Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite go-to treat: peanut butter banana cookies! These little gems are not only super easy to whip up, but they’re also incredibly delicious. I love how the natural sweetness of ripe bananas pairs perfectly with the creamy peanut butter. Trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly while they bake! Plus, they’re perfect for those busy days when you need a quick snack or a sweet ending to your meal. Whether you’re baking for yourself or to share with friends, these cookies are bound to be a hit. Seriously, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup peanut butter (creamy or crunchy, whatever you prefer!)
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed (the riper, the better for sweetness!)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark works great)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that extra depth of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (this helps them rise and get that perfect texture)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (just a pinch to balance out the sweetness)
- 1 1/2 cups oats (old-fashioned or quick oats are both fine)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for those cookies to bake perfectly!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and mashed bananas. I like to use a fork to really mash them together until it’s nice and smooth.
- Next, add in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well blended. You want that sweet, nutty aroma to fill your kitchen!
- Now, sprinkle in the baking soda and salt, and give it another good stir. This step is crucial for that fluffy texture we’re aiming for.
- Time to add the oats! Pour them into the mixture and mix until everything is combined. The dough should be thick and a bit sticky.
- Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper (trust me, it makes cleanup a breeze!). Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of dough onto the sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Pop those beauties in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown. Ah, the smell will drive you wild!
- Once they’re out, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Patience is key here—let them cool a bit before diving in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time: These cookies come together in a flash, making them perfect for last-minute cravings!
- Healthy ingredients: With peanut butter, bananas, and oats, you’ll feel good about what you’re munching on.
- Great for snacks or dessert: Whether it’s an afternoon pick-me-up or a sweet treat after dinner, they fit any occasion!
- Kid-friendly and fun to make: Get the little ones involved! They’ll love mashing bananas and scooping dough.
- Naturally sweetened with bananas: Say goodbye to overly sugary cookies; these are sweetened just right with ripe bananas!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure you nail these peanut butter banana cookies! Here are some of my top tips to ensure they turn out perfectly every time:
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for ones with lots of brown spots!
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet cookie, feel free to cut down on the sugar a bit. You can always taste the dough (just remember, no raw eggs!).
- Don’t overmix: Once you add the oats, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we want them soft and chewy!
- Experiment with add-ins: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor!
- Let them cool: I know it’s hard to resist, but giving the cookies a few minutes to cool on the baking sheet helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating the most delightful peanut butter banana cookies! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutritional details of these yummy peanut butter banana cookies! Each cookie is a delightful balance of taste and nutrition, making them a guilt-free treat. Here’s what you can expect in one cookie:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 6g
- Protein: 3g
Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose to use. But no matter how you slice it, these cookies are a tasty and satisfying option for any time of day!
FAQ Section
Got questions about these delicious peanut butter banana cookies? I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common queries I hear:
Can I use other types of flour?
While this recipe doesn’t call for flour, you can experiment with adding a little bit of whole wheat flour or almond flour if you like! Just keep in mind that it might change the texture a bit.
How do I store the cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them!
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cookie dough in scoop-sized portions. Just place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer—add an extra minute or two to the baking time!
What can I substitute for peanut butter?
If you’re looking for alternatives, almond butter or sunflower seed butter work great! Just make sure you don’t have any nut allergies in the mix!
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you make sure your oats are certified gluten-free, these cookies can definitely be a gluten-free treat!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need tips—happy baking!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve whipped up a batch of these scrumptious peanut butter banana cookies, let’s talk about how to store them and keep them tasting fresh! First off, let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial because if you store them while they’re still warm, they can become soggy.
Once they’re cool, pop them into an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about a week—perfect for snacking anytime! If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them; they’ll last up to two weeks in there.
Now, if you find yourself with leftover cookies and want to enjoy them warm later, I’ve got a little reheating tip for you! Just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds until they’re warm and gooey again. If you prefer a slightly crisp texture, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This will bring back that delightful soft and chewy texture that we all love!
So there you have it—simple storage and reheating tips to make sure your peanut butter banana cookies are always ready to enjoy!
Variations
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous and want to switch things up with your peanut butter banana cookies, I’ve got some fantastic ideas for you! These cookies are super versatile, and you can easily customize them to suit your taste buds. Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add in a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a rich and indulgent twist. The melty chocolate pairs perfectly with the peanut butter and banana!
- Nuts for Nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. They’ll add a lovely texture and a nutty flavor that complements the cookies beautifully.
- Spice it Up: Sprinkle in a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to warm up the flavor profile. It gives a cozy touch that’s especially nice during the cooler months.
- Fruit Fusion: Mix in some dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or even coconut flakes. They’ll add a sweet chewiness and a burst of flavor with every bite!
- Peanut Butter Swirl: For an extra peanutty kick, try swirling in some additional peanut butter right before baking. It creates beautiful marbled cookies that are sure to impress!
Experimenting with these variations not only makes the cookies your own but also keeps things exciting in the kitchen! Enjoy trying out different combinations and find your favorite twist on this already amazing recipe!
For more delicious recipes, check out our Protein Cookie Recipe or explore our Banana Bread Recipe with Cake Mix.
Additionally, if you’re interested in the health benefits of bananas, you can read more about it here.
Print
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies Recipe: 7 Irresistible Details
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Easy and delicious peanut butter banana cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups oats
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix peanut butter and mashed bananas.
- Add sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
- Stir in baking soda and salt.
- Add oats and mix until combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use ripe bananas for best flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: peanut butter banana cookies recipe