Easy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies Recipe

If you have a soft spot for peanut butter and bananas, then these Easy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. They’re wonderfully soft and chewy, naturally sweetened by ripe banana, and bursting with that rich peanut butter goodness you crave. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to whip up with humble ingredients you probably have on hand, making these cookies the perfect pick-me-up snack or a delightful addition to any dessert spread. Seriously, once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without these cozy bites!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Easy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies start with a handful of simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to create that perfect chewy bite with just the right sweetness and a hint of warmth.

• Ripe banana: Mashed banana naturally sweetens and moistens the cookies while adding a subtle fruity flavor.
• Creamy peanut butter: Brings richness, a luscious nutty taste, and a soft texture that binds everything together.
• Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the banana and peanut butter perfectly.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, aromatic notes.
• Cinnamon (optional): A pinch of cinnamon introduces a gentle spice that elevates the cookie experience.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure and the right chewiness to the cookie’s body.
• Baking soda: Helps subtly lift and lighten the dough without making it cakey.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and highlights the peanut butter’s flavor.
• Chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional): These add delightful bursts of texture and additional flavor layers.

How to Make Easy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prepare a Baking Sheet

To get started, set your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches the perfect baking temperature by the time your dough is ready. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup super easy. A little prep goes a long way to ensure your baking goes smoothly!

Step 2: Mash and Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mash the ripe banana until it’s mostly smooth with a few lumps for texture. Stir in the creamy peanut butter, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and cinnamon if you’re using it. This mixture will be wonderfully thick and fragrant, forming the delicious foundation of your Easy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed so your cookies bake up with consistent texture and flavor. Taking the time to mix the dry ingredients well really makes a difference.

Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients and Add Extras

Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing can toughen cookies, so keep it light. If you want, stir in chocolate chips or chopped nuts at this stage for an extra special touch. The dough will be thick but malleable.

Step 5: Scoop, Shape, and Bake

Use a tablespoon or small cookie scoop to drop dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten each dough ball with a fork to encourage even baking and to create that classic cookie look. Bake for a cozy 10-12 minutes until the edges are a gentle golden brown—watch closely to keep them tender inside!

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, allow your Easy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps them set up and makes them easier to transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Then dig in and savor every chewy, peanut buttery bite!

How to Serve Easy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over warm cookies to enhance their sweetness and peanut flavor. Alternatively, drizzle with melted dark chocolate or a dusting of cinnamon sugar to make them look as good as they taste. These small touches turn simple cookies into something truly special.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea for a perfectly balanced snack or dessert. They also make a delightful companion to vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. The creamy peanut butter and banana flavors sneak beautifully into many cozy drinks and desserts.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, sandwich two of these cookies together with a smear of cream cheese frosting or nut butter in the middle. You could even crumble them over yogurt or oatmeal for added flavor and texture. Their versatility means your Easy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies can shine in countless delicious forms.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and moist, just like fresh-baked. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months, ready to thaw whenever you need a quick, sweet fix.

Reheating

To enjoy the freshly baked warmth, pop your cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, or microwave them for about 15 seconds. Warm cookies bring out that melt-in-your-mouth softness and release the lovely peanut butter aroma.

FAQs

Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy?

Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a delightful little texture to your cookies and enhance the nutty crunch. Just be aware the dough might be slightly less smooth but still delicious.

What if I don’t have ripe bananas?

Ripe bananas are crucial because they’re softer and sweeter, which keeps the cookies moist and flavorful. If your bananas aren’t ripe yet, try microwaving them for 20-30 seconds to soften, or wait a day or two until they spot more brown.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend of equal measure. Just make sure your blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to help hold the cookies together.

Are these cookies vegan?

As written, these cookies are vegan-friendly since they use no eggs or dairy. Just double-check your peanut butter’s ingredients to ensure it’s free from any animal products.

Can I add other mix-ins besides chocolate chips or nuts?

Definitely! Dried fruit like raisins or cranberries, shredded coconut, or even white chocolate chips can all be fun additions that complement the peanut butter and banana nicely.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about homemade cookies that are both simple and packed with flavor, and these Easy Peanut Butter Banana Cookies fit that bill perfectly. Whether you’re baking for a quick snack, lunchbox treat, or cozy dessert, this recipe is a winner every time. I can’t wait for you to try them—you’ll soon see why they’ve earned a permanent spot in my cookie rotation!