Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a delightful treat that combines simplicity and flavor. Perfect for snacks, breakfast, or even a post-workout boost, these cookies require just four ingredients and can be whipped up in no time. With their vegan, gluten-free, and low-sugar nature, they cater to various dietary preferences while delivering delicious taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in just 15 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for last-minute cravings.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Made with wholesome ingredients like peanut butter and banana, they provide energy without the guilt.
• Versatile Add-ins: Customize your cookies with dark chocolate chips or coconut for an extra flavor boost.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun recipe for kids to help with, encouraging healthy eating habits while enjoying baking together.
• Great for Meal Prep: Bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy them throughout the week as a grab-and-go snack.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Gather these items before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Fork
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows for easy mixing of all ingredients without spilling.
• Fork: Perfect for mashing bananas smoothly and pressing down on cookie balls.
• Baking sheet: Ensures even baking of cookies while keeping your oven clean with parchment paper.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup after baking.

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 your cookies bake evenly from the moment they enter the oven.

Step 2: Prepare the Banana

In a large mixing bowl, mash the banana until it is completely smooth with no clumps remaining. This will help create a uniform batter.

Step 3: Mix in Nut Butters and Cinnamon

Add in the natural peanut butter, almond butter, and ground cinnamon. Stir well until all ingredients are fully combined into a cohesive mixture.

Step 4: Form the Cookie Dough

Continue mixing until the dough forms one big ball. Ensure nothing is stuck to the sides of the bowl; this indicates your mixture is ready.

Step 5: Line Your Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent cookies from sticking while baking.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Roll or scoop the batter into about 10 equal balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press each cookie ball down using a fork to flatten slightly.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for around 10 minutes or until lightly browned on the bottom. Keep an eye on them as baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven.

Step 8: Add Sea Salt (Optional)

Once removed from the oven, sprinkle each cookie with sea salt if desired. This adds a nice contrast to their sweetness.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!

Allow cookies to cool completely before enjoying them. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for later snacking!

How to Serve Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a versatile snack that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or an afternoon treat, these cookies fit the bill perfectly.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing with cookies, milk adds creaminess and balances the flavors of the peanut butter and banana.

Crumbled Over Yogurt

• Adding crumbles of the cookies on top of yogurt creates a delightful crunch and enhances the flavor profile, making it perfect for breakfast or dessert.

As a Pre-Workout Snack

• The healthy fats from peanut butter provide sustained energy, making these cookies an excellent choice before hitting the gym.

With Fresh Fruit

• Pair these cookies with slices of apple or banana for a refreshing side that complements the flavors in the cookies.

On Toast

• Spread some almond butter on whole-grain toast and top it with a cookie for an indulgent yet healthy breakfast option.

As Dessert with Ice Cream

• Serve these cookies warm with a scoop of non-dairy ice cream for a deliciously sweet ending to your meal.

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How to Perfect Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

To ensure your Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips.

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Aim for bananas with brown spots for the best results.

• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined. This keeps your cookies soft and chewy rather than tough.

• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer sweeter cookies, add more maple syrup or dark chocolate chips. Taste as you go!

• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to customize your cookies according to your taste preferences.

• Cool completely before storing: Letting them cool allows them to firm up, making it easier to store and enjoy later without falling apart.

Best Side Dishes for Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

These delicious cookies can be paired with several side dishes to enhance your snacking experience. Here are some great options:

1. Sliced Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the cookies.

2. Nutty Granola: A handful of granola provides extra crunch and texture, making it an excellent sidekick for your cookie snack.

3. Carrot Sticks with Hummus: The crunchiness of carrot sticks paired with hummus offers a nutritious contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.

4. Cottage Cheese: This protein-rich dish is creamy and fills you up while pairing well with the flavors of peanut butter and banana.

5. Chia Pudding: A light chia pudding adds fiber and nutrition while keeping things refreshing alongside your cookies.

6. Trail Mix: A mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits makes for an easy grab-and-go option that pairs well with these healthy treats.

7. Coconut Yogurt: Dairy-free coconut yogurt topped with shredded coconut gives a tropical twist when enjoyed alongside these cookies.

8. Smoothie Bowl: A colorful smoothie bowl can be both filling and visually appealing when served next to your Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Ignoring Ripe Bananas: Using unripe bananas can lead to cookies that lack sweetness. Always choose ripe bananas for the best flavor.
• Overmixing the Dough: Mixing too much can make the cookies tough. Stir just until ingredients are combined for a tender texture.
• Skipping the Parchment Paper: Not lining your baking sheet can cause sticking. Always use parchment paper for easier cleanup and perfect cookies.
• Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately: Using too much or too little of any ingredient can affect the outcome. Measure carefully, especially with nut butters.
• Baking Too Long: Leaving cookies in the oven for too long can make them dry. Keep an eye on them and remove when lightly browned.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

• Place baked 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 warm cookies for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat for 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place on a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, flipping halfway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies.

How do I know when my cookies are done?

The cookies should be lightly browned on the bottom and firm to the touch.

Can I use other nut butters?

Absolutely! You can substitute almond butter or any nut butter you prefer in this recipe.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are naturally gluten-free as they do not contain flour.

How do I customize my cookies?

Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or spices to enhance the flavor!

Final Thoughts

These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are not only delicious but also quick and easy to make. With just four ingredients, you can enjoy a wholesome treat that satisfies cravings. Experiment with different mix-ins like chocolate chips or coconut flakes to create your perfect cookie!