If you’re a fan of the classic combo of peanut butter and bananas, you’re in for a treat with these delightful cookies. Combining the creamy richness of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of bananas, these cookies offer a perfect balance of flavors that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them a go-to for busy days or last-minute dessert cravings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 large banana)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
In this section, I provide the specific ingredients needed to create scrumptious peanut butter banana cookies. These ingredients are listed in the order they are used. Precise measurements ensure the cookies maintain the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The ripe banana adds natural sweetness, while the optional chocolate chips provide an extra layer of indulgence. Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before you start baking to streamline the process.
Tools Needed
To bake these delightful peanut butter banana cookies, you will need the right tools for a smooth and efficient process. Here’s a list of essential tools you should have ready:
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all the ingredients.
- Medium Mixing Bowl: Useful for mixing dry ingredients separately.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Essential for accurate measurements of ingredients.
- Electric Hand Mixer: To ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Rubber Spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls.
- Baking Sheet: To bake the cookies evenly.
- Parchment Paper: Prevents cookies from sticking to the baking sheet.
- Cookie Scoop: Helps to portion out the dough evenly.
- Cooling Rack: Allows the cookies to cool properly without becoming soggy.
Having these tools on hand will streamline your baking experience, ensuring your peanut butter banana cookies turn out perfect every time.
Prep
Let’s get everything ready before we dive into the cookie-making process. Gathering and prepping all your ingredients ahead of time will make the baking experience enjoyable and efficient.
Mashed Bananas
Begin by selecting ripe bananas. Ripe bananas are crucial for their sweetness and ease of mashing. I recommend using two medium-sized bananas for this recipe.
- Peel the bananas and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Use a fork or potato masher to mash the bananas until smooth with minimal lumps.
- Set the mashed bananas aside for later use in the recipe.
Remember that well-mashed bananas will integrate better with the other ingredients, ensuring an even texture in your cookies.
Directions
Making the Dough
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring it reaches the right temperature by the time the dough is ready.
- Mash the Bananas: In a large mixing bowl, use a fork to mash two ripe bananas until smooth without any large lumps.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Add 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir in 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Mix the dough until it reaches a consistent, slightly sticky texture.
- Fold in Extras: If desired, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.
- Shape the Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out the dough and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
- Flatten the Dough: Gently flatten each cookie ball with the back of a fork, creating a crisscross pattern on top.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks
Making perfect peanut butter banana cookies is easy when you follow these tips and tricks. These insights will ensure your cookies turn out delicious every time.
Peanut Butter Cookie Tips
- Choose The Right Peanut Butter: Opt for creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture. Avoid using natural peanut butter as the oil separation can affect the cookie dough consistency.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps in better mixing and incorporation of ingredients.
- Measuring Peanut Butter: Use a measuring cup sprayed with non-stick spray to easily measure and release the peanut butter without sticking.
- Mixing Techniques: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Over-mixing can result in tough cookies.
- Chill The Dough: For a more robust flavor and less spreading during baking, chill the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before scooping onto the baking sheets.
- Ripeness Of Bananas: Use very ripe bananas with brown spots. They mash easily and blend well into the dough, providing natural sweetness and moisture.
- Mashing Bananas: Mash bananas thoroughly to avoid large chunks, which can create uneven textures in the cookies.
- Use Of Baking Powder: A small amount of baking powder helps achieve a light and soft texture.
- Incorporating Extras: Gently fold in extras like chocolate chips or nuts to avoid deflating the dough. This ensures the add-ins are evenly distributed without compromising the texture.
- Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. For a softer texture, bake until just golden around the edges but still slightly soft in the center.
These tips will help you create the best peanut butter banana cookies with perfect flavor and texture every time.
Storage Instructions
To keep your peanut butter banana cookies fresh and delicious, follow these simple storage tips:
- Cool Completely: Ensure the cookies are completely cooled on a wire rack before storing them. This step prevents condensation, which can make the cookies soggy.
- Airtight Container: Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh by preventing exposure to air.
- Layer with Parchment Paper: If stacking cookies, use parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Room Temperature: Store the container at room temperature for up to one week. The cookies will maintain their flavor and texture during this period.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Keep in mind that refrigeration may alter the texture slightly, making them firmer.
- Freezing: To freeze the cookies, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw the cookies at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
By following these steps, you can enjoy your homemade peanut butter banana cookies at their best for weeks to come.
Conclusion
Peanut butter banana cookies are a delightful treat that combines the rich, nutty flavor of peanut butter with the sweet, fruity taste of bananas. Following the recipe and storage tips ensures your cookies remain fresh and delicious. Whether you enjoy them right out of the oven or save them for later, these cookies are sure to be a hit. Happy baking!
