Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. Combining the rich flavors of peanut butter and ripe bananas, these cookies deliver a delightful chewy texture and a hint of sweetness from chocolate chips. Whether you need a quick snack for your kids after school or a delicious dessert for a family gathering, this recipe is versatile and easy to prepare. You’ll love how simple it is to whip up a batch that everyone will enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have fresh cookies in no time.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with bananas and oats, these cookies offer more than just sweetness.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the taste, making them a hit at birthday parties or playdates.
- Versatile: Enjoy them as breakfast, snacks, or desserts!
- Freezes Well: These cookies can be frozen for later enjoyment, perfect for meal prep.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or non-stick spray
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming butter and sugars effortless, ensuring fluffy cookies.
- Mixing bowls: Necessary for combining wet and dry ingredients separately, which is key to achieving the perfect texture.
- Baking sheet: Provides even heat distribution while baking your cookies.
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
Additions
- 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 non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter 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 two large eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract until well combined.
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 Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture. Beat until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Step 6: Incorporate Bananas and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the mashed bananas and semisweet chocolate chips until well incorporated into the cookie dough.
Step 7: Scoop onto Baking Sheet
Using a large cookie scoop, drop scoops of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each scoop for spreading.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and cookies are set.
Step 9: Cool on Wire Rack
Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Now you have delicious Peanut Butter Banana Cookies ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are deliciously thick and cakey, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Here are some fun serving suggestions to enhance your cookie experience.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing! The creaminess of milk complements the rich peanut butter flavor in these cookies.
As an Ice Cream Sandwich
- Scoop your favorite ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert that kids and adults will love.
Warm with a Drizzle of Honey
- Try drizzling warm cookies with honey for added sweetness and a touch of sophistication.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter with fresh fruit or chocolate-covered strawberries for an eye-catching dessert spread.
With Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy these cookies alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a delightful treat that pairs beautifully with warm beverages.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
To ensure your Peanut Butter Banana Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
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Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots!
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Don’t overmix the dough: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies thick and cakey. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and enhances flavor.
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Check for doneness: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake. They should be lightly browned at the edges but still soft in the center when done.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Pairing side dishes with your Peanut Butter Banana Cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some delightful options:
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the cookies.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy, crunchy contrast that complements the cookie’s texture.
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Chocolate Milkshake: A thick chocolate milkshake is a fun way to indulge while enhancing the chocolate chips in the cookies.
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Nutty Trail Mix: A simple trail mix made with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit offers a crunchy snack that pairs well with soft cookies.
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Cheese Platter: Include mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese to create a savory contrast to the sweet flavors of the cookies.
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Coffee Cake: A slice of coffee cake provides another layer of flavor that works wonderfully alongside your peanut butter banana treats.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for.
- Using Overripe Bananas: While ripe bananas are ideal, overly brown ones can make the cookies too mushy. Use bananas that are ripe but not overly soft for the best texture.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is precise. If you don’t measure your flour or sugars correctly, your cookies may not turn out as intended. Always use a kitchen scale or proper measuring cups.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Letting cookies cool on a wire rack is essential. Skipping this can result in soggy bottoms and uneven textures. Allow them to cool fully for the best results.
- Overmixing the Dough: When adding dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the soft and chewy texture you want.
- Baking at the Wrong Temperature: An oven that’s too hot or too cool can ruin your cookies. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer if needed to ensure accuracy.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
Freezing Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Place cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Layer parchment paper between each cookie to prevent sticking.
Reheating Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds, being careful not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for about 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Peanut Butter Banana Cookies so special?
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies combine the rich flavor of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of bananas, creating a deliciously satisfying treat.
Can I use natural peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, you can use natural peanut butter; however, it may affect the texture slightly since it tends to be more runny than creamy varieties.
How do I customize my Peanut Butter Banana Cookies?
You can add nuts, dried fruits, or swap chocolate chips for other types of chips like butterscotch or white chocolate for different flavors.
Are these cookies healthy?
While they contain sugar and butter, using oats and bananas adds nutritional value. Enjoy them as an occasional treat!
Can I replace the eggs in this recipe?
Yes! You can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce for an egg-free version.
Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! They’re perfect for any occasion and easy to customize based on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack or a dessert option, these cookies will surely delight everyone. Give them a try today!
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, a perfect blend of chewy and cakey textures that will satisfy your sweet cravings. These cookies are easy to whip up and are made with wholesome ingredients like ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and rolled oats, making them a nutritious option for snacks or desserts. Bursting with chocolate chips, they are sure to please kids and adults alike at any gathering. Whether served warm with a glass of milk or as an ice cream sandwich, these cookies bring joy to every occasion.
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 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 fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in mashed bananas and chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for approximately 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
- Cool on wire rack before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
