Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of peanut butter and ripe bananas. Perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to school lunches, these cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make. The combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet bananas, hearty oats, and rich chocolate chips creates a unique taste and texture that’s sure to please everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 27 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy days.
- Flavorful Pairing: The blend of peanut butter and banana is irresistible, satisfying both sweet cravings and hunger.
- Kid-Friendly: These cookies are great for kids; they’re fun to make and even more fun to eat!
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with oats and bananas, these cookies offer some extra nutrition without skimping on taste.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or as a snack throughout the week. They stay soft and delicious!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will help streamline the baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps cream the ingredients quickly for a light texture.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients in separate stages.
- 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.
For the Dough
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Flavor
- 3 medium ripe bananas (mashed)
- 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 the Butters and Sugars
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:
1. The two large eggs.
2. One teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl:
1. Stir together two cups of all-purpose flour, two cups of rolled oats, one teaspoon of baking soda, and half a teaspoon of salt.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Add the dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture:
1. Beat until just combined—don’t overmix!
Step 6: Incorporate Bananas and Chocolate Chips
Mix in:
1. Three mashed bananas.
2. One cup of semisweet chocolate chips until well distributed in the dough.
Step 7: Scoop onto Baking Sheet
Using a large cookie scoop:
1. Drop scoops of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet.
Step 8: Bake Your Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for about:
1. Twelve minutes or until the edges are browned and cookies are set.
Step 9: Cool on Wire Rack
Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before enjoying your delicious Peanut Butter Banana Cookies!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are not only delicious on their own but can be elevated with a few simple serving suggestions. Enjoy them warm or pair them with your favorite accompaniments for a delightful treat.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing, the creaminess of milk complements the rich flavors of peanut butter and banana.
Topped with Ice Cream
- Serve warm cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.
As a Breakfast Treat
- These cookies also make for a great breakfast option. Enjoy them alongside a cup of coffee or tea to kickstart your day.
With Nut Butter Spread
- For those who can’t get enough peanut flavor, spread an additional layer of peanut butter on top for extra richness.
Dipped in Melted Chocolate
- For an extra sweet twist, dip half of the cookie in melted chocolate. This adds a delicious contrast to the chewy texture.
Served at Parties
- Cut the cookies into smaller pieces and serve on a platter at gatherings. They are sure to be a hit among kids and adults alike!
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
To achieve the best Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, consider these helpful tips that ensure great texture and flavor.
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Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
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Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined when adding dry ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Chill the dough: Chilling the cookie dough for about 30 minutes before baking can help prevent spreading and create thicker cookies.
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Check oven temperature: Make sure your oven is properly calibrated; an incorrect temperature can affect baking time and cookie texture.
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Add-ins variety: Feel free to experiment with add-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
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Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container to maintain their softness and freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your Peanut Butter Banana Cookies can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options to consider:
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the sweetness of cookies perfectly.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that complements the cookie’s flavors.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, especially mild varieties like brie, pairs well with the sweetness of banana cookies.
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Chocolate Fondue: Create a fun dipping experience with melted chocolate served alongside fresh fruits or pretzel sticks.
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Coffee Cake: Enjoy peanut butter banana cookies alongside slices of moist coffee cake for a cozy brunch option.
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Nutty Granola Bars: These bars offer crunch and nutty flavors that pair well with the soft texture of banana cookies.
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Milkshakes: A rich milkshake, especially banana-flavored, makes for an indulgent beverage pairing.
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Homemade Smoothies: Blend up a smoothie with spinach, banana, and yogurt for a healthy side that complements dessert!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Peanut Butter Banana Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using Overripe Bananas: Using bananas that are too ripe can lead to overly mushy cookies. Choose bananas that are ripe but not blackened.
- Skipping the Oats: Omitting oats can change the texture of your cookies. Ensure you include rolled oats for a chewy consistency.
- Incorrect Baking Time: Baking for too long can dry out cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove them as soon as they are set.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Accurate measurements are key to perfect cookies. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure consistency.
- Ignoring Cooling Time: Allowing cookies to cool on a wire rack is essential. This helps them firm up and prevents sogginess.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
- Can be stored frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cookies on a baking tray, and heat for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a skillet over low heat, add cookies, and cover for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about more details regarding Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, here are some common questions answered.
How do I make Peanut Butter Banana Cookies healthier?
You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and reduce the sugar by half. Adding nuts or seeds can also enhance nutrition.
Can I substitute ingredients in Peanut Butter Banana Cookies?
Yes! You can swap creamy peanut butter with almond butter or use gluten-free flour if needed.
What can I add to Peanut Butter Banana Cookies?
Consider adding chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or dried fruit for extra flavor and texture.
How long do Peanut Butter Banana Cookies last?
When stored properly, they will last in the fridge for about 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are not just delicious; they’re versatile too! You can easily customize them with various add-ins or adjust sweetness levels. Try this recipe today, and enjoy the comforting flavors of peanut butter and banana together!
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, a delightful treat that combines the richness of creamy peanut butter with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or looking for a delicious snack to pack in school lunches. Each cookie is thick and chewy, loaded with oats and chocolate chips, making them a wholesome option that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Bake a batch today and experience the joy of homemade cookies that are not only tasty but also nutritious!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 medium ripe bananas (mashed)
- 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 eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in mashed bananas and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Using a cookie scoop, drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for about 12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (40g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
