Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are not just a treat; they’re a wholesome option for any time of day. Made with simple ingredients, these cookies are perfect for snacking, breakfast, or even dessert. With their delicious flavor and chewy texture, you can enjoy them without the guilt. Plus, they are vegan, gluten-free, and low in sugar, making them suitable for various dietary preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in just 15 minutes, making them a fast choice for busy days.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with healthy fats and natural sweetness from bananas and nut butters.
- Versatile Add-ins: Customize your cookies by adding mini dark chocolate chips or shredded coconut for extra flavor.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: A perfect snack for those on plant-based or gluten-free diets.
- Kid-Friendly: Great for kids’ snacks or lunchboxes; they will love the sweet banana flavor!
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth, gather the essential tools beforehand. This will help streamline the process of creating your healthy peanut butter banana cookies.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Fork
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl provides ample space to mash bananas and mix all ingredients without mess.
- Baking sheet: Ensures even heat distribution while baking, giving you perfectly cooked cookies every time.
- Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
Ingredients
These delicious and healthy cookies are made with just 4-ingredients and come together in a flash for a healthy, vegan, low sugar, gluten free treat!
Main Ingredients
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons all natural almond butter (or swap for peanut butter)
- 1 small banana, mashed until no clumps remain
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of sea salt (optional)
Optional Add-ins
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips
- unsweetened shredded coconut
- hemp seeds
How to Make Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Mash the Banana
In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to mash the banana until no clumps remain. This will be the base of your cookie dough.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
Add in the natural peanut butter, almond butter, and ground cinnamon. Stir well until everything is thoroughly combined into a cohesive mixture.
Step 4: Form the Dough
As you mix, the dough will begin to form into one big ball. Ensure there are no sticky bits left on the sides of the bowl.
Step 5: Prepare Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Shape Cookies
Roll or scoop the batter into about 10 balls. Place them on the prepared cookie sheet. Use a fork to gently press down on each cookie ball.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned on the bottom.
Step 8: Add Sea Salt
Once removed from the oven, if using it, sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of sea salt while they are still warm.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
Let your cookies cool completely before enjoying them as a delightful snack or treat!
How to Serve Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are not just delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy them in many ways that enhance their flavor and nutritional value.
With Fruit
- Sliced Bananas: Top your cookies with fresh banana slices for a fruity touch.
- Berries: Serve alongside strawberries or blueberries for a burst of freshness.
As a Breakfast Treat
- With Yogurt: Crumble the cookies over Greek yogurt for a tasty breakfast bowl.
- On Oatmeal: Mix cookie pieces into your morning oatmeal for added sweetness and texture.
With Nut Spreads
- Almond Butter Drizzle: Drizzle almond butter on top for an extra nutty flavor.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: A light drizzle of honey or maple syrup can enhance the sweetness.
Paired with Beverages
- Coffee: Enjoy these cookies with your morning coffee for a delightful pairing.
- Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea complements the flavors beautifully.
How to Perfect Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Ripe Bananas: The sweeter the banana, the better the flavor of your cookies.
- Mix Thoroughly: Make sure to mix until everything is well combined to avoid clumps.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on them; they should be lightly browned but not too dark.
- Chill Dough (Optional): If you prefer firmer cookies, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Try adding nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
Best Side Dishes for Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These cookies pair wonderfully with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great suggestions:
- Greek Yogurt: A creamy base that pairs well with the cookie’s richness.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balance.
- Nut Mix: A handful of mixed nuts provides crunch and healthy fats.
- Smoothie Bowl: Blend your favorite fruits and top with cookie crumbles for a delicious twist.
- Chia Seed Pudding: The creaminess of chia pudding contrasts nicely with the cookie texture.
- Oatmeal: Serve alongside a warm bowl of oatmeal for a hearty breakfast option.
- Coconut Milk Ice Cream: For a sweet treat, pair with dairy-free ice cream made from coconut milk.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the simplest recipes can have pitfalls. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies turn out perfectly.
- Using the wrong type of peanut butter – Always choose natural peanut butter without added sugar or oils for the best flavor and texture.
- Skipping the banana mashing step – Properly mash the banana until smooth; this helps bind the ingredients and creates a better cookie texture.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately – Use measuring cups and spoons for precise measurements. This will help maintain the balance of flavors and consistency in your cookies.
- Overbaking the cookies – Keep an eye on them as they bake. Remove them from the oven when they are lightly browned on the bottom to ensure they stay soft and chewy.
- Ignoring cooling time – Allow your cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. This helps them firm up and enhances their flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and warm for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave – Heat one cookie for 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop – Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a minute, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies.
What are Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies?
Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are simple treats made with just four main ingredients: peanut butter, almond butter, banana, and cinnamon. They are vegan, low in sugar, and gluten-free.
Can I substitute ingredients?
Yes! You can swap almond butter with more peanut butter or use other nut butters like cashew butter. Feel free to customize add-ins like chocolate chips or seeds.
How can I make these cookies sweeter?
If you prefer sweeter cookies, add a bit more pure maple syrup or include some chopped dates in the mix.
Are these cookies good for meal prep?
Absolutely! These cookies store well and can be made ahead of time for easy snacks throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite add-ins or enjoy them as is. Give this recipe a try today and experience their delightful taste!
Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 cookies 1x
Description
Indulge in the wholesome goodness of Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, a guilt-free treat perfect for any time of day. With just four simple ingredients, these vegan and gluten-free cookies are quick to prepare, making them an ideal option for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or satisfying desserts. Their delightful chewy texture and natural sweetness from ripe bananas combine beautifully with creamy peanut butter, creating a satisfying flavor that both kids and adults will love. Customize your cookies by adding dark chocolate chips or shredded coconut for an extra twist. Enjoy these nutrient-rich cookies without compromising on taste!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons almond butter (or additional peanut butter)
- 1 small banana, mashed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: mini dark chocolate chips or shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the banana until smooth.
- Add peanut butter, almond butter, and cinnamon; mix until combined.
- Form the mixture into about 10 cookie balls and place on a lined baking sheet.
- Gently press each ball down with a fork.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Let cool before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 25g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
