These peanut butter banana cookies are the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and chewy. The rich flavor of peanut butter blends beautifully with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, creating a soft and satisfying treat. With a simple ingredient list and easy steps, they’re ideal for a quick homemade dessert or an afternoon snack.
For those who love experimenting, these cookies can be customized with chocolate chips, cinnamon, or even a drizzle of honey for added depth of flavor. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later, these cookies will become a household favorite!
Full Recipes:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup salted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup banana, mashed (about 1 medium banana)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (optional, for rolling)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer for about 2 minutes.
- Add peanut butter, egg, vanilla, salt, baking soda, and mashed banana. Mix well for another 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually add the flour and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Scoop out dough using a tablespoon or mini ice cream scoop and place on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten gently with the back of a spoon.
- (Optional) Roll dough balls in granulated sugar before placing them on the sheet and use a fork to create a crisscross pattern.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack for 3–4 minutes before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: 128 kcal per cookie | Servings: 18 cookies
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies: A Sweet & Nutty Delight
There’s something undeniably comforting about a batch of freshly baked cookies. The aroma filling the kitchen, the soft, chewy texture, and the rich flavors make them a favorite in households around the world. If you’re a fan of peanut butter and bananas, then this Peanut Butter Banana Cookies recipe is one you’ll want to add to your collection.
Combining the nutty goodness of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, these cookies offer a unique twist on traditional peanut butter cookies. They’re soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, making them a perfect snack for any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, an afternoon treat, or a lunchbox snack, these cookies hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Easy to Make: This recipe requires only a few basic ingredients, most of which are likely already in your pantry. No fancy equipment is needed just a bowl, a mixer, and an oven.
- Great for Ripe Bananas: If you have overripe bananas sitting on your counter, this is a delicious way to use them up instead of letting them go to waste.
- Nutty and Sweet Balance: The combination of peanut butter and banana creates a naturally sweet, slightly nutty flavor without being overpowering.
- Soft & Chewy Texture: Unlike some peanut butter cookies that can be crumbly, these have a soft and chewy bite thanks to the moisture from the bananas.
- Customizable: You can easily add mix-ins like chocolate chips, cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey to personalize your cookies.
The Flavor Profile
Peanut butter and bananas have long been a beloved pairing, from peanut butter banana sandwiches to smoothies. The reason this combination works so well is the contrast in flavors and textures. The richness of peanut butter, with its creamy and slightly salty notes, pairs beautifully with the mild sweetness and smooth texture of bananas.
When baked into cookies, this combination transforms into something truly special. The banana enhances the softness of the cookie, while the peanut butter adds depth and richness. If you enjoy peanut butter cookies but sometimes find them too dry, the banana in this recipe helps keep them moist and tender.
Perfect Occasions for Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed on various occasions:
- Breakfast on the Go: Since they contain bananas and peanut butter, they provide a little protein and natural sweetness, making them a great grab-and-go breakfast option.
- Lunchbox Treat: Kids love the combination of peanut butter and banana, and these cookies make for a wholesome and satisfying treat in their lunchboxes.
- Afternoon Snack: Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a delicious mid-day snack.
- Dessert: Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
- Potlucks and Bake Sales: These cookies are easy to transport and are always a crowd-pleaser at gatherings.
Healthier Ingredient Swaps
If you’re looking to make these cookies even healthier, here are a few substitutions you can try:
- Whole Wheat Flour: Instead of all-purpose flour, try using whole wheat flour for added fiber.
- Natural Peanut Butter: Opt for natural peanut butter with no added sugar or preservatives for a cleaner ingredient list.
- Less Sugar: Since bananas already provide natural sweetness, you can reduce the amount of added sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Fun Variations & Mix-Ins
While these cookies are delicious as they are, you can easily change things up with some creative mix-ins:
- Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of chocolate chips for a peanut butter-banana-chocolate flavor explosion.
- Cinnamon: A little ground cinnamon enhances the warmth and depth of flavor in these cookies.
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: Drizzle a bit on top before baking for extra sweetness.
- Oats: Stir in a bit of quick oats to add texture and fiber.
Storage Tips
To keep your cookies fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage guidelines:
- At Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to three days.
- In the Refrigerator: If you want them to last longer, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to three months. When ready to eat, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to dense cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the texture light and chewy.
- Using Under-Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the better! Overripe bananas provide more sweetness and moisture.
- Overbaking: These cookies should be slightly soft when removed from the oven. They will firm up as they cool. Overbaking can make them dry.
- Not Flattening the Cookies: Since these cookies don’t spread much on their own, gently pressing them down before baking helps create the perfect shape.
Why These Cookies Are a Must-Try
If you love peanut butter, bananas, and soft, chewy cookies, this recipe is a must-try. It’s incredibly easy to make and delivers on flavor and texture. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose ripe bananas into something delicious.
Whether you make them for yourself, share them with family and friends, or bake them for a special occasion, these cookies are bound to be a hit. With their rich peanut butter taste, natural banana sweetness, and soft texture, they offer a satisfying treat that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional peanut butter cookies, offering a soft, chewy, and flavorful treat that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The combination of peanut butter and banana creates a naturally sweet and nutty cookie that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick homemade dessert, a fun baking project, or a way to use up ripe bananas, these cookies are a fantastic choice.
So next time you find yourself with a ripe banana on your counter, grab some peanut butter and whip up a batch of these delicious cookies. You’ll love how simple they are to make, and even more, you’ll love how amazing they taste!