Peanut Butter Banana Oat Cookies
Soft, naturally sweet, and packed with wholesome ingredients, these Peanut Butter Banana Oat Cookies are the perfect guilt-free treat. With no added refined sugar and only a handful of pantry staples, they come together quickly for a satisfying snack or light dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Naturally Sweetened: Uses ripe banana for natural sweetness.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 25 minutes.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
- Wholesome: Packed with oats and healthy fats from peanut butter.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter (natural or regular)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully blended.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
Stir in the rolled oats and ground cinnamon until everything is evenly incorporated. If desired, fold in mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.
4. Shape the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each mound slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers, as these cookies won’t spread much during baking.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
6. Cool and Store
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
Tips & Variations
- Banana Ripeness: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
- Nut Butter Options: Substitute almond butter or cashew butter if preferred.
- Add-Ins: Try dried cranberries, shredded coconut, or sunflower seeds for more variety.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats if necessary.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 12 minutes
Total time: 22 minutes
Yields: 12–15 cookies