Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a delightful treat that you can whip up in no time. Perfect for snacking, breakfast on-the-go, or a healthy dessert option, these cookies are made with simple ingredients and pack a nutritious punch. With their delicious flavor and satisfying texture, they’re sure to become a favorite for both kids and adults alike!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: These cookies take just 15 minutes from start to finish, making them a perfect last-minute snack.
- Nutritious ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients like peanut butter and bananas, these cookies are healthy without sacrificing taste.
- Versatile flavors: Customize your cookies by adding chocolate chips, coconut, or hemp seeds for an extra boost of flavor.
- Vegan and gluten-free: Suitable for various dietary needs, these cookies fit right into vegan and gluten-free lifestyles.
- Low in sugar: With minimal added sugar, you can enjoy these cookies guilt-free.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and quicker.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Fork
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl helps combine all the ingredients efficiently without spills.
- Baking sheet: Ensures even cooking of your cookies while providing ample space to arrange them comfortably.
- Parchment paper: Keeps the cookies from sticking to the baking sheet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Fork: Perfect for flattening cookie balls before baking for an even texture.
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!
Main Ingredients
- 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)
Optional Add-ins
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips
- unsweetened shredded coconut
- hemp seeds
How to Make Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure even baking.
Step 2: Prepare the Banana
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Mash the banana thoroughly until there are no clumps remaining.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add the following into the bowl:
1. Natural peanut butter,
2. Almond butter,
3. Ground cinnamon.
Mix well until everything is combined into one cohesive dough that pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
Step 4: Prepare Baking Sheet
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Form Cookie Balls
Using a spoon or your hands:
1. Roll or scoop out the dough into approximately 10 balls.
2. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Press each cookie ball down lightly with a fork.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until they are lightly browned on the bottom.
Step 7: Add Finishing Touches
Once baked:
1. Remove from oven,
2. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy!
Allow cookies to cool completely before enjoying this healthy treat!
How to Serve Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a delightful dessert, these cookies can fit perfectly into your meal plan.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing that complements the rich flavors of peanut butter and banana. Choose almond milk for a dairy-free option.
As a Breakfast Treat
- Enjoy these cookies alongside your morning coffee or tea. They are nutritious enough to kickstart your day!
Crumbled Over Yogurt
- Add cookie crumbles to a bowl of yogurt for extra texture and flavor. This makes for a delightful and healthy breakfast or snack.
Dipped in Dark Chocolate
- For an indulgent twist, dip half of each cookie in melted dark chocolate for added sweetness and richness.
Topped with Fresh Fruit
- Pair the cookies with slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or apples for a refreshing touch to your snack.
As a Post-Workout Snack
- These cookies provide the perfect balance of protein and carbohydrates, making them an ideal post-exercise treat.
How to Perfect Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
To ensure your Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
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Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter your cookies will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for optimal flavor.
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Choose Natural Nut Butters: Opt for nut butters without added sugars or oils. This keeps your cookies healthy and clean.
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Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the ingredients, mix just until everything is combined to avoid tough cookies.
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Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer sweeter cookies, feel free to add more maple syrup or dark chocolate chips according to your taste.
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Store Properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate them for longer freshness.
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Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to customize your cookies further and enhance their nutritional value.
Best Side Dishes for Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies pair well with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great suggestions:
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness that balances the richness of the cookies.
- Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal adds fiber and can be flavored with spices like cinnamon.
- Smoothie Bowl: Blend your favorite fruits into a smoothie bowl topped with granola and coconut flakes.
- Nut Trail Mix: A handful of mixed nuts adds crunch and protein, making it an excellent accomplice.
- Chia Pudding: Creamy chia pudding served alongside offers healthy fats and fiber while complementing the cookie’s texture.
- Green Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweet cookies.
- Rice Cakes: Top plain rice cakes with almond butter for an additional layer of flavor without overwhelming sweetness.
- Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea serves as a soothing drink that pairs well with the flavors of banana and peanut butter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making healthy peanut butter banana cookies can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are a few to watch out for:
- Using the wrong type of peanut butter: Make sure to use natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils for the healthiest option.
- Skipping the mashed banana step: Ensure your banana is fully mashed to avoid clumps in your cookie dough, which can lead to uneven baking.
- Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.
- Neglecting to preheat the oven: Preheating is essential for even baking. Without it, your cookies may not rise properly.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use precise measurements for each ingredient to maintain the right balance of flavors and textures.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.
Freezing Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
- They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, cover, and heat until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about healthy peanut butter banana cookies.
Can I use other nut butters?
Yes, you can substitute almond butter or cashew butter if you prefer different flavors.
How can I make these cookies sweeter?
Consider adding more maple syrup or mixing in additional sweet ingredients like chocolate chips or dried fruit.
Are Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe uses no flour, making it suitable for those avoiding gluten.
How many calories are in a cookie?
Each cookie contains approximately 86 calories, making them a guilt-free snack!
Final Thoughts
These healthy peanut butter banana cookies are not only easy to make but also deliciously satisfying. They offer great versatility; feel free to customize them with your favorite add-ins like nuts or coconut flakes. Enjoy this wholesome treat that everyone will love!
Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 cookies 1x
Description
Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a delightful and nutritious treat that you can whip up in just 15 minutes. Perfect for snacking, breakfast on-the-go, or a healthy dessert, these cookies are made with simple ingredients like peanut butter and ripe bananas. They pack flavor and a satisfying texture, making them a favorite among both kids and adults alike. With the added bonus of being vegan, gluten-free, and low in sugar, these cookies fit seamlessly into various dietary needs. Customize with chocolate chips or nuts for an extra flavor twist!
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
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the banana until smooth.
- Add peanut butter, almond butter, and cinnamon to the bowl. Mix until combined.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop dough into about 10 balls and place them on the prepared sheet. Flatten slightly using a fork.
- Bake for 10 minutes until lightly browned on the bottom.
- Allow cookies to cool before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack/Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 86
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 58mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
