Go Back
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed - 1 cup natural peanut butter (creamy or chunky) - 1 cup rolled oats (old-fashioned) - 1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) To make these yummy cookies, you need simple ingredients. You start with two ripe bananas. I love how ripe bananas add natural sweetness. Then, grab a cup of natural peanut butter. You can choose creamy or chunky based on your taste. Next, you’ll need one cup of rolled oats. Old-fashioned oats work best for texture. For a touch of sweetness, use a quarter cup of honey or pure maple syrup. This adds a nice flavor. Don't forget half a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. It enhances the taste. You also need a quarter teaspoon of baking soda. This helps the cookies rise. A quarter teaspoon of salt brings out all the flavors. If you want a sweet surprise, add half a cup of dark chocolate chips. Chopped walnuts or pecans are a great option too. They add a crunchy texture. All these ingredients come together for a delicious treat! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the cookies not stick. In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas and peanut butter. Mix until smooth. This blend brings rich flavor to the cookies. Now, add in the rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Stir until everything is well mixed. You will get a sticky dough that smells amazing. Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to place the dough on the baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each scoop. This space allows the cookies to spread as they bake. Press each cookie down slightly with a fork. This helps them bake evenly. Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch for a golden color and a firm feel. This is when they are just right. Once baked, take the cookies out of the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step allows the cookies to set up nicely. To keep your peanut butter banana oat cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. They stay good at room temperature for about three days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge. They can last up to a week there. For even longer storage, freeze the cookies. Just place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. One common mistake is overmixing the dough. Mix just until combined. If you overmix, your cookies may turn out tough. Another mistake is not mashing the bananas well. Lumpy bananas can lead to uneven texture. Lastly, don’t skip the baking soda. It helps your cookies rise and become fluffy. For the best results, use very ripe bananas. The riper they are, the sweeter your cookies will be. Use old-fashioned rolled oats for better texture. If you want softer cookies, shape them thicker. For chewier cookies, flatten them a bit more before baking. Always watch the baking time closely. Ovens vary, so check them a minute early. Serve these cookies warm with a glass of milk or a cup of tea. They also pair well with yogurt for a quick snack. For a fun twist, add a scoop of ice cream on top for dessert. You can even crumble them over oatmeal for added flavor. These cookies make great gifts, too. Wrap them nicely and share with friends or family. Pro Tips Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best results. Chill the Dough: For a thicker cookie, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and promotes a chewy texture. Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to customize your cookies by adding other ingredients like dried fruit, coconut flakes, or different nuts to suit your taste. Storage Tips: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer-lasting treats. {{image_4}} If you want to make nut-free cookies, you can switch the peanut butter. Use sunbutter, which is made from sunflower seeds. It has a similar taste. You can also try soy nut butter for a different flavor. Both options keep the cookies soft and tasty. To make these cookies vegan, replace the honey with maple syrup. Ensure the peanut butter is free from any added oils. This simple swap keeps the cookies plant-based and still sweet. The bananas provide moisture and flavor, making them perfect for a vegan treat. You can add fun flavors to your cookies. Here are some ideas: - Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. Nutmeg can also give your cookies a cozy taste. - Fruits: Consider mixing in raisins or dried cranberries. They add sweetness and chewiness. - Zest: Add a bit of lemon or orange zest for a fresh twist. The zest brightens the flavor. - Coconut: Shredded coconut can add a chewy texture and a tropical hint. Feel free to experiment! These changes can make your cookies unique and fun to enjoy. Peanut butter banana oat cookies are tasty and provide good energy. Each cookie has about 120 calories. The total calories depend on optional ingredients like chocolate chips and nuts. The bananas and peanut butter add healthy fats and carbs, making these cookies a filling snack. - Bananas: They are rich in potassium and fiber. This helps with digestion and keeps your heart healthy. - Peanut Butter: It has protein and healthy fats. This keeps you full longer and helps build muscle. - Rolled Oats: Oats provide fiber, which is great for heart health. They can help lower cholesterol levels. - Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners add taste and have antioxidants. They may help boost your immune system. These cookies are easy to adjust for different diets. They are naturally gluten-free if you use certified oats. They are also dairy-free, as they don’t need any milk or cheese. This makes them a great option for many people. Just check if your peanut butter is gluten-free and dairy-free to be sure! Yes, you can use different sweeteners. You may try agave nectar or coconut sugar instead. Honey and maple syrup give a nice flavor, but other sweeteners work too. Just keep the amount similar to what the recipe states. These cookies last about one week at room temperature. For best results, store them in an airtight container. You can also keep them in the fridge to extend their freshness. They may lose some texture but will still taste great. Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Portion it into balls and place them in a freezer bag. Press out air before sealing. The dough will last about three months in the freezer. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes. You can use unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for mashed bananas. Other options include pureed pumpkin or avocado. Each will change the flavor slightly but will still work well in the recipe. Yes, these cookies are great for kids! They are easy to make and delicious. Plus, they have healthy ingredients. Kids love the sweet taste and the fun shapes. Just watch for any nut allergies if you add nuts. This blog post covered how to make delicious cookies using simple, healthy ingredients. You learned the steps to prepare them and useful tips for success. We explored variations to suit your needs and detailed the nutritional benefits. In the end, these cookies are easy to make and fun to enjoy. You can adapt the recipe to fit your taste. Whether you share them or keep them all to yourself, these cookies will delight everyone!

Peanut Butter Banana Oat Cookies

Delicious and healthy cookies made with ripe bananas, peanut butter, and oats, perfect for a snack or dessert.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces ripe bananas, mashed until smooth
  • 1 cup natural peanut butter
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 4 cup honey or pure maple syrup
  • 1 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and natural peanut butter. Stir vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and well integrated.
  • Next, incorporate the rolled oats, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Stir until all components are fully mixed, creating a sticky cookie dough.
  • If you’re adding the optional ingredients, gently fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped walnuts for a delicious burst of flavor and texture.
  • Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring to leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie for spreading.
  • Lightly press down on each cookie with the back of a fork or your fingers, flattening them slightly to promote even baking and create a lovely pattern.
  • Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, keeping an eye on them until they turn a beautiful golden color and feel firm to the touch.
  • Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

For a thoughtful gift or snack, package them in a clear cellophane bag tied neatly with a charming ribbon.
Keyword banana, cookies, healthy, oats, peanut butter