Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy. With just four simple ingredients, these cookies are quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a snack after school, a healthy breakfast choice, or a guilt-free dessert. Their unique blend of peanut butter and banana creates a rich flavor while keeping the recipe vegan, low in sugar, and gluten-free. You’ll love how easy these cookies are to make!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Main Ingredients
• Optional Add-Ins
• How to Make Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven
• Step 2: Mash the Banana
• Step 3: Combine Ingredients
• Step 4: Form the Dough
• Step 5: Prepare Baking Sheet
• Step 6: Shape the Cookies
• Step 7: Bake the Cookies
• Step 8: Add Sea Salt
• Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
• How to Serve Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
• With a Glass of Almond Milk
• Crumbled Over Yogurt
• Warmed with Nut Butter Drizzle
• As a Topping for Oatmeal
• With Fresh Fruit Slices
• Paired with Dark Chocolate
• How to Perfect Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
• Best Side Dishes for Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
• Reheating Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use other nut butters?
• How do I make these cookies sweeter?
• Are these cookies gluten-free?
• What can I add for more flavor?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in just 15 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Four Simple Ingredients: No need for complicated ingredients or long grocery lists; you probably have everything at home!
• Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with healthy fats and natural sweetness, these cookies satisfy your sweet tooth without guilt.
• Versatile Add-Ins: Customize your cookies with chocolate chips or nuts based on your preferences.
• Vegan-Friendly: Suitable for everyone, including those following a plant-based diet.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes all the difference when preparing these cookies. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious treat.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Fork
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl helps combine all ingredients thoroughly without mess.
• Fork: Perfect for mashing bananas and pressing down cookie balls for that classic cookie shape.
• Baking sheet: Ensures even baking and prevents sticking when lined with parchment paper.

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, mash the banana until there are no clumps remaining. This step is crucial as it provides moisture to the cookies.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add in the natural peanut butter, almond butter, and ground cinnamon. Mix well until everything is combined into a smooth dough.

Step 4: Form the Dough

As you mix, the dough will come together into one big ball. Ensure nothing is stuck to the sides of the bowl.

Step 5: Prepare Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll or scoop the dough into about 10 balls. Place them on the baking sheet. Press each cookie ball down lightly with a fork to flatten.

Step 7: Bake the 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, sprinkle with sea salt if desired. This enhances flavor beautifully.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!

Let your cookies cool completely on a wire rack before enjoying this healthy treat!

How to Serve Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or breakfast treat, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With a Glass of Almond Milk

• This creamy beverage pairs perfectly with the cookies, providing a refreshing contrast.

Crumbled Over Yogurt

• Add a cookie crumble to your favorite yogurt for a nutritious breakfast or snack.

Warmed with Nut Butter Drizzle

• Heat the cookies slightly and drizzle with extra peanut or almond butter for a decadent treat.

As a Topping for Oatmeal

• Chop the cookies into smaller pieces and sprinkle them on top of oatmeal for added flavor and texture.

With Fresh Fruit Slices

• Serve alongside apple or banana slices for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.

Paired with Dark Chocolate

• Enjoy these cookies alongside dark chocolate squares for a sweet yet healthy combination.

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How to Perfect Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

To achieve the best results when making Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, consider these helpful tips:

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
• Choose natural nut butters: Opt for nut butters without added sugars or oils for a healthier cookie.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies soft and chewy.
• Adjust sweetness: Feel free to add more maple syrup if you prefer sweeter cookies.
• Experiment with add-ins: Try adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruit to customize your cookie recipe.
• Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

These cookies can be enjoyed alongside various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great pairing options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad
   A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.

2. Greek Yogurt Parfait
   Layer Greek yogurt with granola and sliced banana for a satisfying treat.

3. Chia Seed Pudding
   This creamy pudding is packed with fiber and makes a great nutritious side.

4. Smoothie Bowl
   Blend your favorite fruits into a smoothie bowl topped with cookie crumbles.

5. Nut Butter Toast
   Whole grain toast spread with nut butter serves as a hearty accompaniment.

6. Coconut Milk Rice Pudding
   A rich rice pudding made with coconut milk enhances the tropical flavors in the cookies.

7. Vegetable Sticks with Hummus
   Crunchy veggies paired with hummus create a nice contrast to the soft cookies.

8. Trail Mix
   A handful of trail mix offers additional textures and flavors that pair well with sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, it’s important to know common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Using the wrong type of peanut butter: Make sure to use natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils. This helps keep the cookies healthy.
• Not mashing the banana properly: Ensure the banana is mashed until smooth. Clumps can lead to uneven texture in your cookies.
• Overmixing the dough: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of soft and chewy.
• Skipping the parchment paper: Lining your baking sheet with parchment prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Baking for too long: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. Removing them when they’re lightly browned ensures a soft interior.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for 5-7 minutes for a freshly baked taste.
• Microwave: Heat each cookie for about 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pan over low heat for about 1 minute per side, keeping an eye on them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies:

Can I use other nut butters?

Yes, you can substitute almond butter or any favorite nut butter in this recipe.

How do I make these cookies sweeter?

If you prefer sweeter cookies, add an extra tablespoon of pure maple syrup or some honey.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, these cookies are perfect for gluten-sensitive diets.

What can I add for more flavor?

You can mix in dark chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are not only simple but also incredibly versatile. You can adjust ingredients based on your preferences and dietary needs. Try adding different mix-ins or spices to create your perfect cookie! Enjoy these delightful treats as a snack or dessert that everyone will love!