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These Banana Bread Cookies are an easy, 6-ingredient recipe that delivers all the warm, comforting flavors of banana bread in a soft, chewy cookie form. Quick to make, naturally sweetened, and perfect for using up ripe bananas!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (medium-sized, mashed)
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats (or quick oats)
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but highly recommended)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips (for a sweet twist)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (for crunch)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax seeds (for extra nutrition)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
- In a large mixing bowl, peel and mash the ripe bananas using a fork until smooth and creamy.
- A few small lumps are fine!
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
- Add the peanut butter, honey, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir well until combined and smooth.
- Fold in the oats and ground cinnamon. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture is thick.
Step 4: Add Optional Mix-Ins
- If using chocolate chips, walnuts, or other add-ins, gently stir them into the batter at this stage.
Step 5: Scoop the Dough
- Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop tablespoon-sized portions of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Gently flatten the cookies with the back of a spoon or your fingers to create a cookie shape, as they won’t spread much during baking.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden and set.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the cookies warm for a soft, gooey texture or at room temperature for a firmer bite.
- Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a satisfying snack!
Tips for Success
- Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful the cookies will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots.
- Texture: Old-fashioned oats give the cookies a chewier texture, while quick oats will make them softer.
- Sweetener: Adjust the honey or maple syrup to taste depending on how sweet you like your cookies.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Serving Suggestions
- Breakfast Treat: These cookies are wholesome enough to enjoy as a quick breakfast on the go.
- Healthy Snack: Perfect as a post-workout snack or a lunchbox treat for kids.
- Dessert Twist: Add chocolate chips for a sweeter version or a drizzle of peanut butter on top!
Storage and Freezing
- Refrigerate: Store the cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freeze: These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or heat in the microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.
Why You’ll Love These Cookies
- Only 6 Ingredients: Simple, pantry-staple ingredients.
- Naturally Sweetened: Sweetened with ripe bananas and honey (or maple syrup).
- Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: Naturally gluten-free if using certified gluten-free oats.
- Quick to Make: Ready in less than 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or seeds.
Nutrition (Per Cookie)
- Calories: ~90 kcal
- Protein: ~3g
- Carbs: ~12g
- Fat: ~4g
- Fiber: ~2g
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on add-ins and specific ingredients used.
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Cookies are the perfect quick, healthy, and satisfying treat! With just 6 simple ingredients, they’re easy to whip up anytime you have ripe bananas on hand. Enjoy them as a snack, breakfast bite, or guilt-free dessert that everyone will love.
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