Name: Best Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas (mashed); 1 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter; ½ cup rolled oats (optional, for structure); 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional); ¼ tsp cinnamon (optional); Pinch of salt (if peanut butter is unsalted); Optional add-ins: chocolate chips (chopped nuts)

Introduction

Best Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are soft, chewy, and naturally sweet, combining ripe bananas with rich peanut butter for a simple, satisfying treat. These cookies are quick to make, require minimal ingredients, and deliver big flavor with a tender texture that feels indulgent yet wholesome. Perfect for using up ripe bananas, they’re ideal for snacks, lunchboxes, or a healthier dessert option that still tastes like comfort food.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Minimal ingredients and easy prep
Naturally sweet from ripe bananas
Soft, chewy texture with rich peanut flavor
No mixer required
Great for quick snacks or meal prep

Ingredients (makes about 12 cookies)

2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup creamy or chunky peanut butter
½ cup rolled oats (optional, for structure)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
¼ tsp cinnamon (optional)
Pinch of salt (if peanut butter is unsalted)
Optional add-ins: chocolate chips, chopped nuts

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Fork or potato masher
Spoon or spatula
Baking sheet
Parchment paper

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Preheat and prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.

2. Mash the bananas

In a mixing bowl, mash bananas thoroughly until mostly smooth with only small lumps remaining. Fully mashed bananas provide sweetness and moisture.

3. Mix in peanut butter

Add peanut butter to the bananas and stir until completely combined. The mixture should be thick, smooth, and glossy.

4. Add optional ingredients

Stir in oats, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, and any add-ins. Mix just until evenly distributed. The dough should be soft but scoopable.

5. Portion the cookies

Scoop about 1½ tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon, as these cookies do not spread much.

6. Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are set and the tops look dry. Cookies will remain soft in the center and firm up as they cool.

7. Cool and set

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Cooling helps them hold their shape.

Mistakes to avoid

Using underripe bananas — not sweet enough
Skipping parchment — sticking issues
Overbaking — dry texture
Very runny peanut butter — poor structure
Oversized cookies — uneven baking

Variations of Best Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

3-Ingredient Version — bananas, peanut butter, oats only
Chocolate Chip — fold in mini chocolate chips
Vegan & Gluten-Free — naturally fits both
Crunchy — use chunky peanut butter
Spiced — add nutmeg or pumpkin spice

Tips for storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 2 days
Refrigerate up to 5 days
Freeze-baked cookies up to 2 months
Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these cookies spread?
No. They hold their shape and need slight flattening before baking.

Can I skip the oats?
Yes, but the cookies will be softer and more delicate.

Are these cookies very sweet?
They’re mildly sweet; add honey or chocolate chips if desired.

Can I make them sugar-free?
Yes—no added sugar is required.

Conclusion

The Best Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are proof that simple ingredients can create truly satisfying treats. With natural sweetness, rich peanut butter flavor, and soft texture, these cookies are easy to make and easy to love. Whether you keep them plain or dress them up with add-ins, they’re a reliable, wholesome option for anytime cravings.