Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly blends the rich flavors of peanut butter and ripe bananas. Ideal for any occasion, from family gatherings to after-school snacks, these cookies are not only delicious but also simple to make. Their thick, cakey texture and the addition of chocolate chips make them a standout choice for cookie lovers everywhere.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 27 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of peanut butter, banana, and chocolate chips creates a mouthwatering flavor that everyone will enjoy.
- Nutritious Twist: With oats and bananas included, these cookies offer some nutritional benefits while still being a treat.
- Kid-Friendly: Perfect for baking with kids, these cookies are fun to make and even more fun to eat!
- Versatile Base: You can customize the recipe by adding nuts or swapping chocolate chips for other mix-ins.
Tools and Preparation
To make these delicious Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your baking process and help you achieve the best results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Makes creaming ingredients quick and effortless, ensuring a fluffy cookie dough.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining dry and wet ingredients separately before mixing.
- Cookie scoop: Allows for uniform cookie sizes, ensuring even baking.
Ingredients
These cookies are thick and cakey, loaded with peanut butter, bananas, oats, and chocolate chips.
Basic 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 Ingredients
- 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 lightly spray it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Peanut Butter
In the bowl of your mixer, cream together the softened butter, creamy peanut butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the two large eggs one at a time along with the teaspoon of vanilla extract until well incorporated.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the creamed butter mixture. Beat until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Add Bananas and Chocolate Chips
Mix in the mashed bananas along with the semisweet chocolate chips until everything is well incorporated.
Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet
Use a large cookie scoop to drop scoops of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about two inches apart.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Bake in your preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until you see that the edges are lightly browned and cookies appear set.
Step 9: Cool on Wire Rack
Once baked, transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before enjoying.
With these steps followed carefully, you’ll have delicious Peanut Butter Banana Cookies ready to share! Enjoy your baking!
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 serving them at a gathering or enjoying them solo, these cookies pair well with many accompaniments.
With Milk
- A classic pairing that enhances the flavors and adds a creamy texture. Enjoy a glass of cold milk alongside your warm cookies for the perfect combo.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Sandwiched between two scoops of your favorite ice cream, these cookies make for an indulgent dessert. Try vanilla or chocolate for a delightful twist.
Fresh Fruit
- Serve with sliced apples or bananas to add a refreshing contrast. The natural sweetness of fruit complements the rich flavors of the cookies.
Coffee or Tea
- Pairing these cookies with a hot cup of coffee or tea creates a cozy afternoon snack. The warmth of the drink balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Nut Butter Spread
- Spread additional peanut butter or almond butter on top of each cookie for an extra protein boost. This makes for a filling snack anytime you need energy.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
To ensure your Peanut Butter Banana Cookies turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Use ripe bananas: Overripe bananas are sweeter and will enhance the flavor of your cookies.
- Chill the dough: Letting the cookie dough chill for 30 minutes can help prevent spreading during baking, resulting in thicker cookies.
- Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies soft and cakey; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Adjust baking time: Oven temperatures can vary; keep an eye on your cookies as they bake to avoid overcooking.
- Add nuts: For added crunch and flavor, consider mixing in chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Store properly: Keep baked cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for several days.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance their flavor and texture. Consider these delicious options when serving.
- Greek Yogurt: A creamy and tangy side that pairs wonderfully with sweet cookies, adding a nutritious element.
- Chocolate Milkshake: This indulgent drink elevates dessert time, offering richness that complements the cookie’s flavors.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies perfectly.
- Cheese Platter: Mild cheeses like brie or cheddar can create a savory contrast to sweet treats.
- Trail Mix: A crunchy and nutty side that adds texture and makes for an energizing snack alongside your cookies.
- Nutella Dipping Sauce: For those who love chocolate, a warm Nutella dip is an irresistible pairing with these delightful cookies.
- Pancakes: Fluffy pancakes topped with banana slices and syrup make for an extravagant brunch option when served alongside cookies.
- Smoothies: A fruit smoothie can serve as a refreshing drink, providing balance to the rich peanut butter flavor in your cookies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, especially when making Peanut Butter Banana Cookies. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can affect the texture of your cookies. Always use softened butter and room temperature eggs for a better mix.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them soft and chewy.
- Skipping the banana ripeness check: Using unripe bananas can lead to less flavor. Ensure your bananas are very ripe for the best taste.
- Not measuring flour properly: Too much flour can make cookies dense. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
- Ignoring baking time: Baking too long can dry out your cookies. Keep an eye on them and remove from the oven once they are set with lightly browned edges.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Layer cookies between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator before enjoying.
Reheating Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds for a warm treat.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Peanut Butter Banana Cookies.
What makes Peanut Butter Banana Cookies chewy?
The combination of mashed bananas and peanut butter contributes moisture, resulting in a chewy texture that many love.
Can I substitute ingredients in Peanut Butter Banana Cookies?
Yes! You can use almond butter instead of peanut butter or substitute oats with whole wheat flour for variations.
How do I know when my Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are done?
They are ready when the edges are lightly browned, but the centers should still look soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Are Peanut Butter Banana Cookies healthy?
While they contain sugar and butter, using ripe bananas adds natural sweetness and nutrients, making them a healthier dessert option than many others.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them by adding nuts or swapping chocolate chips with dried fruit. These cookies bring comfort and joy, making them perfect for any occasion. Try this easy recipe today!
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful goodness of Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, a treat that perfectly harmonizes the rich flavors of creamy peanut butter and sweet, ripe bananas. These cookies are not just easy to whip up—taking only about 27 minutes from start to finish—but they also offer a satisfyingly thick, cakey texture that’s studded with chocolate chips for an extra touch of sweetness.
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
- 3 medium ripe bananas (mashed)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your 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 fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time and mix in vanilla extract until incorporated.
- In another bowl, combine flour, oats, baking soda, and salt; then gradually add to the wet mixture until just combined.
- Fold in mashed bananas and chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Scoop cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for approximately 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
- Let cool on a wire rack before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
