Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their delightful combination of creamy peanut butter, ripe bananas, and chocolate chips, they offer a unique twist on traditional cookies. They are thick and cakey, making them wonderfully satisfying. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just a cozy night in, these cookies are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The blend of peanut butter and banana creates a rich, satisfying taste that everyone will love.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for novice bakers and busy parents alike.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with oats and bananas, these cookies provide some nutritional benefits while still being indulgent.
- Versatile Treat: Great for dessert, snacks, or even breakfast on-the-go; these cookies fit various occasions.
- Kid-Friendly: Children will enjoy both the flavors and the fun of helping in the kitchen.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into making these delicious cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming the ingredients effortless, resulting in a light and fluffy dough.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients separately before mixing together.
- Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking your cookies.
- Cookie scoop: Helps portion the dough uniformly, ensuring even baking.
Ingredients
These cookies are thick and cakey, loaded with peanut butter, bananas, oats, and chocolate chips.
For the 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
Add-ins
- 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. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or spraying it with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In the bowl of your mixer:
1. Combine softened butter, creamy peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar.
2. Mix until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in:
1. The two large eggs until fully incorporated.
2. The teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
1. Stir together all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Add the dry mixture to your creamed butter mixture:
1. Beat until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 6: Incorporate Bananas and Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in:
1. The mashed bananas until well mixed.
2. The semisweet chocolate chips for added sweetness.
Step 7: Scoop onto Baking Sheet
Using a large cookie scoop:
1. Drop scoops of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
2. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake in your preheated oven:
1. For about 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned and cookies appear set.
Step 9: Cool on Wire Rack
Once baked:
1. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack before enjoying!
Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Enjoy these delightful Peanut Butter Banana Cookies as a tasty snack or dessert!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are delightful treats that can be enjoyed in various ways. Their rich flavors and chewy texture make them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual snack or a special dessert.
With a Glass of Milk
- Pairing these cookies with a cold glass of milk enhances the flavors and offers a classic combination that kids love.
As an Ice Cream Sandwich
- Take two cookies and sandwich your favorite ice cream flavor between them for a deliciously sweet treat that’s perfect for warm days.
Warm from the Oven
- Enjoy these cookies warm right out of the oven. The chocolate chips will be gooey, providing a melty texture that is irresistible.
Crumbled Over Yogurt
- Crumble these cookies over yogurt for added sweetness and crunch, making for a quick breakfast or snack option.
Gift in a Jar
- Layer the cookie ingredients in a jar for a thoughtful gift. Include the baking instructions for a personal touch that friends will appreciate.
At a Picnic
- Pack these cookies for your next picnic. They are sturdy and travel well, making them an ideal treat to share with friends and family.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, follow these tips to enhance their flavor and texture.
- Use ripe bananas – The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
- Chill the dough – For thicker cookies, chilling the dough before baking helps to prevent spreading.
- Experiment with add-ins – Consider adding nuts or dried fruits to create variations that suit your taste.
- Don’t overmix – Mix just until combined to keep the cookies fluffy and cakey.
- Watch baking time closely – Remove them from the oven when edges are golden but centers appear soft; they’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet.
- Store properly – Keep baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for days.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their delightful flavors. Here are some great suggestions:
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances the richness of the cookies.
- Nutty Granola – Serve alongside some crunchy granola for added texture and flavor contrast.
- Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can provide savory notes that pair well with sweet cookies.
- Chocolate Dipped Strawberries – These sweet treats offer another layer of indulgence that chocolate lovers will adore.
- Caramel Sauce – Drizzling warm caramel sauce over the cookies can elevate their sweetness.
- Coconut Yogurt – This creamy addition can help cut through the richness while adding a tropical twist.
- Coffee or Tea – A warm beverage complements the flavors beautifully, making it an ideal pairing any time of day.
- Ice Cream Sundae Bar – Set up an ice cream bar with toppings so everyone can create their own dessert masterpiece alongside these cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Peanut Butter Banana Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.
- Using unripe bananas – Ensure your bananas are ripe for the best flavor and texture. Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture.
- Overmixing the dough – Mixing too long can lead to tough cookies. Combine ingredients just until blended for a soft and cakey texture.
- Not measuring flour correctly – Too much flour can make cookies dry. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
- Skipping the cooling step – Letting cookies cool on a wire rack is essential. This allows them to firm up, making them easier to handle and enjoy.
- Incorrect oven temperature – Always preheat your oven properly. An uneven temperature can cause cookies to bake inconsistently.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to one week in the fridge.
Freezing Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months.
Reheating Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake cookies for about 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat it.
- Stovetop – Place a cookie in a pan over low heat for 1-2 minutes, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Peanut Butter Banana Cookies.
Can I make Peanut Butter Banana Cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute eggs with applesauce or flaxseed meal mixed with water for a similar texture.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add extra texture and flavor to your cookies.
How do I know when my Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are done?
Look for lightly browned edges and a set center. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
What variations can I try with this recipe?
Consider adding nuts, dried fruits, or different types of chocolate chips for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with different mix-ins or toppings based on your preferences. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, these cookies are sure to bring joy and satisfaction!
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a deliciously indulgent treat that blends creamy peanut butter, ripe bananas, and rich chocolate chips into a thick, cakey cookie. Perfect for any occasion—from family gatherings to cozy nights at home—these cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Not only do they taste amazing, but they also pack nutritional benefits thanks to oats and bananas. Easy to make with minimal effort required, this recipe is ideal for novice bakers and busy parents alike. Whether enjoyed warm from the oven or as part of a delightful dessert platter, these cookies will impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 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 the 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 the eggs and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined.
- Gently fold in mashed bananas and chocolate chips.
- Scoop cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for about 12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Allow cooling on a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
