Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and ripe bananas. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are not only easy to make but also a hit with both kids and adults. Their soft, cakey texture, combined with chewy oats and sweet chocolate chips, makes them an irresistible snack. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just craving something sweet, these cookies will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of peanut butter and banana creates a deliciously unique taste that you won’t find in traditional cookies.
- Healthy Twist: Packed with oats and bananas, these cookies offer a nutritious option without sacrificing flavor.
- Versatile Enjoyment: Great for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or as a dessert at gatherings.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids love helping out in the kitchen, and these cookies are sure to be a hit with little ones!
Tools and Preparation
To prepare these delicious Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, having the right tools on hand makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Cookie scoop
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps cream the butter and sugars quickly for a light and fluffy batter.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for keeping ingredients organized while mixing.
- Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking.
Ingredients
These cookies are thick and cakey, loaded with peanut butter, bananas, oats, and chocolate chips.
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 medium ripe bananas (mashed)
Dry Ingredients
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream Together Wet Ingredients
In the bowl of your mixer:
1. Cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the two large eggs one at a time. Then mix in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
1. Stir together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt until well mixed.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures
Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture:
1. Beat until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in Bananas & Chocolate Chips
Gently mix in the mashed bananas and semisweet chocolate chips until everything is well incorporated.
Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet
Use a large cookie scoop to drop scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each cookie as they will spread slightly during baking.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned and cookies are set.
Step 9: Cool
Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Enjoy your freshly baked Peanut Butter Banana Cookies!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to serve them as a snack or dessert, the options are endless.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pair your cookies with cold milk for a classic combination that enhances the rich flavors of peanut butter and banana.
As a Dessert Sandwich
- Use two cookies to create a fun dessert sandwich filled with ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside fresh fruit like strawberries or apple slices for a refreshing contrast to the sweet, dense cookies.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies with your favorite coffee or tea. The warmth of the beverage complements the soft texture of the cookies perfectly.
Topped with Nut Butter
- Spread additional peanut butter or almond butter on top of each cookie for an extra boost of flavor and protein.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
To ensure your Peanut Butter Banana Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use ripe bananas: Choose bananas that are very ripe; they will mash easily and provide natural sweetness.
- Don’t overmix: Once you combine the dry ingredients with wet ingredients, mix until just combined for a soft texture.
- Chill the dough: For thicker cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking to avoid overcooking; they should be set but not too hard.
- Store properly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These delicious cookies pair well with various side dishes that enhance their flavors. Consider serving them with one of these options:
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a refreshing complement to your cookies.
- Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the cookies.
- Cheese Plate: Include cheese varieties like cheddar or brie to create an interesting flavor contrast.
- Nut Mix: A simple nut mix provides crunch and complements the peanut flavor in your cookies.
- Smoothie Bowl: Serve a smoothie bowl topped with nuts and seeds alongside your cookies for added nutrition.
- Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Melted chocolate served on the side allows for an extra indulgent dipping experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking cookies can be tricky, and it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when making Peanut Butter Banana Cookies.
- Skipping the ripeness check: Using unripe bananas will not give you the sweetness and moisture needed for these cookies. Always use ripe bananas for the best flavor.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and cakey.
- Incorrect oven temperature: Baking at too high a temperature can burn the edges while leaving the center raw. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Improper measurements can affect texture and taste. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
- Ignoring cooling time: Letting cookies cool on the baking sheet for too long can cause them to become soggy. Transfer them to a wire rack promptly.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to one week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until warm but not hot.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat for about 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, you’re not alone! Here are some frequently asked questions.
Can I make Peanut Butter Banana Cookies without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute eggs with applesauce or flaxseed meal mixed with water for a vegan option.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Cookies are done when the edges are lightly browned but still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I add nuts to Peanut Butter Banana Cookies?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add a delightful crunch and flavor.
What is the best way to mash bananas for this recipe?
You can use a fork or potato masher until smooth, ensuring there are no large chunks left.
Are these cookies healthy?
While they contain sugar and fat, they also include oats and bananas, making them a more nutritious option compared to traditional cookies.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit. Try this recipe for a comforting treat that the whole family will love!
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, where the creamy richness of peanut butter meets the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. These cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion, boasting a soft, cakey texture complemented by chewy oats and rich chocolate chips. Easy to make and loved by both kids and adults, they serve as an ideal snack or dessert, bringing joy to family gatherings or satisfying your sweet cravings at home.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 medium ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter, peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla extract until fully combined.
- In another bowl, combine flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture; mix until just combined.
- Fold in mashed bananas and chocolate chips gently.
- Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheet with enough space between each cookie.
- Bake for about 12 minutes until edges are lightly browned; let cool on a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 182
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 98mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 22mg
