Table of Contents
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with the perfect balance of nutty and sweet flavors. Made with creamy peanut butter, ripe bananas, and just the right amount of sweetness, these cookies require minimal ingredients and are naturally gluten-free if made without flour!
Perfect for snacking, breakfast, or even dessert, these healthy yet indulgent cookies are a great way to use up ripe bananas and satisfy peanut butter cravings. Plus, they’re easy to customize—add chocolate chips, oats, or nuts for extra texture!
✅ The Science & Benefits of Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
✔️ Soft & Chewy Texture – Bananas add moisture, while peanut butter provides richness.
✔️ Naturally Sweetened – Ripe bananas reduce the need for added sugar.
✔️ High in Protein & Healthy Fats – Peanut butter provides protein and essential fats.
✔️ One-Bowl, No-Fuss Recipe – Minimal cleanup and super easy to make!
✔️ Customizable & Kid-Friendly – Add mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts.
🔥 Pro Tip: For the best texture, use extra-ripe bananas with brown spots! Pair them with High-Protein Yogurt for a balanced snack! 🥣🔥
✅ A Deep Dive Into the Best Ingredients for Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
✔️ Ripe Bananas: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to keep cookies soft.
✔️ Creamy Peanut Butter: Provides richness and a nutty flavor.
✔️ Egg: Acts as a binder, holding the cookies together.
✔️ Brown Sugar (Optional): Enhances caramel-like sweetness.
✔️ Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and enhances overall flavor.
✔️ Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise slightly and stay soft.
✔️ Cinnamon (Optional): Adds depth and warmth to the cookies.
🔥 Pro Tip: For a healthier version, use natural peanut butter without added sugar!
✅ Step-By-Step: How to Make the Best Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
🔥 Ingredients (Makes 12-15 Cookies)
For the Peanut Butter Banana Cookies:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup brown sugar (optional, or use honey/maple syrup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats (optional for texture)
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)
🥘 Instructions
1️⃣ Mash & Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Stir in peanut butter, egg, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until fully combined.
🔥 Pro Tip: Use a fork or hand mixer for extra smoothness!
2️⃣ Add Dry Ingredients & Mix-Ins
- Sprinkle in baking soda and cinnamon (if using), then mix well.
- If adding oats, chocolate chips, or nuts, gently fold them in.
🔥 Pro Tip: Chilling the dough for 15 minutes prevents spreading and enhances flavor!
3️⃣ Scoop & Shape the Cookies
- Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon or fork for even baking.
🔥 Pro Tip: For a classic look, press a fork in a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie!
4️⃣ Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
🔥 Pro Tip: Slightly underbake for extra softness—cookies will firm up as they cool!
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
- Enjoy warm with a glass of milk or coffee!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🔥 Pro Tip: Freeze extra cookies for a quick grab-and-go snack!
✅ Flavor Science – Why Peanut Butter Banana Cookies Taste So Good
✔️ Natural Caramelization – Bananas and brown sugar create a deep, rich sweetness.
✔️ Perfect Balance of Sweet & Nutty – Peanut butter adds a savory contrast to banana’s natural sugars.
✔️ Soft Yet Slightly Crispy Texture – Oats add structure, while peanut butter keeps them chewy.
🔥 Pro Tip: For extra depth, sprinkle flaky sea salt on top before baking! Pair them with Açaí Smoothie Bowl for a refreshing contrast! 🍓🔥
✅ More Variations & Customizations
✔️ Chocolate Lover’s Version: Stir in cocoa powder or add extra chocolate chips.
✔️ Protein-Packed Cookies: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
✔️ Vegan Option: Use a flaxseed egg instead of a regular egg.
✔️ Crunchy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies: Swap creamy peanut butter for crunchy!
🔥 Pro Tip: For extra crunch, add chopped almonds or walnuts! Pair them with Air Fryer Churros for a fun, sweet treat combo! 🍩🔥
✅ Pairing Guide – Best Drinks & Sides for Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
✔️ Drinks: Cold milk, hot coffee, or a banana smoothie.
✔️ Sides: Greek yogurt, apple slices, or a handful of almonds.
✔️ Spreads: Top with honey, Nutella, or almond butter for extra indulgence!
These nutty, soft cookies pair perfectly with:
🥛 Mushroom Latte – A warm, earthy drink.
🍞 Sweet Potato Cornbread – A slightly sweet, hearty side.
🍯 Herbal Mocktails – A refreshing, light drink.
🔥 Pro Tip: Pair with iced coffee for the ultimate snack experience! For a balanced snack, serve them with High-Protein Overnight Oats! 🥣🔥
✅ Troubleshooting – Fixing Common Cookie Mistakes
❌ Cookies too dry? Use extra banana or peanut butter for more moisture.
❌ Too crumbly? Add an extra egg or a tablespoon of milk.
❌ Not sweet enough? Use extra honey or maple syrup.
🔥 Pro Tip: For softer cookies, store in an airtight container with a slice of bread!
✅ Nutritional Insights – Calories & Macros for Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
✔️ Calories per cookie (~1 large cookie): ~180 kcal
✔️ Protein: 5g
✔️ Carbs: 20g
✔️ Fats: 9g
🥗 Healthier Swaps:
✔️ Lower Calories: Use PB2 powdered peanut butter instead of regular.
✔️ More Protein: Add a scoop of protein powder or extra egg whites.
✔️ Lower Sugar: Replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia.
✅ Conclusion
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are soft, chewy, and naturally sweet, making them the perfect guilt-free treat for peanut butter lovers. Whether classic, chocolate-packed, or protein-boosted, this simple, wholesome recipe is a must-try for any snack lover!
🔥 Soft, nutty, and packed with banana goodness—Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a snack-time favorite! 🍌🥜🔥
PrintNaturally Sweet Peanut Butter Banana Cookies 🍌🥜
These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with nutty sweetness! Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, they’re gluten-free, naturally sweetened, and perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
Ingredients
For the Peanut Butter Banana Cookies:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup brown sugar (optional, or use honey/maple syrup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats (optional for texture)
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Mash & Mix the Wet Ingredients
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
- Stir in peanut butter, egg, vanilla extract, and brown sugar until fully combined.
🔥 Pro Tip: Use a fork or hand mixer for extra smoothness!
2️⃣ Add Dry Ingredients & Mix-Ins
- Sprinkle in baking soda and cinnamon (if using), then mix well.
- If adding oats, chocolate chips, or nuts, gently fold them in.
🔥 Pro Tip: Chilling the dough for 15 minutes prevents spreading and enhances flavor!
3️⃣ Scoop & Shape the Cookies
- Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon or fork for even baking.
🔥 Pro Tip: For a classic look, press a fork in a crisscross pattern on top of each cookie!
4️⃣ Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden brown.
- Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
🔥 Pro Tip: Slightly underbake for extra softness—cookies will firm up as they cool!
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
- Enjoy warm with a glass of milk or coffee!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
🔥 Pro Tip: Freeze extra cookies for a quick grab-and-go snack!
Notes
These soft, flourless cookies are quick, healthy, and naturally sweetened—perfect for snacking, meal prep, or dessert! Whether you keep them simple, add chocolate, or load them with nuts, they’re a must-try treat!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 cookies
- Calories: 180
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g