Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and ripe bananas with the wholesome goodness of oats. Perfect for after-school snacks, family gatherings, or a cozy evening dessert, these cookies offer a unique twist on traditional cookie recipes. Their thick and cakey texture is complemented by melty chocolate chips, making them irresistible to both kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies are perfect for bakers of all levels.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with bananas and oats, they provide some nutritional benefits while satisfying your sweet tooth.
- Versatile Treat: Great for any occasion, whether it’s a casual get-together or a special celebration.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids will love helping out in the kitchen and enjoying these delicious cookies afterward!
- Freezable Option: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for fresh cookies anytime you crave a sweet snack.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the delicious world of peanut butter banana cookies, it’s helpful to gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Cookie scoop
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Essential for achieving that light and fluffy mixture when creaming butter and sugars.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for keeping your ingredients organized when preparing different mixtures.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for your cookies while they bake evenly in the oven.
Ingredients
These cookies are thick and cakey, loaded with peanut butter, bananas, oats, and chocolate chips.
For the Cookie Base
- 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
For the Dry Mixture
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For Flavor Enhancements
- 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 sticking.
Step 2: Cream Together Ingredients
In the bowl of your mixer, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes on medium speed.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then add in the teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of dry ingredients in your cookie dough.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the creamed butter mixture. Beat until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender.
Step 6: Incorporate Bananas and Chocolate Chips
Fold in the mashed bananas and semisweet chocolate chips until they are well incorporated throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet
Using a large cookie scoop, drop scoops of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each scoop as they will spread while baking.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in your preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until you notice that the edges are gently browned and set.
Step 9: Cool
Allow your cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy these delicious Peanut Butter Banana Cookies fresh from the oven!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a dessert to impress guests, these cookies can be served in multiple styles.
With Milk
- Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic combination that enhances the flavor of the peanut butter and chocolate.
As an Ice Cream Sandwich
- Take two cookies and sandwich your favorite ice cream in between for a deliciously creamy dessert that is perfect for warm days.
Drizzled with Honey
- A light drizzle of honey adds extra sweetness and complements the flavors in the cookies beautifully.
On a Dessert Platter
- Arrange the cookies on a dessert platter alongside fruits or other treats to create an appealing spread for parties or gatherings.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve the cookies with slices of fresh bananas or strawberries to add freshness and balance out the richness of peanut butter.
Dusted with Powdered Sugar
- A light dusting of powdered sugar gives the cookies an elegant touch, making them more visually appealing for special occasions.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Perfecting your Peanut Butter Banana Cookies is easy with just a few tips. Follow these guidelines to make your cookies even more delightful.
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Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas with brown spots.
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Don’t Overmix: After adding dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Chill the Dough: Chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes helps prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
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Check Oven Temperature: Ensure your oven is accurate by using an oven thermometer. Baking at the right temperature is crucial for even baking.
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Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding nuts, dried fruit, or different types of chocolate chips to customize your cookies.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies pair well with a variety of side dishes that complement their sweet and nutty flavors. Here are some excellent options:
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Greek Yogurt: Creamy Greek yogurt topped with honey provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
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Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances out the richness of the cookies.
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Chocolate Milkshake: Indulge in a thick chocolate milkshake that pairs perfectly with the flavor profile of these delightful cookies.
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Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses, particularly creamy varieties like Brie or goat cheese, offers an interesting savory contrast.
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Nut Mix: A mix of almonds, walnuts, and pecans provides crunch and nuttiness that complements the peanut butter flavor.
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Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or tea enhances the overall experience, making it perfect for afternoon snacks or dessert time.
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Ice Cream Sundae: Create a mini sundae using ice cream topped with crushed cookies for added texture and taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially when making Peanut Butter Banana Cookies. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for perfect cookies every time.
- Using Overripe Bananas: While ripe bananas add sweetness, overly brown ones can affect the texture. Aim for bananas that are yellow with a few spots.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science. Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate ingredient amounts for the best results.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: Allowing cookies to cool on a wire rack prevents sogginess. Don’t rush this step; it enhances texture.
- Mixing Too Much: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for soft, cakey results.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature. Use an oven thermometer to ensure it’s at 375 degrees before baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days 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.
Reheating Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Peanut Butter Banana Cookies that might help clarify any doubts.
How do I make my Peanut Butter Banana Cookies healthier?
You can substitute half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce or use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Can I use chunky peanut butter in this recipe?
Yes, chunky peanut butter adds extra texture and flavor, making your cookies even more delightful!
What can I add to my Peanut Butter Banana Cookies?
Feel free to mix in nuts, dried fruits, or even spices like cinnamon for added flavor.
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
The edges should be lightly browned, and the centers will look set but slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! You can customize them by adding nuts or swapping ingredients based on your dietary needs. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, making it a must-try for cookie lovers everywhere!
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, a perfect treat that combines creamy peanut butter, ripe bananas, and wholesome oats. These cookies are thick, cakey, and studded with melty chocolate chips, making them an irresistible snack for both kids and adults. Ideal for after-school munching or as a cozy dessert, they strike the perfect balance between health and indulgence. Plus, they’re easy to make with just a handful of ingredients! Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or looking for a quick pick-me-up, these cookies are sure to delight everyone at the table.
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
- 3 medium ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixer, cream together the softened butter, peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, oats, baking soda, and salt; then combine with the wet ingredients until just mixed.
- Fold in mashed bananas and chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet with space in between each cookie.
- Bake for about 12 minutes until edges are lightly browned.
- 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: 160
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
