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Are you craving a simple and tasty treat? Look no further! My Peanut Butter Banana Oat Cookies are quick to make and full of flavor. They use just a few ingredients, and you might already have them in your kitchen. Whether you want a healthy snack or a tasty dessert, this recipe covers it all. Grab your ingredients, and letβs get baking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Healthy Ingredients: These cookies are made with wholesome ingredients like bananas, oats, and peanut butter, making them a nutritious snack option.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of these cookies in no time, making them perfect for busy days.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the recipe by adding your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips or nuts, to suit your taste.
- Kid-Friendly: These cookies are not only delicious but also a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen while enjoying a healthy treat.
Ingredients
To make the best Peanut Butter Banana Oat Cookies, gather these simple ingredients:
β 2 ripe mashed bananas
β 1 cup natural peanut butter
β 1 cup rolled oats
β Optional ingredients: 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
β Sweetener options: 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
β Flavor enhancers: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt
Each ingredient plays a key role. The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture. Peanut butter adds rich flavor and protein. Oats give the cookies their hearty texture. You can add dark chocolate chips for a sweet touch or walnuts for crunch. Honey or maple syrup can boost the sweetness to your liking. The vanilla, baking soda, and salt enhance the overall flavor.
Using ripe bananas makes a big difference. They mash easily and are sweeter. Choose natural peanut butter without added sugars. It gives a pure taste. Rolled oats help bind the cookies and add fiber. You can customize your cookie with the optional ingredients based on your taste.
This simple list makes it easy to whip up a batch of cookies that taste great and are healthy too!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating the Oven
First, set your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). This temperature helps cookies bake evenly. Next, prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This step keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your mashed bananas with the natural peanut butter. Mix them well until they form a smooth blend. Then, add your rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Stir everything together until fully mixed. If you want, fold in dark chocolate chips or chopped walnuts. These add extra flavor and a nice crunch.
Forming the Cookies
Now itβs time to shape your cookies. Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart. This space allows them to spread while baking. To help them cook evenly, gently flatten each cookie with the back of a fork or your fingers. This simple step ensures a nice, even bake.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Best Texture
Using ripe bananas is key. They add natural sweetness and moisture. I recommend choosing bananas with brown spots. This shows they are sweet and soft. When it comes to baking time, you can play around. Bake for 10 minutes for a chewy cookie. If you want them crispy, add a couple more minutes. Keep an eye on them so they do not burn.
Flavor and Nutrition Boosts
You can add nuts or chocolate chips for extra taste. Chopped walnuts give a nice crunch. Dark chocolate chips add a rich flavor. If you want a different sweetness, try using maple syrup. It gives a unique twist. You can also use agave syrup or date syrup. These options can change the flavor profile while keeping it healthy.
Presentation Tips
Serve your cookies on a fun plate. Add a few banana slices for color. A sprinkle of oats on top makes it look nice, too. If you want to give them as gifts, package them in clear bags. Tie them with a pretty ribbon. This makes them look special and inviting.
Pro Tips
- Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for the best results.
- Peanut Butter Consistency: Use a natural peanut butter that is smooth and creamy for better incorporation into the dough. If you prefer crunchy, make sure to chop larger pieces finely.
- Variations: Feel free to add other mix-ins like dried fruits, seeds, or different nuts to customize your cookies and enhance their nutritional value.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake; ovens can vary. Remove them from the oven when theyβre just golden to ensure they remain soft and chewy.

Variations
Vegan Option
To make these cookies vegan, simply swap honey for maple syrup. Maple syrup offers a great sweetness without any animal products. When adding chocolate chips, choose dairy-free options to keep everything plant-based. This keeps your cookie recipe friendly for vegans.
Gluten-Free Option
For a gluten-free version, be sure to use certified gluten-free oats. Regular oats may have gluten from cross-contamination. You can also try different nut butters. Almond or cashew butter works well. This change adds new flavors while keeping the cookies gluten-free.
Flavor Variations
You can enhance the flavor of these cookies in several ways. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg gives a warm taste. Try mixing in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a chewy texture. Seeds like chia or sunflower can also add crunch and nutrition.
Storage Info
Short-Term Storage
To keep your peanut butter banana oat cookies fresh, store them at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft and chewy. You can also use a cookie jar with a tight lid. Avoid stacking them too high to prevent crushing.
Long-Term Storage
If you want to save cookies for later, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each cookie in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped cookies in a freezer bag. You can store them for up to three months.
When youβre ready to enjoy them, just take a cookie out and let it thaw at room temperature. For the best texture, you can warm it in the oven at 350Β°F (175Β°C) for a few minutes. This makes them taste fresh-baked again!
FAQs
Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of smooth?
Yes, you can use crunchy peanut butter. It adds a nice texture to the cookies. The chunks of peanut will give each bite a little crunch. This change can also boost the peanut flavor. If you love that extra bite, go for it!
How long will the cookies last?
These cookies stay fresh for about a week at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container. If you want them to last longer, freeze them. They can keep for up to three months in the freezer. Just remember to thaw them before enjoying!
Can I substitute bananas with another fruit?
You can swap bananas for applesauce or mashed avocado. Applesauce will make the cookies softer and sweeter. Mashed avocado gives a creamy texture but will change the flavor. Both options work, so choose what you like best!
Making these banana peanut butter cookies is simple and fun. You learned the key ingredients, like ripe bananas and oats, needed for great taste. The step-by-step guide helps you bake them perfectly. With tips for texture and flavor, you can customize them to your liking. Options for vegan and gluten-free cookies let everyone join in. Store them right for lasting freshness. Enjoy these tasty treats as snacks or gifts. Now, itβs time to bake and share your tasty creation
Peanut Butter Banana Oat Cookies
Delicious and healthy cookies made with ripe bananas, peanut butter, and oats.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
Total Time 22 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 120 kcal
- 2 none ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Preheat your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas and natural peanut butter, mixing until well blended.
Add the rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt to the bowl, mixing until all ingredients are incorporated.
If desired, fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped walnuts for added flavor and crunch.
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a fork or your fingers to help them cook evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden and firm to the touch.
Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve these delightful cookies on a colorful plate and garnish with a few banana slices or a sprinkle of oats for an appealing touch. They also make for great snacks packaged in a cellophane bag tied with a ribbon!
Keyword banana, cookies, oats, peanut butter
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