Craving a wholesome treat? These Peanut Butter Banana Oat Cookies are your answer for a simple, delicious, and healthy snack. You will love how easy they are to make, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with good-for-you ingredients.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Ripe Bananas: Essential for natural sweetness and binding; use very ripe, spotty bananas.
- Rolled Oats: Provides texture and fiber; instant oats can work but may result in a softer cookie.
- Peanut Butter: Adds flavor and healthy fats; any nut butter works as a substitute.
- Maple Syrup: For extra sweetness; honey or agave nectar are good alternatives.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor.
Ingredients:
Main:
- 2 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-ins:
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 12 cookies
- Calories per serving: Approximately 120 calories
- Tools Needed: Large mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper or silicone mat
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
2. Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be. This forms the base for your healthy banana oat recipes.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the peanut butter, maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth. This creates a delicious wet mixture for your Peanut Butter Banana Oat Cookies.
4. Add Dry Ingredients
Fold in the rolled oats and any optional mix-ins like chocolate chips or cinnamon. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing. Ensure the oats are evenly distributed throughout the healthy banana oat recipe dough.
5. Form the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon. They won’t spread much during baking.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade Peanut Butter Banana Oat Cookies!
Variation Ideas:
- Protein Boost: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mix.
- Spice It Up: Include a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for warm flavor.
- Fruity Twist: Stir in dried cranberries or chopped dates.
- Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter.
Storage Instructions:
Store your Peanut Butter Banana Oat Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
A: Yes, you can use quick oats, but your cookies might be softer and less chewy.
Q: How ripe should the bananas be?
A: Very ripe, spotty bananas are best for maximum sweetness and easy mashing.
Q: Are these cookies gluten-free?
A: If you use certified gluten-free rolled oats, then yes, these Peanut Butter Banana Oat Cookies are gluten-free.
Q: Can I reduce the amount of sweetener?
A: Absolutely! The bananas provide natural sweetness, so you can adjust the maple syrup to your preference.
Q: Why are my cookies falling apart?
A: Ensure your bananas are very ripe, as they act as a key binder. Also, chilling the dough for 15 minutes before baking can help.
Q: Can I make these without peanut butter?
A: Yes, you can substitute any other nut butter or seed butter like almond butter or sunflower seed butter.
