Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are not only easy to make but also perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. With just four simple ingredients, they come together quickly and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Whether you’re looking for a snack after a workout or a treat for your afternoon tea, these cookies fit the bill. Plus, they are vegan, gluten-free, and low in sugar, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These cookies require minimal effort and time—perfect for busy days.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients like peanut butter and bananas, they provide energy and nutrients.
- Versatile Options: You can customize your cookies by adding chocolate chips or coconut to suit your taste.
- Kid-Friendly: A great way to introduce kids to healthy snacks without compromising on flavor.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time to have healthy treats ready when cravings strike.
Tools and Preparation
Preparing these cookies is straightforward, but having the right tools makes the process even smoother. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining all your ingredients efficiently without mess.
- Fork: Useful for mashing bananas smoothly and pressing down cookie balls before baking.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface to bake cookies evenly.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Ingredients
These delicious and healthy cookies are made with just 4-ingredients and come together in a flash for a healthy, vegan, low sugar, gluten-free treat!
For the Cookies
- 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)
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips, unsweetened shredded coconut, or 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 in Other Ingredients
Add the natural peanut butter, almond butter (if using), and ground cinnamon into the bowl with the mashed banana. Mix well until combined.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Continue mixing until the dough forms a single ball that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 5: Prepare Baking Sheet
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal of cookies after baking.
Step 6: Shape Cookie Balls
Roll or scoop out portions of dough into about 10 balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Use a fork to press each cookie ball down gently.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned on the bottom.
Step 8: Add Finishing Touches
Remove from oven and sprinkle lightly with sea salt if desired while still warm.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying your delicious Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies!
How to Serve Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are perfect for a quick snack or a wholesome dessert. You can enjoy them in various ways to enhance your eating experience.
With Fresh Fruit
- Banana Slices: Top the cookies with fresh banana slices for added sweetness and nutrition.
- Berries: Serve with strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast and a burst of flavor.
As a Breakfast Option
- With Yogurt: Crumble the cookies over yogurt for a deliciously creamy breakfast.
- On Toast: Spread almond butter on whole grain toast and add cookie crumbles for a satisfying morning treat.
Alongside Beverages
- Coffee: Pair these cookies with your favorite cup of coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
- Herbal Tea: Enjoy with a warm cup of herbal tea to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
In Desserts
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream in between for a delightful treat.
- Dessert Platter: Arrange on a platter with nuts and dried fruit for an attractive dessert spread.
How to Perfect Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
To ensure your Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Use Ripe Bananas: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, making your cookies softer and tastier.
- Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor variations.
- Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on them while baking; they should be lightly browned but not hard when done.
- Store Properly: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies can be complemented by several tasty side dishes. Here’s what you might consider serving alongside them.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the cookies.
- Nut Mix: A handful of mixed nuts provides crunch and healthy fats that pair well with the soft texture of the cookies.
- Granola Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and cookie crumbs for a delicious parfait that’s great for breakfast or dessert.
- Smoothie Bowl: A thick smoothie bowl topped with cookie crumbles makes an exciting breakfast option.
- Oatmeal: Serve alongside warm oatmeal sprinkled with cinnamon for a comforting meal.
- Veggies and Hummus: For a savory contrast, enjoy fresh veggies dipped in hummus next to your sweet treats.
- Rice Cakes with Nut Butter: Spread some nut butter on rice cakes as a crunchy side that complements the flavors of your cookies.
- Cheese Plate: Offer a selection of cheeses for those who enjoy combining sweet and savory flavors together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies can be simple, but there are common mistakes to watch out for. Here are some tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure the correct ratios for the best results.
- Skipping the mashing step: Make sure to mash the banana until it’s completely smooth. This will help the cookies hold together better.
- Using sweetened nut butters: Opt for natural peanut butter and almond butter without added sugars. This keeps your cookies healthy.
- Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake; they should be lightly browned on the bottom and not overly firm.
- Not letting them cool properly: Allow your cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before moving them. This helps them set and prevents breaking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
- Transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a minute or two, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies that might help you out.
Can I make these Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it does not contain any flour. Just ensure that all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
What can I substitute for almond butter?
You can use more peanut butter if you prefer or even cashew butter as a tasty alternative while keeping the recipe healthy.
Are these cookies suitable for children?
Absolutely! These cookies are a great healthy snack option for kids, providing energy without excessive sugar.
How can I customize my Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies?
Feel free to add ingredients like nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. You can also experiment with spices like nutmeg or vanilla extract for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are not only easy to make but also versatile and delicious. You can customize them with various mix-ins according to your taste preferences. Try making them today and enjoy a delightful treat that satisfies cravings while keeping things healthy!
Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, a guilt-free treat that satisfies your sweet cravings without compromising on health. Made with just four simple ingredients, these cookies are quick to whip up and perfect for any time of day. Whether you need a post-workout snack or a sweet addition to your afternoon tea, these vegan, gluten-free delights are loaded with wholesome ingredients like bananas and natural nut butter. Plus, they can be customized with extras like chocolate chips or coconut for an added twist. Enjoy the ease of preparation alongside the nutritional benefits—these cookies are sure to become a staple in your healthy snacking routine!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons almond butter (or more peanut butter)
- 1 small banana, mashed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: pinch of sea salt, 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup, mini dark chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or hemp seeds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the banana until smooth.
- Incorporate peanut butter, almond butter, and cinnamon into the mashed banana until well combined.
- Form the dough into small balls and place them on a lined baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball gently with a fork.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned on the bottom.
- Cool on a wire rack before enjoying.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
