
Make sure to tag me @wellmadebykiley on Instagram and leave a review or comment if you make these brown butter caramelized date and banana oatmeal cookies. Happy baking!
