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If you’re looking for a simple, healthy, and delicious treat, these peanut butter banana cookies are just the thing. They are soft, chewy, and packed with natural sweetness from the bananas, paired with the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter. This easy-to-make recipe requires only a few ingredients, and it’s perfect for those who want to satisfy their sweet tooth without the guilt. Plus, these cookies can be made in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal snack or dessert option for busy days.
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Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure the cookies bake evenly once you’re ready to pop them in.
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2. Prepare the Bananas
Peel the two ripe bananas and place them in a large bowl. The riper the bananas, the better – overripe bananas are naturally sweeter, which helps cut down on the need for added sugars. Using a fork, mash the bananas until smooth, but leave a few small chunks if you like a little texture in your cookies.
3. Add Peanut Butter
Next, add the peanut butter to the mashed bananas. Mix the peanut butter in thoroughly. If you prefer smooth peanut butter, the mixture will be creamier, while chunky peanut butter will give you a bit of texture in every bite. Stir until combined, making sure the peanut butter and banana are fully integrated.
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4. Stir in Oats
Add the oats to the peanut butter and banana mixture. Stir well to combine. You’ll notice that the mixture starts to come together, forming a dough-like consistency. At this point, you can also add a pinch of salt and cinnamon if you like a little extra flavor in your cookies. Cinnamon gives a warm, spiced undertone, while the salt balances out the sweetness.
5. Optional Add-ins
Now is the time to add any optional ingredients you’d like. Dark chocolate chips or chunks will add a rich, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet bananas. If you’re feeling nutty, chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds provide a satisfying crunch. Mix in any of these optional ingredients until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Scoop the Dough
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart, as they won’t spread much during baking. If you prefer smaller cookies, feel free to use a teaspoon and adjust the baking time accordingly.
7. Flatten the Cookies
Using the back of a spoon or your fingers, gently flatten the dough balls into cookie shapes. This helps them bake evenly and gives them that classic cookie appearance.
8. Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know the cookies are done when the edges start to turn golden brown. These cookies are soft and chewy, so they might still feel a bit soft in the center when you take them out, but don’t worry – they’ll firm up as they cool.
9. Cool and Enjoy
Once the cookies are out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows them to firm up and maintain their shape.
Tips for Perfect Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. If you have bananas that are too ripe to eat but not ready for baking, this is a perfect use for them.
- Peanut Butter Choice: Choose a natural peanut butter if you’re aiming for a healthier option. Make sure to stir it well if it has oil separation. If you prefer a more indulgent treat, go for a creamy or chunky peanut butter with added sugar for extra sweetness.
- Oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats, not quick oats, for the best texture. Quick oats tend to turn mushy and can alter the consistency of the cookies.
- Cookie Texture: These cookies are meant to be soft and chewy. If you prefer a crispier cookie, you can bake them a bit longer, but keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative with mix-ins! Try adding dried fruit like raisins or cranberries, seeds like chia or flax, or even a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to sweeten them further.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well. After they’ve cooled, store them in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. To enjoy them later, simply warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds for a freshly baked feel.
Customizing Your Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
While the basic recipe is already fantastic, here are a few ways to make your cookies even more exciting:
Chocolate Lovers’ Delight
- Chocolate Chips: Mix in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of your favorite chocolate chips (dark, milk, or white chocolate) for a chocolatey twist. These melt perfectly into the cookies, creating little pockets of gooey goodness.
- Cocoa Powder: Add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for a chocolate-flavored cookie base.
Nutty Goodness
- Chopped Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or cashews can be stirred into the dough for an extra crunchy texture. They also add healthy fats and protein to the cookies.
- Peanut Butter Drizzle: Once the cookies are baked and cooled, drizzle a little extra peanut butter on top for an added layer of flavor.
Fruit Fusion
- Dried Fruits: Add dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots to bring a fruity sweetness to the cookies. These also add a chewy texture that complements the banana.
- Fresh Berries: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries to the dough. Just keep in mind that fresh fruit may cause the dough to become slightly wetter, so you may need to adjust the baking time.
Spice It Up
- Spices: Besides cinnamon, you can experiment with nutmeg, ginger, or pumpkin spice. These spices bring warmth and depth to the cookies, making them ideal for fall or winter.
- Coconut: Unsweetened shredded coconut adds a tropical flavor and chewy texture. You can mix it in with the oats or sprinkle it on top of the dough before baking.
Storage and Shelf Life
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider refrigerating them. For even longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure they are cooled completely before freezing. When you’re ready to eat them, simply reheat them in the microwave or let them thaw on the counter.
Nutritional Benefits
These peanut butter banana cookies are a great option for a healthier snack. Here’s a quick breakdown of their nutritional benefits:
- Peanut Butter: Provides a good source of protein and healthy fats, which help keep you full and satisfied.
- Bananas: Rich in potassium, bananas help regulate blood pressure and support heart health.
- Oats: High in fiber, oats help with digestion and provide a slow release of energy, keeping you full longer.
- Optional Add-ins: Dark chocolate is full of antioxidants, and nuts provide extra protein and healthy fats.
Conclusion
These easy peanut butter banana cookies are the perfect blend of flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Whether you’re in need of a quick snack, a dessert, or a post-workout treat, these cookies have you covered. The recipe is versatile enough for customization, allowing you to make them just the way you like. With minimal ingredients and simple instructions, you’ll be able to enjoy a batch of warm, chewy cookies in no time.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
12 minutes
Total Time
22 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- A pinch of salt (optional)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. - Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork until smooth. Add the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup (if using), and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined. - Add Dry Ingredients:
Stir in the rolled oats, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt if desired. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them in as well. - Form Cookies:
Using a spoon or your hands, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten them slightly with the back of the spoon (they won’t spread much while baking). - Bake:
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown. - Cool:
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
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