Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a delightful treat that combines wholesome ingredients for a guilt-free snack. With just four simple ingredients, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet afternoon at home. They’re vegan, low in sugar, and gluten-free, making them a versatile option for everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: These cookies come together in just 15 minutes, making them an easy choice for busy days.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Made with natural peanut butter and bananas, they’re loaded with healthy fats and fiber.
- Customizable Flavor: Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips or coconut to enhance the taste.
- Vegan and Gluten-Free: Suitable for various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
- Perfect Snack Option: Enjoy them anytime as a healthy snack or breakfast on the go.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking these delicious cookies, gather your tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Fork
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps combine all ingredients without mess.
- Fork: Ideal for mashing bananas and pressing cookie balls down evenly on the baking sheet.
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!
Base 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
Optional Ingredients
- Pinch of sea salt (optional)
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips
- Unsweetened shredded coconut or hemp seeds
How to Make Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: Mash the Banana
In a large mixing bowl, mash the banana until no clumps remain. Aim for a smooth consistency for better mixing.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Add in the natural peanut butter, almond butter, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 4: Form the Dough
While mixing the dough, it will start to come together into one big ball with no batter sticking to the sides of the bowl. This indicates it’s ready to shape into cookies.
Step 5: Prepare Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Step 6: Shape Cookies
Roll or scoop the dough into approximately 10 balls. Place them on the prepared cookie sheet, then press each ball down lightly with a fork to flatten slightly.
Step 7: Bake Cookies
Bake in preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned on the bottom. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-baking.
Step 8: Add Sea Salt (Optional)
Once removed from the oven, sprinkle with sea salt if desired. This enhances flavor and adds a nice contrast.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy!
Allow cookies to cool completely before serving. Enjoy these tasty treats as part of your healthy snacking routine!
How to Serve Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a delightful addition to a meal, these cookies can fit into your diet seamlessly.
Pair with Nut Butter
- Spread additional natural peanut butter or almond butter on top of each cookie for an extra boost of flavor and protein.
Enjoy with Fresh Fruits
- Serve alongside sliced bananas or apples for a refreshing contrast that enhances the cookie’s flavors.
Add Yogurt Dip
- Pair with a yogurt dip made from Greek yogurt and honey, creating a creamy and sweet complement to the cookies.
Include in Breakfast Bowls
- Crumble the cookies over oatmeal or smoothie bowls for added texture and taste at breakfast time.
Accompany with Herbal Tea
- A warm cup of herbal tea can make for a comforting pairing, perfect for an afternoon snack.
Snack on-the-go
- These cookies pack easily into lunchboxes or bags, making them an ideal healthy snack for busy days.
How to Perfect Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
To ensure your Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:
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Use ripe bananas: Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, ensuring your cookies remain soft and flavorful.
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Choose natural nut butters: Opt for nut butters without added sugars or oils for the healthiest option.
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Adjust sweetness: If you prefer sweeter cookies, add more maple syrup or mix in dark chocolate chips.
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Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on the oven; remove the cookies when they are lightly browned to maintain their chewy texture.
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Experiment with add-ins: Try adding nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to customize your cookies according to your taste preferences.
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Cool before serving: Allowing the cookies to cool completely helps them firm up and enhances their flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
These delicious cookies can be paired with various side dishes to create a balanced meal or snack. Here are some great options:
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Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and fresh berries for a nutritious balance of protein and fiber.
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Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and vitamins that complement the richness of the cookies.
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Nut Mix: A handful of mixed nuts provides healthy fats and crunch, making it an excellent savory counterpart.
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Smoothie: Blend your favorite fruits with spinach and a scoop of protein powder for a refreshing drink that goes well with your cookies.
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Whole Grain Toast: Top whole-grain toast with avocado or cottage cheese for a filling side that contrasts nicely with the sweetness of the cookies.
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Vegetable Sticks: Crunchy carrot or cucumber sticks offer a healthy crunch that’s great alongside sweet treats like these cookies.
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Rice Cakes: Plain rice cakes topped with hummus create a light snack that balances the sweetness of banana cookies while adding fiber.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Using the wrong type of peanut butter: Always opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars or oils. This keeps your cookies healthy.
- Not mashing the banana thoroughly: Ensure the banana is mashed until smooth. Clumps can affect the cookie’s texture and sweetness.
- Overbaking the cookies: Keep an eye on your cookies while they bake. They should be lightly browned but not hard; overbaking makes them dry.
- Skipping the sea salt: A pinch of sea salt enhances the flavors in your cookies. Don’t skip it unless you have dietary restrictions.
- Ignoring ingredient measurements: Accurate measurements are crucial for consistency in baking. Use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies in an airtight container.
- They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then freeze until solid.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container; they can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place cookies on a baking sheet, and heat for about 5 minutes.
- Microwave: Warm each cookie for about 10-15 seconds until slightly soft.
- Stovetop: Heat a pan over low heat and warm each cookie briefly, flipping once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies.
Can I replace almond butter with another nut butter?
Yes, you can use any nut butter you prefer, like cashew or sunbutter. The flavor may vary slightly, but they will still be delicious!
How can I customize my Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies?
Feel free to add ingredients like chopped nuts, dried fruit, or seeds for extra texture and flavor.
Are these cookies suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! These cookies make great snacks for the week. Just store them properly in the fridge or freezer.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Look for a light golden brown color on the bottom of the cookies. They should feel set yet soft when touched.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! The recipe is already vegan as it uses plant-based ingredients only.
Final Thoughts
These Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are not only easy to make but also versatile and satisfying. You can customize them with different mix-ins according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a guilt-free treat!
Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 10 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful satisfaction of Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies, a guilt-free treat made with just four wholesome ingredients. These vegan, gluten-free cookies are quick to prepare, taking only 15 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet afternoon snack, these cookies are rich in healthy fats and fiber. Customize your batch by adding chocolate chips or coconut for an extra flavor boost. With their chewy texture and natural sweetness, these cookies are not just a tasty snack; they’re also a nutritious option that fits seamlessly into your healthy lifestyle.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons almond butter (or additional peanut butter)
- 1 small banana, mashed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the banana until smooth.
- Add peanut butter, almond butter, and cinnamon; mix until well combined.
- Form dough into approximately 10 balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Flatten each ball slightly with a fork.
- Bake for about 10 minutes or until lightly browned on the bottom.
- Allow to cool completely before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (20g)
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
