Craving a sweet treat that’s also good for you? These 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are the ultimate healthy banana dessert. They’re incredibly simple to make and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without any guilt.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas with brown spots work best for natural sweetness.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Use natural peanut butter for less added sugar. Almond butter or cashew butter are great alternatives for a different flavor.
- Rolled Oats: Quick oats can be used in a pinch, but rolled oats give a better texture.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup rolled oats
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Servings: 12 cookies
- Tools Needed: Mixing bowl, fork, baking sheet, parchment paper.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. This ensures your healthy banana desserts bake perfectly.
2. Mash the Bananas
In a medium mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly with a fork. You want them to be as smooth as possible for a consistent cookie dough. This is the base of your delicious treat.
3. Combine Ingredients
Add the peanut butter and rolled oats to the mashed bananas. Stir everything together until well combined and you have a thick, uniform dough. Don’t overmix; just ensure all ingredients are incorporated.
4. Form the Cookies
Scoop about one tablespoon of dough per cookie and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each cookie with the back of a spoon or your fingers. These healthy banana desserts don’t spread much.
5. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the cookies are set. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Variation Ideas:
- Add a sprinkle of chocolate chips for an extra treat.
- Mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Press a few chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) into the tops before baking.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of nutmeg for a warm spice flavor.
Storage Instructions:
Store your leftover 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. These healthy banana desserts also freeze well for up to 2 months; just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can you use unripe bananas for this recipe?
A: It’s best to use ripe or overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and an easier mashing process. Unripe bananas won’t provide the same natural sugar.
Q: Are these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes, if you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, these cookies are naturally gluten-free. Always check your oat packaging to be sure.
Q: Can you make these cookies without oats?
A: The oats are crucial for the texture and binding of these healthy banana desserts. Without them, the cookies might not hold their shape.
Q: How do you prevent the cookies from sticking?
A: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper is key. You can also lightly grease the parchment paper if you’re concerned.
Q: Can you use crunchy peanut butter?
A: Yes, crunchy peanut butter works and will add a nice texture to your cookies.
Q: Are these suitable for vegans?
A: Absolutely! All ingredients are plant-based, making them a perfect vegan healthy banana dessert.
