Description
These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a quick and delicious treat combining creamy peanut butter, ripe bananas, and wholesome oats. Naturally sweetened with brown and white sugar and enhanced with vanilla, they offer a soft, chewy texture with a golden edge. Perfect as a guilt-free snack or breakfast on the go.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies
- 1 cup peanut butter
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups oats
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the cookies and ensure even cooking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and mashed ripe bananas until smooth and uniform in texture.
- Add Sugars and Vanilla: Stir in both the white sugar and brown sugar along with the vanilla extract, mixing well to distribute flavors evenly throughout the batter.
- Incorporate Leavening and Salt: Add the baking soda and salt into the mixture and stir thoroughly to activate the leavening agent and balance the cookie’s sweetness.
- Add Oats: Fold in the oats and mix until all ingredients are fully combined, creating a thick dough consistency.
- Form Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the dough spaced evenly onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating the cookies are cooked through.
- Cool: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for several minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, enhancing their texture.
Notes
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Use old-fashioned oats for best texture; quick oats can make cookies too soft.
- Peanut butter can be creamy or chunky based on preference.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For a vegan variation, use a plant-based sugar and ensure peanut butter contains no added dairy.
- You can add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for added flavor and crunch.
