Name: Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ripe banana, mashed; 1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky); 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional); 1 cup rolled oats; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are the ultimate combination of soft, chewy, and flavorful. With the natural sweetness of banana and the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter, they make for the perfect snack when you’re craving something sweet but healthy. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, these cookies are sure to become a go-to treat in your kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ripe banana, mashed

1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

1 cup rolled oats

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana, peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Add in the cinnamon (if using), oats, and salt, mixing until everything is fully incorporated.

If you’re adding chocolate chips, fold them into the dough for an extra burst of sweetness and flavor.

Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each cookie with the back of the spoon to give them a nice, even shape.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges.

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Servings: 12 cookies

Variations

Chocolate Lovers: Add a generous amount of mini chocolate chips or chunks to the dough for a richer treat.

Nut-Free Option: If you have a nut allergy, you can substitute the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free spread.

Spices: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.

Make it Vegan: Use maple syrup in place of honey and ensure that your peanut butter and chocolate chips are dairy-free.

Storage/Reheating

These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If I want to keep them longer, I store them in the fridge where they’ll stay fresh for about a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing, and place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-8 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without chocolate chips?

Yes, absolutely! The cookies are still delicious without chocolate chips, especially if you want a more natural sweetness from the banana and honey/maple syrup.

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

I recommend using rolled oats for the best texture, but if you only have quick oats, they will work too. The texture might be a bit softer, but the flavor will still be great.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! These cookies are naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure the oats you use are certified gluten-free.

Can I freeze the dough for later?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough before baking. Simply scoop out the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to an airtight container or bag. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as usual, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

How can I make these cookies sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter cookie, you can add an extra tablespoon of honey or maple syrup or increase the amount of mini chocolate chips. Just be mindful that too much sweetness may affect the texture.

Conclusion

These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are an easy, wholesome, and delicious treat that’s perfect for any time of day. With their chewy texture and natural sweetness, they’re a snack I find myself coming back to again and again. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea or grabbing one on the go, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings in the best way possible.

Recipe: