Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are the perfect guilt-free treat! With just four ingredients, they come together quickly and effortlessly. Ideal for snack time or a quick breakfast, these cookies are vegan, low in sugar, and gluten-free. Their delightful combination of flavors makes them a favorite for both kids and adults alike. Enjoy them warm from the oven or as a portable snack throughout your day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only four ingredients and 15 minutes of prep time, these cookies are a breeze to make.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with natural peanut butter and banana, they provide a nutritious alternative to traditional cookies.
- Versatile Base: Feel free to customize your cookies by adding chocolate chips, coconut, or hemp seeds for extra flavor and texture.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: Suitable for various dietary needs, making them an excellent choice for everyone.
- Perfect Snack: These cookies are not just sweet; they offer protein and healthy fats to keep you satisfied.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, gather the essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process!
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl is essential for mashing bananas and mixing your cookie dough thoroughly.
- Fork: Ideal for mashing bananas smoothly and pressing down cookie balls before baking.
- Baking sheet: Provides a flat surface for even baking of your cookies.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking, allowing for easy removal of cookies post-bake.
Ingredients
These delicious Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies require just a few simple ingredients:
Base Ingredients
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons all natural almond butter (or swap for peanut butter)
- 1 small banana, mashed until no clumps remain
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips
- Unsweetened shredded coconut
- Hemp seeds
How to Make Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Mash the Banana
In a large mixing bowl, mash the banana until it is smooth with no clumps remaining.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
Add in the natural peanut butter, almond butter, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until fully combined.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Continue mixing until the dough forms one big ball that doesn’t stick to the sides of the bowl.
Step 5: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking while baking.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Roll or scoop the dough into about 10 balls. Place them on the prepared cookie sheet. Lightly press each ball down with a fork.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned on the bottom.
Step 8: Add Sea Salt (Optional)
Once out of the oven, sprinkle each cookie with sea salt if desired.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before indulging in their deliciousness!
How to Serve Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a delightful addition to breakfast, these cookies fit the bill perfectly.
With a Glass of Almond Milk
- A refreshing glass of almond milk complements the nutty flavors of the cookies and adds a creamy texture.
Crumbled Over Yogurt
- Crumble these cookies over your favorite yogurt for added crunch and natural sweetness, making for a delicious breakfast or snack.
Paired with Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside fresh fruit like apple slices or berries. The combination brings out the cookie’s flavor while adding freshness.
As a Dessert Topping
- Use crumbled cookies as a topping for your favorite dessert, such as ice cream or smoothie bowls, to enhance the taste and texture.
With Nut Butter Spread
- Spread additional nut butter on top of each cookie for an extra protein boost and richer flavor that nut lovers will enjoy.
How to Perfect Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Achieving the perfect texture and flavor for your Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies is simple with a few tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results!
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Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, ensuring your cookies are soft and flavorful.
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Choose natural nut butters: Opt for natural peanut or almond butter without added sugars or oils to keep the recipe healthy and clean.
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Watch baking time carefully: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; overbaking can lead to dryness. They should be lightly browned on the bottom when ready.
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Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to mix in options like dark chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or hemp seeds for added texture and flavor variations.
Best Side Dishes for Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that enhance their deliciousness. Here are some great options:
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Greek Yogurt Parfait
Layer Greek yogurt with fruits and granola for a nutritious parfait that balances protein and carbs. -
Nutty Oatmeal
Serve warm oatmeal topped with sliced bananas and nuts, complementing the flavors of your cookies perfectly. -
Smoothie Bowl
Create a smoothie bowl topped with fresh fruits, seeds, and crumbled cookies for extra crunch in every bite. -
Fresh Fruit Salad
A colorful fruit salad adds freshness and nutrients, making it an ideal pairing with sweet cookies. -
Trail Mix
Combine nuts, dried fruits, and some cookie pieces in a trail mix for an easy grab-and-go snack option. -
Cottage Cheese
Pairing cottage cheese with sliced fruits creates a satisfying dish high in protein that goes well with cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid.
- Using the wrong type of peanut butter: Not all peanut butters are created equal. Choose natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils for the healthiest option.
- Not mashing the banana thoroughly: If banana clumps remain, your cookies won’t mix well. Ensure the banana is completely smooth before mixing.
- Skipping the parchment paper: Baking directly on the sheet can lead to sticking. Always use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
- Overbaking: Cookies can quickly become dry if overbaked. Keep an eye on them and remove them when they are lightly browned.
- Neglecting flavor add-ins: While these cookies are delicious as-is, adding ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts enhances flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep cookies at room temperature for the best texture.
Freezing Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
- Enjoy frozen cookies for up to 3 months.
Reheating Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies.
How can I make Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies vegan?
You can make these cookies vegan by using only plant-based ingredients, which this recipe already provides!
Can I substitute almond butter?
Yes, you can swap almond butter with more peanut butter or any nut butter of your choice for similar results.
What can I add to my Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies?
Consider adding dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut for added flavor and texture.
Are Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain flour.
Can I make these cookies without sugar?
Yes! The natural sweetness from bananas and optional maple syrup makes them sweet enough without added sugars.
Final Thoughts
Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies offer a delightful combination of flavors while being easy to prepare. These versatile treats can be customized with various add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, making them perfect for any occasion. Give this quick recipe a try, and enjoy the healthy goodness!
Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 cookies 1x
Description
Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are the ultimate guilt-free snack, combining just four wholesome ingredients into a deliciously chewy treat. Perfect for busy mornings or a quick afternoon pick-me-up, these cookies are not only vegan and gluten-free but also low in sugar. Their delightful blend of natural peanut butter and ripe bananas makes them a favorite among both kids and adults. Enjoy these cookies fresh from the oven or take them on the go for a satisfying boost throughout your day. Customize with optional add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to make them even more irresistible!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons almond butter (or extra peanut butter)
- 1 small banana, mashed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: mini dark chocolate chips, shredded coconut, hemp seeds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the banana until smooth.
- Mix in the peanut butter, almond butter, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Create about 10 cookie balls from the dough and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Gently press each ball with a fork.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned on the bottom.
- Allow to cool before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
