Indulge in a delightful combination of sweet and savory with peanut butter banana cookies. These cookies are perfect as a snack or dessert, offering a distinct taste of creamy peanut butter and ripe bananas. The extra crunch from the cane sugar topping gives them a unique texture that pairs well with the softness of the cookies. Baking these yourself brings a sense of satisfaction that enhances the flavors.
The ingredients for peanut butter banana cookies are fairly common and can be found in most households. However, if you're planning to go shopping, make sure to pick up natural creamy peanut butter and ripe bananas. The taste of natural peanut butter is crucial to achieving the desired flavor profile. And for bananas, the riper they are, the sweeter the cookies will be. Lastly, don't forget to pick up some cane sugar for that extra crunch.
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies Ingredients
All-purpose flour: This is the base for the cookies, providing structure and texture.
Baking powder: It acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise.
Cornstarch: This ingredient helps in making the cookies softer and more tender.
Salt: A pinch enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Baking soda: Another leavening agent ensuring the cookies are light and fluffy.
Ground cinnamon: Adding a hint of warmth and sweetness to the cookies.
Butter: It contributes to the richness and moistness of the cookies.
Brown sugar: It adds sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
Creamy natural peanut butter: The star ingredient providing the distinctive flavor.
Egg: Acts as a binding agent holding all the ingredients together.
Mashed banana: It adds moisture and natural sweetness, enhancing the banana flavor.
Vanilla extract: Provides a depth of flavor.
Cane sugar: Used as topping for that extra crunch and sweetness.
One reader, Gelya Allison says:
These peanut butter banana cookies are a game-changer! The combination of peanut butter and banana is simply divine. The cookies turned out soft and chewy, with a perfect hint of cinnamon. They were a hit with my family and disappeared in no time. A definite must-try!
Essential Techniques for Making Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
How to prepare the dough: Combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside. Cream the butter and sugar, then add the peanut butter, egg, banana, and vanilla. Fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
How to shape the cookies: Measure out a rounded tablespoon of dough, roll it into a ball, then place it 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.
How to bake the cookies: Bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes or until slightly golden around the edges. Allow the cookies to cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How To Make Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Can you believe that you need less than half an hour to make these peanut butter banana cookies with ingredients that you probably have in your pantry?
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2cupsall-purpose flour
- 1tspbaking powder
- ½tspcornstarch
- ½tspsalt
- ¼tspbaking soda
- ¼tspground cinnamon
- ½cupbutter,softened
- ½cupbrown sugar,packed
- ½cupcreamy natural peanut butter
- 1egg
- ½cupmashed banana,about 1 medium banana
- 1tspvanilla extract
- cane sugar,for sprinkling
Instructions
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Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, cornstarch, salt, baking soda and cinnamon until combined. Set aside.
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In the (separate) bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and brown sugar together on medium-high speed for about 1 minute or until light and fluffy, 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 the remaining dough.
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Bake for 8 to 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.
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Serve immediately or store in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
Nutrition
- Calories: 99.59kcal
- Fat: 5.51g
- Saturated Fat: 2.45g
- Trans Fat: 0.13g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 1.97g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.72g
- Carbohydrates: 10.96g
- Fiber: 0.55g
- Sugar: 3.60g
- Protein: 2.07g
- Cholesterol: 13.47mg
- Sodium: 57.46mg
- Calcium: 18.81mg
- Potassium: 52.76mg
- Iron: 0.53mg
- Vitamin A: 28.29µg
- Vitamin C: 0.33mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Perfect Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
To ensure your peanut butter banana cookies are soft and chewy, avoid overmixing the dough once the dry ingredients are added. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture in the finished cookies. Also, using ripe bananas will give the cookies a stronger banana flavor and a natural sweetness.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Prep ahead: Prepare the dry ingredients the night before and store them in an airtight container. This will save time when you're ready to bake.
Use a cookie scoop: Use a cookie scoop to quickly and evenly portion out the dough, saving time and ensuring uniform cookies.
Freeze extra: Make a double batch of dough and freeze the extra for later. When you're ready to bake, simply thaw and bake for freshly made cookies in no time.
Batch baking: Bake multiple sheets of cookies at once to maximize oven use and save time.
Organize ingredients: Before starting, gather and organize all the ingredients and tools needed for the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Preheat oven: Preheat the oven while you're preparing the dough to save time in the overall baking process.
Substitute Ingredients For Peanut Butter Banana Cookies Recipe
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can add a nuttier flavor and more fiber to the cookies, making them a bit healthier.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda: Baking soda can be used as a substitute for baking powder, but you will need to add an acid such as buttermilk or yogurt to activate it.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder can be used as a thickening agent in place of cornstarch in this recipe.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative to butter, and it adds a hint of coconut flavor to the cookies.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a healthier alternative to brown sugar, providing a slightly caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
creamy natural peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter, providing a different nutty flavor to the cookies.
egg - Substitute with flaxseed meal: Flaxseed meal mixed with water can be used as an egg substitute in baking.
mashed banana - Substitute with applesauce: Applesauce can be used as a substitute for mashed banana, adding natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
cane sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can be used as a natural sweetener in place of cane sugar, adding a unique flavor to the cookies.
How to Beautifully Present These Delightful Cookies
Elevate the plating: When presenting the cookies, pay attention to the arrangement on the plate. Consider using a clean, white plate to allow the cookies to stand out. Arrange the cookies in a visually appealing manner, perhaps in a circular pattern or a straight line, and leave some space between each cookie for a sophisticated presentation.
Garnish with finesse: Add a touch of elegance to the plate by garnishing with a dusting of powdered sugar. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a subtle sweetness to the overall presentation.
Incorporate a complementary element: Introduce a complementary element to the plate, such as a small quenelle of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. This addition will elevate the overall dessert experience and provide a delightful contrast to the warm, chewy cookies.
Utilize a minimalist approach: Embrace a minimalist approach by incorporating negative space on the plate. This will draw attention to the cookies and create a sense of sophistication and refinement.
Consider the use of edible flowers: Introduce a pop of color and a delicate floral essence to the presentation by incorporating edible flowers, such as pansies or violas. Carefully place the flowers around the cookies for a visually stunning and refined touch.
Essential Tools for Making Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
- Oven: An essential appliance for baking and cooking, used to heat and bake food.
- Parchment paper: A non-stick paper used for lining baking sheets and pans to prevent food from sticking.
- Medium mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing dry ingredients or preparing small amounts of batter or dough.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients together, especially dry ingredients.
- Stand mixer: A powerful electric mixer with a stand and a mixing bowl, used for mixing and beating ingredients.
- Baking sheet: A flat, metal sheet used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods in the oven.
- Fork: A utensil with prongs used for pressing down cookie dough and creating a criss-cross pattern on the cookies.
- Wire rack: A rack used for cooling baked goods, allowing air to circulate around the food to prevent sogginess.
Storing and Freezing Peanut Butter Banana Cookies: A Guide
Once the peanut butter banana cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep the cookies soft and fresh, place a slice of bread in the container with the cookies. The bread will absorb any excess moisture and prevent the cookies from becoming stale.
If you want to store the cookies for a longer period, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, about 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
To thaw frozen cookies, remove them from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes. You can also warm them up slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, to restore their soft and chewy texture.
If you have leftover cookie dough, you can also freeze it for later use. Roll the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. When ready to bake, remove the desired number of dough balls from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed in the recipe.
How To Reheat Leftover Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
To reheat leftover peanut butter banana cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crisp around the edges. This method will help restore the cookies' original texture and flavor.
Another option is to use a microwave. Place the cookies on a microwave-safe plate and heat them in 10-second intervals until they reach your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the cookies to become too soft or rubbery.
For a quick and easy method, you can also reheat the cookies in a toaster oven. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and place the cookies on the toaster oven rack. Heat for 3-5 minutes, or until they are warmed through and slightly crispy.
If you prefer a softer, chewier texture, wrap the cookies in a damp paper towel before microwaving them for 10-15 seconds. The moisture from the paper towel will help soften the cookies without making them soggy.
For a crispy exterior and a soft, warm interior, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the cookies in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 1-2 minutes, or until the cookies are warmed through. The steam generated by covering the skillet will help soften the cookies, while the direct heat will create a crispy exterior.
Interesting Trivia About Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Peanut butter banana cookies are a delicious and healthy treat that combines the rich flavors of peanut butter and the natural sweetness of bananas. These cookies are a great way to use up ripe bananas and are perfect for a quick snack or dessert. They are also a good source of protein and fiber, making them a satisfying and nutritious option for any time of day. Plus, they are easy to make and can be stored for up to a week, so you can enjoy them whenever you have a craving for something sweet.
Is Making Peanut Butter Banana Cookies at Home Cost-Effective?
This peanut butter banana cookies recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe yields a decent batch of cookies. The combination of peanut butter and banana is not only delicious but also nutritious. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10, making it an affordable treat. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its simplicity, flavor, and budget-friendly nature.
Are Peanut Butter Banana Cookies Healthy or Unhealthy?
This peanut butter banana cookie recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, it includes nutritious ingredients like bananas, which provide potassium and fiber, and natural peanut butter, which offers protein and healthy fats. The recipe also uses less butter compared to traditional cookie recipes.
However, the recipe still contains a significant amount of sugar and refined flour, which can contribute to blood sugar spikes and provide empty calories. The use of all-purpose flour instead of whole grain alternatives reduces the overall fiber content.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour or oat flour to increase the fiber content and provide more complex carbohydrates
- Reduce the amount of brown sugar by 25-50% and add more mashed banana or a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup to compensate for the sweetness
- Use coconut oil instead of butter to incorporate healthier fats
- Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, to boost the protein and healthy fat content while providing a satisfying crunch
- Experiment with adding dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for natural sweetness and extra nutrients
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious cookie that still satisfies your sweet tooth. Remember, moderation is key, and even healthier treats should be enjoyed as part of a well-rounded diet.
Editor's Opinion on This Delectable Cookie Recipe
The combination of creamy peanut butter and sweet banana in these cookies creates a delightful flavor profile. The addition of cinnamon adds a warm and comforting aroma, while the cane sugar on top provides a satisfying crunch. The texture is perfectly balanced, with a soft and chewy interior and a slightly crisp edge. These cookies are a wonderful treat for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Enhance Your Peanut Butter Banana Cookies Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Delicious Alternatives to Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Appetizers and Main Courses That Complement Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Why trust this Peanut Butter Banana Cookies Recipe:
This recipe guarantees delicious peanut butter banana cookies that are a perfect blend of sweet and salty. The combination of creamy natural peanut butter and ripe banana creates a rich and moist texture, while the addition of cinnamon adds a warm and comforting flavor. With the expertise of a culinary genius, these cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the precise instructions to achieve a batch of irresistible cookies that will surely impress your taste buds.
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