Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a delightful treat, perfect for any occasion. Their thick and cakey texture combines the rich flavor of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Loaded with oats and chocolate chips, these cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also provide a wholesome touch. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just for yourself, these cookies are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with oats and bananas, these cookies offer a tasty way to enjoy healthier treats.
- Versatile Snack: Great for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, they fit into any part of your day.
- Kid-Friendly: Children love the sweet flavor and chewy texture, making them a hit among the little ones.
- Make Ahead & Freeze: Prepare a batch ahead of time and freeze them for quick snacks later on.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your delicious Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, make sure you have the right tools handy. The right equipment can streamline your process and ensure better results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer: Ideal for creaming ingredients together effortlessly, ensuring a smooth cookie dough.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking cookies evenly without burning.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy after baking.
Ingredients
These cookies are thick and cakey, loaded with peanut butter, bananas, oats, and chocolate chips.
Wet 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
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Flavor Enhancers
- 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 the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In the bowl of your stand mixer, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the mixture.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the two large eggs one at a time. Then mix in the vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate mixing bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
Step 5: Mix Together
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in your stand mixer. Beat until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep your cookies soft.
Step 6: Fold in Bananas and Chocolate Chips
Gently mix in the mashed bananas and semisweet chocolate chips until fully incorporated into the dough.
Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet
Using a large cookie scoop or spoon, drop scoops of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each scoop as they will spread while baking.
Step 8: Bake
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for about 12 minutes or until the edges are nicely browned and the cookies are set.
Step 9: Cool on Wire Rack
Once baked, remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack before serving or storing. Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter Banana Cookies!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Serving Peanut Butter Banana Cookies can be a delightful experience, whether you’re enjoying them alone or sharing with friends and family. Here are some fun ways to present and enjoy these delicious cookies.
With a Glass of Milk
- A classic pairing that enhances the cookie’s flavor.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a decadent treat.
Drizzled with Chocolate
- Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the top for an extra touch of sweetness.
As Breakfast Treats
- Enjoy them warm with your morning coffee or tea for a delightful start to the day.
Topped with Nut Butter
- Spread a little extra peanut butter on top for nutty richness.
Served with Fresh Fruit
- Pairing cookies with sliced bananas or strawberries can add freshness to the dessert.
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: Overripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture to your cookies.
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Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cookies soft and cakey.
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Chill the dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking.
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Watch the baking time: Remove cookies from the oven once edges are golden; they continue to firm up as they cool.
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Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These side dishes complement the flavors of Peanut Butter Banana Cookies beautifully, making them perfect for any occasion.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the sweetness of cookies.
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Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and berries for a healthy contrast.
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Homemade Hot Chocolate: Rich, creamy hot chocolate pairs wonderfully with the nutty flavor of cookies.
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Nutty Granola: A crunchy side that echoes the flavors in your cookies while adding texture.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses can provide a savory counterpoint to sweet treats.
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Chia Seed Pudding: This light dessert offers a refreshing option after indulging in cookies.
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Chocolate Dipped Pretzels: Salty pretzels dipped in chocolate offer a delightful crunch alongside your sweet treats.
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Peanut Butter Smoothie: Blend banana, peanut butter, and milk for a creamy drink that ties into cookie flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking Peanut Butter Banana Cookies can be a joy, but avoiding common pitfalls will help you achieve the best results.
- Overmixing the dough: This can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for a soft texture.
- Using unripe bananas: Unripe bananas lack sweetness. Choose ripe, spotty bananas for the best flavor.
- Skipping the cooling step: Letting cookies cool on a wire rack prevents sogginess. Always cool them properly for the perfect texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Inaccurate measurements can affect cookie consistency. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Every oven is different. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate baking temperatures.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container to keep cookies fresh.
- They can last up to one week in the fridge.
Freezing Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for 5-7 minutes for warm cookies.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie for 10-15 seconds for quick warmth.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Peanut Butter Banana Cookies that you may find helpful.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter can add texture and flavor variation.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for lightly browned edges and a set center. Cookies will firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend.
What variations can I add to Peanut Butter Banana Cookies?
You can add nuts, dried fruits, or swap chocolate chips with white chocolate or butterscotch chips.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with various mix-ins or toppings. Try this recipe today and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
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 treat for any occasion. These cookies combine the rich taste of creamy peanut butter with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, resulting in a thick and cakey texture that is both satisfying and wholesome. Loaded with oats and chocolate chips, they make a nutritious snack that’s ideal for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Whether you’re baking for yourself or hosting a family gathering, these cookies are bound to impress everyone with their deliciously chewy bite and kid-friendly appeal.
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 your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a stand mixer, 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 combined.
- In another bowl, mix flour, oats, baking soda, and salt together.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Fold in mashed bananas and chocolate chips gently.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scoop.
- Bake for about 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
- Allow cookies to cool on a 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: 110mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
