Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Try this Peanut Butter Banana Cookies recipe
Try this Peanut Butter Banana Cookies recipe
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter softened
- 1/2 cup creamy natural peanut butter (i used creamy natura
- 1/2 cup mashed banana (about 1 medium banana)
- (optional: cane sugar for sprinkling)
- Carbohydrate 13.5659696278606 g
- Cholesterol 12.1895722287756 mg
- Fat 5.80507972579796 g
- Fiber 0.236999448368555 g
- Protein 1.18975933442269 g
- Saturated Fat 3.59423168551282 g
- Serving Size 1 1 cookie (28g)
- Sodium 155.67825571598 mg
- Sugar 13.328970179492 g
- Trans Fat 0.347611939099709 g
- Calories 111 calories
Step-by-step
- Heat oven to 350F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, salt, baking soda and cinnamon until combined. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar together on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 1 minute.
- Add peanut butter, egg, banana, and vanilla, and continue mixing on medium speed until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl once if needed.
- Fold in the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Measure out a rounded tablespoon-full of dough, roll it into a ball, then place on the baking sheet.
- Use a fork to press down the top of the ball and make a criss-cross pattern.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of cane sugar, if desired.
- Repeat with remaining dough.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes or until slightly golden around the edges.
- Cool for 10 minutes on baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve immediately or store in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
My Go-To Peanut Butter Banana Cookies: A Simple Recipe for Busy Weeknights
As a busy working mom, finding time to bake is a luxury, not a given. But sometimes, the craving for a warm, comforting treat is just too strong to ignore. That’s where my trusty Peanut Butter Banana Cookies recipe comes in. It’s quick, easy, and requires ingredients I usually have on hand, making it the perfect weeknight dessert. No fancy equipment or obscure ingredients needed—just simple, wholesome goodness that satisfies both my sweet tooth and my need for efficient cooking.
The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability. I've experimented with different types of peanut butter – creamy, crunchy, even a little bit of honey peanut butter for an extra touch of sweetness. The banana itself adds a lovely natural sweetness and moisture, so you don’t need a ton of added sugar. And the best part? The kids love helping me make them. It’s a fun activity for a rainy afternoon, and it makes the baking process even more enjoyable.
I often double the recipe and freeze half the dough for those spontaneous moments when the family craves a comforting treat. The frozen cookie dough balls bake beautifully, and it saves me the hassle of making them from scratch every single time. This recipe has become a staple in my family, a quick and easy way to make even the busiest weeknights feel a little bit sweeter.
Beyond the Basics: Variations and Tweaks
While the basic recipe is perfect as it is, there's room for delightful customization. Feel free to experiment! Here are a few ideas to elevate your Peanut Butter Banana Cookies to the next level:
Chocolate Chip Extravaganza: Fold in a handful of your favorite chocolate chips for an extra layer of decadence. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, semi-sweet—the possibilities are endless!
Nutty Additions: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even almonds would add a wonderful textural contrast and nutty flavor to the cookies.
Spiced Up: A dash of ground nutmeg or cardamom can add a warm, aromatic touch to these cookies, making them perfect for fall or winter.
Oatmeal Power-Up: Stirring in a half-cup of rolled oats adds a hearty, chewy texture that complements the peanut butter and banana flavors beautifully.
Gluten-Free Goodness: For those with gluten sensitivities, easily swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Ensure the blend is designed for baking to maintain the best texture and rise.
No matter how you choose to make them, these Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a simple pleasure that never fails to impress. They're perfect for after-school snacks, movie nights, or any occasion that calls for a delicious and easy treat. They’re soft, chewy, and bursting with the familiar flavors of peanut butter and banana – a combination that's always a crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Baking Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for optimal creaming and cookie texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Baking Time: Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies to prevent burning.
- Cooling Rack: Allowing the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack ensures they stay crisp and don't become soggy.
These Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a testament to simple baking joys. They're a reminder that even amidst the chaos of daily life, there's always room for a sweet treat that brings a smile to your face and warms your heart. So, go ahead, treat yourself (and your family) to a batch of these delightful cookies. You won't regret it!
