Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. These cookies combine the rich flavors of peanut butter and ripe bananas, creating a delightful dessert that both kids and adults will love. With the added crunch of oats and sweetness from chocolate chips, these thick and cakey cookies stand out as a delicious snack or dessert option. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, this recipe is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: You can whip up these cookies in just 27 minutes, making them an easy choice for busy days.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of peanut butter and banana creates a unique taste that’s hard to resist.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with oats and bananas, these cookies offer nutritional benefits while satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Kid-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping mix ingredients and enjoy eating these delicious cookies!
- Versatile Snack: Perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or dessert at family gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
To make Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, having the right tools can streamline your baking process. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (or nonstick spray)
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Helps cream ingredients together quickly for a fluffy cookie dough.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for separating wet and dry ingredients during preparation.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for baking your cookies evenly.
- Wire rack: Allows cookies to cool properly without becoming soggy.
Ingredients
These cookies are thick and cakey, loaded with peanut butter, bananas, oats, and chocolate chips.
For the Cookie 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
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional Flavorings
- 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.
Step 2: Cream Together the Butters and Sugars
In the bowl of your mixer, 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 eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Ensure everything is well blended.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt until mixed evenly.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the creamed mixture. Beat until just combined—avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Incorporate Bananas and Chocolate Chips
Fold in the mashed bananas and semisweet chocolate chips until they are well distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet
Use a large cookie scoop to drop scoops of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Arrange them with enough space between each scoop.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for about 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned and cookies are set.
Step 9: Cool on Wire Rack
Once baked, transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Enjoy your homemade 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’re hosting a gathering or just indulging yourself, these cookies offer versatile serving options.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing, the creamy texture of milk complements the rich flavors of the cookies perfectly.
As a Dessert Sandwich
- Spread a layer of your favorite frosting between two cookies for an extra sweet treat.
With Fresh Fruit
- Pairing these cookies with fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or apples adds a refreshing contrast to their sweetness.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange your Peanut Butter Banana Cookies on a platter alongside other desserts for a colorful and inviting display.
Crumbled Over Ice Cream
- For an indulgent dessert, crumble the cookies over vanilla ice cream for added texture and flavor.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
To achieve the best Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, follow these simple tips to enhance your baking experience.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas are, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking helps prevent spreading and results in thicker cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your cookies soft and cakey; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Adjust Oven Temperature: Every oven is different, so consider checking for doneness a couple of minutes early if you know yours runs hot.
- Add Nuts: For added crunch, consider mixing in some chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
- Experiment with Spices: Adding cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile of your cookies.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their taste. Here are some great options to serve alongside them.
- Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the richness of the cookies.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that pairs well with sweet treats.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory contrast, making it an interesting pair with sweet cookies.
- Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie pieces into warm chocolate for an indulgent experience that’s fun and interactive.
- Nut Butter Dip: Serve with almond or cashew butter as a dip for extra peanut flavor and protein boost.
- Hot Cocoa: A cozy cup of hot cocoa enhances the chocolate notes in your cookies while making it feel like a special occasion.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Peanut Butter Banana Cookies can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can hinder your results.
- Not using ripe bananas: Ensure your bananas are fully ripe for sweetness and moisture. Unripe bananas will make the cookies less flavorful.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies thick and cakey. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Skipping the chilling time: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Make sure your oven is properly preheated. An incorrect temperature can result in uneven baking.
- Forgetting to measure ingredients accurately: Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups to ensure precise measurements. Inaccurate amounts can change the cookie’s texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store 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 cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet for about 1 hour.
- Once frozen, transfer them to freezer bags or airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Reheating Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds on medium power.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for a minute or two, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Peanut Butter Banana Cookies?
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are thick, cakey cookies made with ripe bananas, peanut butter, oats, and chocolate chips, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
Can I make these cookies healthier?
Absolutely! You can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly browned, and the center should look set. They will continue cooking slightly after being removed from the oven.
Can I add nuts to Peanut Butter Banana Cookies?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans would add great texture and flavor to the cookies. Feel free to mix in your favorite nuts!
Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies offer a wonderful blend of flavors and textures that make them irresistible. They’re not only easy to make but also versatile; you can customize them by adding spices like cinnamon or swapping chocolate chips for dried fruit. Try this delightful recipe today and enjoy warm, comforting cookies fresh from your oven!
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a delightful fusion of flavors, making them the perfect snack for both kids and adults alike. These thick, cakey cookies blend ripe bananas with rich peanut butter, oats, and chocolate chips to create a treat that is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. In just 27 minutes, you can whip up a batch that’s great for lunchboxes, dessert at family gatherings, or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings. With their irresistible taste and easy preparation, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household.
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
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 medium ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat 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, followed by vanilla extract until well blended.
- In another bowl, combine flour, oats, baking soda, and salt; mix thoroughly.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Fold in mashed bananas and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out.
- Bake for about 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned; cool on a wire rack before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (35g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
