Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a delightful treat that combines simplicity and flavor. Made with only four main ingredients, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a healthy dessert option, these cookies fit the bill. They are vegan, gluten-free, and low in sugar, making them an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters. Plus, they come together quickly, so you can enjoy them in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just a few minutes of prep and baking time, you can whip up a batch in less than 15 minutes.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients like peanut butter and banana, these cookies are both tasty and fulfilling.
- Versatile Options: Customize your cookies by adding dark chocolate chips or shredded coconut for an extra flavor boost.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: These cookies cater to various dietary needs while still being delicious.
- Great for All Ages: Kids and adults alike will love these chewy treats.
Tools and Preparation
To make these Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, you’ll need a few essential tools to streamline your baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Fork
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl helps combine all ingredients easily without spills.
- Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking for perfectly baked cookies.
- Parchment paper: Using parchment paper prevents sticking and makes cleanup 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
Optional Add-ins
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
- 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: Prepare the Banana
In a large mixing bowl, mash the banana until it is smooth with no clumps remaining. This will be the base of your cookie dough.
Step 3: Mix in Nut Butters and Cinnamon
Add in the natural peanut butter, almond butter, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to combine all the ingredients cohesively.
Step 4: Form the Dough
As you mix, the dough will start to form into one big ball. Ensure nothing is stuck to the sides of the bowl; everything should be well combined.
Step 5: Line the Baking Sheet
Take your baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking during baking.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
Roll or scoop out the dough into approximately 10 balls. Place them on the prepared cookie sheet. Use a fork to press each cookie ball down lightly.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until they are lightly browned on the bottom.
Step 8: Add Sea Salt (Optional)
Once removed from the oven, sprinkle sea salt over your cookies if desired for added flavor.
Step 9: Cool Down and Enjoy!
Let your Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies cool completely before indulging. Enjoy this guilt-free treat!
How to Serve Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies make a delightful snack or treat. Here are some creative ways to serve them for various occasions.
With Fresh Fruit
- Sliced Strawberries – Pair the cookies with fresh strawberries for a juicy and sweet contrast.
- Banana Slices – Enhance the banana flavor by serving with sliced bananas on the side.
As a Breakfast Treat
- With Yogurt – Crumble the cookies over a bowl of yogurt for added sweetness and texture.
- On Toast – Spread some almond butter on whole-grain toast and top it with a cookie for a quick breakfast.
For an Afternoon Snack
- With Nut Milk – Enjoy these cookies alongside almond or oat milk for a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up.
- Tea Pairing – Serve with a cup of herbal tea, like chamomile or peppermint, for a calming snack time.
At Parties
- Dessert Platter – Arrange the cookies on a colorful platter with other healthy snacks for an appealing presentation.
- Mini Sandwiches – Create mini sandwiches by adding a layer of fruit spread between two cookies.
How to Perfect Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
To achieve the best results with your Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Ripe Bananas – Overripe bananas are sweeter and provide better flavor in your cookies.
- Choose Natural Nut Butters – Opt for nut butters without added sugars or oils to keep your cookies healthy.
- Experiment with Add-ins – Try adding dark chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or hemp seeds for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Don’t Overbake – Keep an eye on your cookies; they should be lightly browned but still soft when you remove them from the oven.
- Cool Completely Before Storing – Let the cookies cool down completely before storing to prevent moisture buildup.
Best Side Dishes for Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These cookies pair well with various side dishes that complement their flavors. Here are some great options:
- Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits enhances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Oatmeal Bowl – Serve alongside a warm bowl of oatmeal topped with nuts and berries for added texture.
- Nut Butter Dip – A creamy nut butter dip adds a rich taste that pairs perfectly with these cookies.
- Cheese Platter – A selection of mild cheeses can balance out the sweetness of the cookies nicely.
- Granola Bar Crumbles – Crushed granola bars sprinkled over the top add crunch and additional flavors.
- Smoothie Bowl – Accompany your cookies with a smoothie bowl filled with fruits and greens for a nutritious boost.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes is key to making the best Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the ripe banana: Using an unripe banana can lead to a less sweet cookie. Ensure your banana is very ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Accurate measurements are crucial for the right texture. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision, especially when it comes to peanut butter and almond butter.
- Overmixing the dough: Mixing too much can make the cookies tough. Mix just until combined for a soft, chewy texture.
- Ignoring baking time: Baking too long can result in dry cookies. Keep an eye on them, removing them from the oven as soon as they are lightly browned.
- Forgetting to line the baking sheet: Not lining your baking sheet can lead to sticking. Always use parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat each cookie for 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies that you might find helpful.
Can I use other nut butters?
Yes! You can substitute almond butter with other nut butters like cashew or sunflower seed butter.
Are these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! These cookies are made with plant-based ingredients, making them perfect for a vegan diet.
How do I make Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies gluten-free?
These cookies are naturally gluten-free since they do not contain flour. Ensure all ingredients, like peanut butter, are labeled gluten-free.
Can I add other mix-ins?
Certainly! Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are not only simple to make but also incredibly delicious and versatile. You can customize them with various mix-ins or toppings according to your taste. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a delightful treat that satisfies your sweet tooth without guilt!
Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 cookies 1x
Description
Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are the perfect guilt-free treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping your health in check. With just four simple ingredients, these cookies are not only quick to make but also vegan, gluten-free, and low in sugar. Imagine biting into a chewy cookie packed with wholesome flavors of peanut butter and banana, making them an ideal snack for any time of day. Whether you enjoy them as a post-workout boost or a sweet addition to your breakfast, these cookies are versatile and can easily be customized with optional add-ins like dark chocolate chips or shredded coconut. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up these delightful bites that everyone—from kids to adults—will adore.
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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, mash the banana until smooth.
- Stir in the peanut butter, almond butter, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop out the dough into balls and place them on the baking sheet. Press each ball down lightly with a fork.
- Bake for about 10 minutes until lightly browned.
- Allow cooling before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (25g)
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
