Name: Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 medium Bananas (Ripe for sweetness.); 1 cup Fine or quick oats (Hearty base for cookies.); 2 Tbsp Peanut butter (Rich in flavor and protein.); ⅓ cup Raisins or dried cranberries (Adds bursts of sweetness.); ⅓ cup Chocolate chips or chocolate chunks (For a chocolatey experience.); 3 tsp Cocoa powder (Enhances chocolate flavor.)

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When the craving for something sweet yet wholesome strikes, I instantly think of Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies. There’s something magical about the blend of ripe bananas and peanut butter that not only satisfies my sweet tooth but also makes me feel good about my choice. I remember the first time I made these cookies; it was a rainy afternoon, and I was looking for a way to use up some overripe bananas. With just a few simple ingredients that I had on hand, I whipped up a batch of these delicious treats. The aroma that filled my kitchen was heavenly.

As I sat down with my first warm cookie, the chewy texture combined with the sweetness of the raisins and chocolate chips was everything I hoped for. These cookies are not just a snack; they bring back fond memories and create new ones with every batch. They are perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying solo with a cup of tea. Plus, they are incredibly easy to make, which means no fuss and plenty of fun! I often find myself reaching for one (or two) whenever I need a little pick-me-up during the day.

So, if you’re looking for a tasty snack that’s healthy too, look no further than these delightful cookies. They are the ideal treat for any time of the day, whether it’s breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a post-dinner dessert. Let’s dive into how you can make your own batch of Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies and enjoy this simple pleasure!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
20 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
15 mins

Difficulty:
Easy

Calories:
150 kcal

Protein:
3g g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
6g g

Tools Used:
Non-stick baking sheet, Ice cream scooper with trigger, Regular parchment paper

The Charm of This Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

1. Healthy Ingredients

The beauty of Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies lies in their wholesome ingredients. Each ingredient plays a vital role, contributing nutrients that elevate these cookies from mere treats to healthy snacks. The bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the peanut butter adds protein and healthy fats. Together, they create a delicious base that keeps you full and satisfied.

2. Simple to Make

I love that this recipe doesn’t require any fancy equipment or techniques. You don’t need to be a master baker to whip up these cookies. A bowl, a fork, and a baking sheet are all you need. The simplicity of the process allows even the busiest person to enjoy homemade cookies without dedicating hours in the kitchen.

3. Versatile Flavors

Another reason why I adore Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies is their versatility. You can customize them to fit your taste preferences. Want a chocolatey twist? Add extra chocolate chips. Prefer a fruity flavor? Swap out the raisins for dried cranberries or even chopped nuts. The possibilities are endless!

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

These cookies are also a fantastic option for meal prep. I often make a big batch at the beginning of the week and store them in an airtight container. They stay fresh and ready to grab for a quick snack or a nutritious breakfast on the go. It’s comforting to know that I have a healthy treat waiting for me whenever I need it.

5. Kid-Friendly

If you’re looking for a way to involve kids in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect! Children love mashing the bananas and mixing everything together. Plus, they’ll enjoy helping to scoop and shape the cookies. What’s not to love about a fun kitchen activity that results in delicious homemade cookies?

6. Guilt-Free Indulgence

Finally, these cookies let you indulge without the guilt. With no refined sugars and plenty of natural ingredients, they’re a great way to satisfy your sweet cravings while still staying on track. Each bite is a happy combination of taste and health, making them an ideal treat for everyone.

Essential Ingredients for Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

The ingredients in Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies come together to create a deliciously satisfying treat. Each plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor balance. The star players here are the bananas and peanut butter, which harmonize beautifully with wholesome oats and a touch of sweetness from dried fruits and chocolate. Together, they make these cookies not only tasty but also nutritious.

2 Medium Bananas: The foundation of this recipe, ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture. They’re the secret to a chewy cookie texture.
1 cup Fine or Quick Oats: Providing a hearty base, oats contribute fiber and help bind the ingredients together for a delightful chewiness.
2 Tbsp Peanut Butter: Rich in flavor, peanut butter enhances the taste, offering healthy fats and protein that keep you satisfied.

⅓ cup Raisins or Dried Cranberries: These dried fruits add bursts of sweetness and texture, complementing the bananas perfectly.
⅓ cup Chocolate Chips or Chocolate Chunks: For those who crave chocolate, these chips provide indulgence and richness, making every bite heavenly.
3 tsp Cocoa Powder: A dash of cocoa powder intensifies the chocolate flavor, creating a rich taste experience.

Cooking Instructions for Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Making Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies is a breeze! It’s one of those recipes where you can let your creativity shine while keeping it straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

Start by peeling the bananas. Choose two ripe ones, as they’ll be easier to mash and sweeter in flavor. Place them in a medium-sized bowl and mash them with a fork. You can leave some small chunks for added texture, which I love!
Next, add in the peanut butter to the mashed bananas. Mix well until it’s fully combined; the mixture should have a creamy consistency. The peanut butter will give a rich flavor and moisture to the cookies.

Now, it’s time to stir in the oats. Fold them gently into the mixture until everything is evenly incorporated. The oats will create the bulk of the cookie and help them hold their shape.
If you want to add some excitement, now’s the time! Toss in the chocolate chips, raisins, and cocoa powder. This is where you can get creative based on your preferences. Just mix everything together until evenly distributed.
To ensure uniform cookie sizes, grab an ice cream scooper with a trigger release. Scoop out equal portions of the dough and place them on a non-stick baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave some space between each scoop as they will spread while baking.

Preheat your oven to 390 Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). While it’s heating up, you can tidy up your workstation. This is a great time to get excited about how wonderful your kitchen will smell!
Once the oven is preheated, place the cookie sheet inside and bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should start to turn slightly golden around the edges.
After baking, remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. They’ll be very soft when hot, so give them some time to set before transferring them to a wire rack.

Enjoy your cookies warm, or store them in an airtight container for later. Either way, you’re in for a delightful treat!

Things Worth Knowing

Mixing Technique: Be careful not to overmix once you add the oats. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Ripeness Matters: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots!

Cooling Time: Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing to maintain their soft texture.
Batch Size: Feel free to double the recipe if you’re expecting guests or just want to stock up on snacks!

How to Switch It Up

There are countless ways to put your own spin on Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies. Here are some ideas to get your creativity flowing:

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! Just pack them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers.
Pairing: Serve these cookies with a glass of milk or a warm cup of herbal tea for a comforting treat.

Flavor Variations: Experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew for a unique twist. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added warmth.
Mix-ins: Don’t hesitate to add chopped nuts, seeds, or even shredded coconut for variety. Each batch can be a new adventure!
Serving Size: These cookies are great for lunchboxes or as a quick snack. Just grab and go!

How to Enjoy Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Enjoying Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies can be as simple or creative as you like. Here are some enjoyable ways to relish these cookies:

As a Quick Breakfast: Pair a cookie with yogurt and fresh fruit for a nutritious breakfast that will keep you energized through the morning.
Post-Workout Snack: These cookies are an excellent way to refuel after a workout, thanks to the protein from the peanut butter and the carbs from the oats.

Afternoon Treat: Grab a cookie with your afternoon coffee or tea. The sweetness will brighten your day!
Party Platter: Arrange these cookies on a platter for gatherings or parties. They are sure to impress guests with their unique flavor.
Gifts: Package some cookies in a cute box or tin and give them as a thoughtful gift for friends and family.

Seasonal Pairings: These cookies are perfect for any time of year! Add seasonal spices like pumpkin spice in the fall or sprinkle some coconut in the summer for a fresh twist.

FAQ

Yes, you can use any variety of ripe bananas for this recipe. Just ensure they are sweet and mashed well. The ripeness of the bananas greatly impacts the sweetness of the cookies, so the riper, the better!

To make Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies vegan, ensure your peanut butter is free from animal products. Since the recipe primarily uses fruit and oats, it’s inherently plant-based, making it easy to adapt!

If you’re allergic to peanut butter or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute it with almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Both options will work similarly in texture and will add their unique flavor.

When stored in an airtight container, Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies will remain fresh for up to three days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!

Conclusion

In summary, Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are a delicious and wholesome treat that can fit into any snack time. Their simplicity and versatility make them a must-try for anyone looking to indulge without the guilt. I encourage you to try making these cookies today; your taste buds will thank you!

Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Craving something wholesome yet indulgent? These Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect solution! Soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, they satisfy sweet cravings while keeping you energized. With simple ingredients, you can whip these up for a quick snack or a delightful dessert. Try them tonight!

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Course Desserts

Cuisine American

Servings 6 cookies

Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

Non-stick baking sheet
Ice cream scooper with trigger
Regular parchment paper

Ingredients

2 medium Bananas Ripe for sweetness.
1 cup Fine or quick oats Hearty base for cookies.
2 Tbsp Peanut butter Rich in flavor and protein.
⅓ cup Raisins or dried cranberries Adds bursts of sweetness.
⅓ cup Chocolate chips or chocolate chunks For a chocolatey experience.
3 tsp Cocoa powder Enhances chocolate flavor.

Instructions

First, peel the bananas. Take a medium-sized bowl and mash them with a fork as much as you can. You can leave some yummy banana chunks. Then, add peanut butter and mix. Finally, add the oats and mix.

If you'd like to add chocolate chips, raisins, or cocoa powder, you can add them now.
To get an equal portion for each cookie, I use an ice cream scooper with a trigger.
Preheat the oven to 390 Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and bake the cookies on a baking sheet or on parchment paper for 15 minutes.

Wait until the cookies chill. They are very soft when hot. Enjoy!

Notes

Chocolate chips: I love the combination of white chocolate chips and dried cranberries.
Carob chips: For an even healthier WFPB-friendly option.
Raisins or dried cranberries: Basically, any dried fruit can work here.