If you’re craving a cookie that feels like a warm hug, look no further than this Peanut Butter Banana Cookies Recipe. Combining the rich creaminess of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, these cookies are chewy, moist, and completely irresistible. They bring together simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen and transform them into a treat that’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or a sweet finish to any day. Trust me, once you try this recipe, these cookies will become your go-to comfort food in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peanut Butter Banana Cookies Recipe features ingredients that are straightforward yet crucial for the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays a unique role, from the buttery softness to the hearty oats that add chewiness and the chocolate chips providing melty pockets of sweetness.
- Butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps give the cookies a tender texture.
- Creamy peanut butter (1/2 cup): Brings that iconic nutty flavor and creamy depth.
- Ripe bananas (3 medium, mashed): Naturally sweetens the cookies and keeps them moist without needing extra sugar.
- Large eggs (2): Bind everything together and help the cookies rise just right.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structural foundation for these deliciously soft cookies.
- Rolled oats (2 cups): Adds a chewy texture and a wholesome nuttiness.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Gives sweet bursts of chocolate that perfectly complement peanut butter and banana.
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to help them bake evenly. This small step ensures your cookies come out with a perfect golden edge and an easy clean-up.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and creamy peanut butter. Beat them together until smooth and fluffy. This process incorporates air into your dough, making the cookies light and tender.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully combined. These ingredients add moisture and enrich the flavor, creating a luscious cookie base that’s just begging to be baked.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients helps distribute the leavening agent and salt evenly throughout the dough, which is key for consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything comes together. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so a gentle touch will keep them tender and chewy, perfect for that melt-in-your-mouth feeling.
Step 6: Fold in Bananas and Chocolate Chips
Finally, fold in the mashed ripe bananas and semisweet chocolate chips. The bananas add moisture and natural sweetness, while the chocolate chips bring bursts of decadence in each bite.
Step 7: Scoop and Arrange Dough
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each so they have room to spread and brown beautifully without sticking together.
Step 8: Bake Until Golden
Bake the cookies for about 12 minutes, or until their edges turn a lovely light brown. As they bake, an incredible aroma will fill your kitchen, signaling that these Peanut Butter Banana Cookies Recipe gems are almost ready. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before enjoying.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the cookie experience, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top right after baking to balance the sweetness or add a drizzle of melted peanut butter for an extra creamy touch. Chopped peanuts can also add a delightful crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a warm cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a tempting dessert. For a more wholesome snack, serve alongside fresh fruit or yogurt to complement the banana flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these cookies into a dessert sandwich by spreading cream cheese or nut butter between two cookies. You can also crumble them atop yogurt bowls, or break them into chunks to fold into your favorite ice cream, adding a chewy surprise in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Peanut Butter Banana Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and tasty for up to 4 days, making them perfect for snacking throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once solid, transfer to an airtight freezer bag. Frozen cookies maintain their flavor and texture for up to 3 months, ready to be thawed whenever you need a quick treat.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, simply microwave them for about 10-15 seconds, or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back their freshly baked softness and makes the chocolate chips gooey again.
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add an extra nutty texture to the cookies, making them even more interesting to bite into. Just keep in mind it might change the dough’s consistency slightly.
Do I need to use ripe bananas?
Yes, ripe bananas are best because they are sweeter and softer, which helps keep the cookies moist and flavorful without needing extra sugar.
Can I substitute the flour for whole wheat flour?
You can substitute with whole wheat flour, but the cookies may turn out a bit denser. For best results, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour to maintain the perfect texture.
Is it possible to make these cookies gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
Can I add nuts or dried fruit to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins to add variety and expand the flavor profiles of these delightful cookies.
Final Thoughts
This Peanut Butter Banana Cookies Recipe blends wholesome ingredients into a uniquely delicious treat that’s sure to become a cherished favorite. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack or sharing them at your next get-together, these cookies offer a heartwarming combo of flavors everyone will love. Give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed how simple ingredients come together to create something so wonderfully comforting and tasty.
Print
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a delectable treat combining creamy peanut butter and ripe bananas for natural sweetness. Packed with rolled oats and chocolate chips, these cookies offer a perfect balance of chewy texture and rich flavors, ideal for a wholesome snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 medium ripe bananas (mashed)
- 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
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps incorporate air for a better cookie texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture until fully combined, ensuring a smooth and uniform dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Bananas and Chocolate Chips: Carefully fold in the mashed ripe bananas and semisweet chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Portion the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them adequately to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned and the centers are set.
- Cool the Cookies: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- You can swap semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips or nuts for variation.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
