Delightful Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

Are you looking for a delicious and healthy treat that can satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than Peanut Butter Banana Cookies! These cookies are the perfect blend of flavors, offering a delightful combination of creamy peanut butter and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make!

Why You’ll Love These Cookies

Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are not just delectable; they also come packed with nutritional benefits. Both peanut butter and bananas are great sources of energy, making these cookies an ideal snack for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a post-workout treat. Let’s explore the benefits and the simple steps to create these delightful cookies:

Nutritional Benefits

• Peanut Butter: Rich in protein and healthy fats, peanut butter can help keep you full and satisfied. It also contains vitamins and minerals like Vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium.
• Bananas: High in potassium, bananas are known for their heart health benefits and can also aid in digestion. They provide a natural sweetness that cuts down on the need for added sugars.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make your own batch of Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup of peanut butter (preferably natural and unsweetened)
• 1/2 cup of honey or maple syrup
• 1 cup of oats
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• A pinch of salt
• Optional: chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for extra flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it’s ready for your cookie dough.

2. Mash the Banana: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth. Its natural sweetness will be a great base for your cookies.

3. Combine Ingredients: Add in the peanut butter and honey (or maple syrup) to the mashed banana and mix until you have a uniform mixture. Then, incorporate the vanilla extract.

4. Add Dry Ingredients: Fold in the oats, baking soda, and salt, mixing until just combined. If you’d like, this is the time to add in any extras like chocolate chips or nuts.

5. Scoop the Dough: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread a little.

6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

7. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or let them cool completely for later!

Storage Tips

These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. They also freeze well, so feel free to make a double batch; you can enjoy a homemade treat any time!

Final Thoughts

Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a fantastic way to treat yourself while still being mindful of your health. They’re simple, quick to prepare, and filled with nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these cookies are sure to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and start baking! Happy munching!