There’s something about peanut butter and banana that just feels nostalgic—sweet, creamy, and comforting. I remember baking these cookies with my mom, and every bite took me back to those cozy afternoons in the kitchen. We loved the combination of peanut butter’s richness with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies quickly became a family favorite, and now they can be yours, too!
If you’ve been looking for a way to incorporate bananas into your baking, this recipe is for you. These cookies are not only easy to make but also soft, chewy, and full of flavor. They’re the perfect treat for breakfast, a snack, or even a light dessert after dinner.
Now, before you get started, there are a few key tips to make sure your cookies come out just right. The combination of peanut butter and banana creates a unique dough that’s slightly different from traditional cookie dough, but don’t worry! We’ll walk through each step together to ensure your cookies turn out perfect.
Table of Contents
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Total Time: 22 mins
Description
These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are soft, chewy, and full of flavor. Perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast treat!
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas
1 cup peanut butter (or almond/sunflower seed butter)
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mash the ripe bananas in a bowl until smooth with some chunks remaining.
Add peanut butter, oats, vanilla extract, salt, and baking powder. Mix until well combined.
If using, add honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.
Chill dough for 20-30 minutes if desired.
Scoop dough onto the baking sheet and flatten slightly. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden.
Let cool before serving.
Notes
For nut-free cookies, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients & Preparation Tips
Essential Ingredients for Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Making these Peanut Butter Banana Cookies requires just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. They also help create a soft texture.
- Peanut Butter: This is the star of the show! You can opt for creamy or chunky peanut butter based on your preference.
- Oats: Rolled oats give the cookies structure and texture, making them chewy and hearty.
- Baking Powder: A pinch of baking powder helps your cookies rise just enough to achieve that perfect, soft center.
- Vanilla Extract: For a bit of flavor enhancement.
- Salt: To balance the sweetness of the banana and peanut butter.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: A small amount to enhance sweetness (optional, depending on how ripe your bananas are).
Customizing Your Cookies (Almond Butter, Sunflower Seed Butter, and More)
While the traditional recipe uses peanut butter, you can easily substitute it with other nut or seed butters. If you’re looking for a nut-free alternative, sunflower seed butter works wonders and provides a similar creamy texture. You can also use almond butter if you prefer a slightly different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that different nut butters may change the texture slightly, but the cookies will still be delicious.
The best part about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you prefer almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or peanut butter, you can still achieve that perfect soft and chewy texture. Keep in mind that some nut butters, like almond butter, tend to be a bit thicker, so you may need to adjust the amount slightly.
Step-by-Step Cookie Baking Process
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Cookie Dough
The key to soft and chewy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies is in the dough. Here’s how to make it from scratch:
- Mash the Bananas: Start by peeling and mashing your ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl. The riper the bananas, the smoother and sweeter the dough will be. You’ll want to mash them until they’re smooth but still a bit chunky for texture.
- Mix in Peanut Butter: Add your peanut butter to the mashed bananas. Whether you’re using creamy or chunky peanut butter, stir it well into the banana mixture until combined. If you’re opting for almond or sunflower seed butter, the process remains the same.
- Add Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine your oats, salt, and baking powder. Stir these dry ingredients together before adding them to the banana and peanut butter mixture. Mix until everything is evenly combined, and your dough should feel thick but slightly sticky.
- Sweeten Your Dough (Optional): Depending on the sweetness of your bananas, you may want to add a touch of honey or maple syrup. This step is optional, but it adds a subtle sweetness and a hint of flavor that enhances the overall cookie experience.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): While it’s not absolutely necessary, chilling your dough for about 20-30 minutes in the fridge can make it easier to scoop and shape the cookies. It also helps them hold their shape while baking, which is ideal if you want a more defined cookie.
Perfecting Your Cookie Texture: Soft, Chewy, or Crunchy?
When baking these cookies, you have control over the final texture. For a chewy texture, flatten the dough slightly with your hands or a spoon before baking. If you prefer crispier cookies, flatten them a bit more and bake them for a little longer—about 12-14 minutes. For a soft and pillowy texture, bake for the recommended time, keeping an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.
One of the best things about these cookies is how customizable they are. You can experiment with the baking time and flattening technique to get the texture you love.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Can I Use Almond Butter or Sunflower Seed Butter?
Yes! If you’re looking for a nut-free alternative, sunflower seed butter is a great choice and works well in this recipe. If you’re okay with nuts, almond butter is another excellent option that adds a slightly different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that both almond and sunflower seed butters may slightly alter the texture, as they are typically a bit thicker than peanut butter. But the cookies will still be deliciously soft and chewy!
Do I Need to Chill the Dough Before Baking?
Chilling the dough is optional, but it does have its benefits. If you chill the dough for about 20-30 minutes in the fridge, it will make it easier to scoop and shape your cookies, and the dough will hold its shape better while baking. This is particularly helpful if you want your cookies to look neat and perfectly round. However, if you’re in a hurry or don’t mind a more rustic cookie shape, you can skip the chilling step. The cookies will still bake up soft and chewy!
Can I Double the Recipe for Peanut Butter Banana Cookies?
Absolutely! If you need a larger batch, feel free to double the recipe. Just make sure you have enough mixing space to accommodate the increased amount of dough. You can either bake the cookies in two batches or use two separate baking sheets, making sure to space them out evenly so they don’t stick together during baking. Doubling the recipe is a great way to have plenty of cookies for sharing, or to enjoy as snacks throughout the week.
Can I Use Chunky Peanut Butter Instead of Creamy?
Yes, you can use chunky peanut butter if you prefer a bit more texture in your cookies. It will still work perfectly in this recipe, and the chunks of peanuts will give your cookies a nice crunch. Keep in mind, though, that chunky peanut butter may affect the dough consistency slightly, making it a bit thicker. Just be sure to mix the dough thoroughly to distribute the peanut chunks evenly.
Conclusion
These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a perfect combination of flavors and textures that will remind you of cozy moments in the kitchen. Whether you use peanut butter, almond butter, or sunflower seed butter, this recipe is versatile and easy to adjust to your taste. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. So grab your bananas, peanut butter, and oats, and start baking these delicious, soft, and chewy cookies today!
