Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
The Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the rich flavors of peanut butter and ripe bananas. These cookies are not only easy to make but also perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family gathering or a special celebration. Their thick, cakey texture, combined with the sweetness of chocolate chips, makes them irresistible. Plus, they’re a great way to use up overripe bananas!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and common ingredients, these cookies come together quickly.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of peanut butter and banana creates a unique taste that everyone will love.
- Versatile Treat: Perfect for lunch boxes, after-school snacks, or dessert at any gathering.
- Kid-Friendly: These cookies are sure to be a hit with children and adults alike.
- Healthy Twist: Packed with oats and bananas, they offer more nutrition than traditional cookies.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready makes baking enjoyable and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Cookie scoop
Importance of Each Tool
- Stand mixer or hand mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming ingredients together for that fluffy texture.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for keeping your ingredients organized and separate until you’re ready to combine them.
Ingredients
These cookies are thick and cakey, loaded with peanut butter, bananas, oats, and chocolate chips.
- 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
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 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:
1. Add the softened butter and creamy peanut butter.
2. Mix in the white sugar and brown sugar.
3. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in:
1. The two large eggs.
2. One teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl:
1. Stir together the all-purpose flour, rolled oats, baking soda, and salt.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture:
1. Beat until just combined; do not overmix.
Step 6: Incorporate Bananas and Chocolate Chips
Fold in:
1. The mashed bananas.
2. The semisweet chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop Dough onto Baking Sheet
Using a large cookie scoop:
1. Drop scoops of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet spaced apart.
Step 8: Bake Cookies
Place in the preheated oven:
1. Bake for about 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned.
2. Allow cooling on a wire rack before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Peanut Butter Banana Cookies!
How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are delicious on their own, but they can be served in a variety of fun and tasty ways. Here are some ideas to enhance your cookie experience.
With Milk
- Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk. The creaminess of the milk pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of peanut butter and banana.
Ice Cream Sandwiches
- Create delightful ice cream sandwiches by placing a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies. This adds an extra layer of sweetness and creaminess.
Warmed Up
- Heat the cookies for a few seconds in the microwave. Warming them makes them soft and gooey, enhancing the peanut butter flavor.
With Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside sliced strawberries or bananas. The freshness balances the richness of the cookies and adds a healthy touch.
Drizzled with Honey
- A drizzle of honey over each cookie can elevate the sweetness, making them even more indulgent.
As a Dessert Platter
- Arrange cookies on a dessert platter with other treats like brownies or fruit tarts for an inviting dessert spread at gatherings.
How to Perfect Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
To ensure your Peanut Butter Banana Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
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Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas not only add sweetness but also moisture, making your cookies softer and more flavorful.
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Don’t overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies rather than soft and cakey ones.
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Chill the dough: If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes can enhance texture and prevent spreading during baking.
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Check for doneness: Bake until the edges are lightly browned. They may appear underdone in the center but will firm up as they cool.
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Store properly: Keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for several days.
Best Side Dishes for Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Pairing side dishes with Peanut Butter Banana Cookies can create a delightful dessert table or snack spread. Here are some suggestions that complement their flavors well:
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Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits that balances the sweetness of the cookies.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layers of yogurt, granola, and fresh fruit make for a deliciously creamy side.
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Nut Mix: A blend of almonds, walnuts, and peanuts provides a crunchy contrast to the soft cookies.
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Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese pair well with sweet treats, offering a savory option.
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Chocolate Fondue: For an indulgent treat, serve with chocolate fondue for dipping fruit or extra cookie pieces.
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Hot Cocoa: A warm cup of cocoa enhances the comforting feel of enjoying these cookies on a cozy day.
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Coconut Macaroons: These chewy bites add another layer of flavor while maintaining a similar texture profile.
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Mini Cupcakes: Small cupcakes in complementary flavors like banana or chocolate can round out the dessert experience nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Peanut Butter Banana Cookies can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to avoid. Here are a few mistakes that could affect the outcome of your cookies.
- Using Overripe Bananas: While ripe bananas are necessary, using them too overripe can result in overly mushy cookies. Aim for bananas that are spotty but still firm.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, and inaccurate measurements can lead to dense or crumbly cookies. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
- Skipping the Cooling Step: It’s tempting to eat the cookies right away, but skipping the cooling step can make them fall apart. Allow them to cool on a wire rack before enjoying.
- Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much after adding dry ingredients can create tough cookies. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
- Ignoring Oven Temperature: Each oven is different; an incorrect temperature can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat your oven and consider using an oven thermometer.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Separate layers with parchment paper for easy access.
Reheating Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for 5-7 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time on a plate for about 10-15 seconds.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, turning occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Peanut Butter Banana Cookies.
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?
Yes, crunchy peanut butter will add texture and flavor, making your cookies even more delightful!
How do I make these cookies healthier?
You can substitute some of the flour with whole wheat flour and use less sugar or natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
What can I add to customize my Peanut Butter Banana Cookies?
Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or even swap chocolate chips for other types of chips like white chocolate or butterscotch.
Are Peanut Butter Banana Cookies kid-friendly?
Absolutely! These cookies are perfect for kids due to their sweet taste and nutritious ingredients like bananas and oats.
Final Thoughts
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile. They blend comforting flavors and healthy ingredients, making them perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize them with your favorite mix-ins for a unique twist. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 24 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavor of Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, a scrumptious treat that perfectly combines the rich taste of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. These cookies boast a thick, cakey texture enhanced by melty chocolate chips, making them an irresistible choice for any occasion. They’re not only easy to whip up but also serve as a fantastic solution for using those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a lunchbox addition, or a sweet treat for gatherings, these cookies are sure to please kids and adults alike.
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
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 medium ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, cream together softened butter and peanut butter with white and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, oats, baking soda, and salt; gradually add to the creamed mixture until just combined.
- Fold in mashed bananas and chocolate chips.
- Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for about 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned; cool on a wire rack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (40g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
