Peanut butter and banana oatmeal cookies aren’t just snacks—they’re the kind of treat that reminds you of cozy mornings and the joy of simple ingredients. This article dives into why these cookies are such a hit, how they support a healthy lifestyle, and how easy they are to make—even if you’re short on time. Whether you’re a peanut butter lover, banana bread fan, or an oatmeal enthusiast, this wholesome recipe has your name written all over it. Let’s start with the story behind the recipe and why these cookies might just become your new favorite go-to bite.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
For more follow me on Facebook & Pinterest
Peanut Butter and Banana Oatmeal Cookies – A Cozy Kitchen Favorite
A Sweet Memory Turned Staple
Peanut butter and banana oatmeal cookies bring me back to my grandmother’s kitchen—where every bite told a story. She always had overripe bananas on the counter and a jar of peanut butter in the cupboard. One rainy Saturday, she mixed mashed bananas with oats and peanut butter, then folded in dark chocolate chips. She called them “breakfast cookies,” and just like that, a new family favorite was born.
Now, those same comforting flavors live on in my kitchen. These peanut butter and banana oatmeal cookies are a modern take on that memory—still warm, soft, and gooey, but now naturally sweetened and gluten free. They’re perfect for grab-and-go mornings or cozy afternoon snacks.
The Natural Goodness of Simple Ingredients
What makes peanut butter and banana oatmeal cookies so special? It’s their clean, wholesome ingredients. Ripe bananas offer natural sweetness and moisture. All-natural peanut butter adds a creamy, protein-rich texture. Old-fashioned oats provide that perfect chewiness, and a sprinkle of dark chocolate chips brings a little indulgence. These cookies are flourless, dairy free, and sweetened only with maple syrup or honey—if you even want to add it.
They bake up soft in the center, just slightly chewy at the edges, and taste like a hug in cookie form. If you’re looking for that banana bread-meets-cookie vibe, this is it.
You’ll find more nostalgic recipes like these in my gluten-free chocolate chip cookies or the crowd-favorite peanut butter oatmeal cookies on the blog. But for pure comfort and ease, peanut butter and banana oatmeal cookies are the ones I reach for every time.
Print
Peanut Butter and Banana Oatmeal Cookies That Are Soft & Healthy
- Total Time: 14 minutes
- Yield: 10 cookies 1x
Description
Soft, naturally sweetened peanut butter and banana oatmeal cookies made with wholesome ingredients. Great for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.
Ingredients
2 ripe bananas
1/2 cup natural creamy peanut butter
1 cup old-fashioned oats
2–3 tbsp maple syrup (optional)
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mash bananas in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add peanut butter, oats, syrup, and chocolate chips. Stir well.
4. Scoop dough onto sheet. Flatten gently.
5. Bake 8–9 minutes or until edges are golden.
6. Cool on pan for 5 minutes. Transfer to wire rack.
Notes
Use ripe bananas for best flavor and texture.
Store in fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Add walnuts or cinnamon for fun variations.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: peanut butter and banana oatmeal cookies, healthy cookies, breakfast cookies
Healthy Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookies You Can Feel Good About
Why They’re More Than Just a Sweet Treat
When you think of cookies, “healthy” probably isn’t the first word that comes to mind. But these peanut butter and banana oatmeal cookies break the mold. They’re packed with real, nourishing ingredients that make each bite as energizing as it is delicious.
Let’s start with the oats. Old-fashioned oats are a great source of fiber and complex carbohydrates, meaning they digest slowly and keep you feeling full. They’re perfect for those trying to balance blood sugar or enjoy a steady source of energy throughout the day.
Then, there’s the banana. Ripe bananas don’t just bring natural sweetness—they also offer potassium, vitamin B6, and antioxidants. In these cookies, they replace refined sugar and keep the dough moist and tender. It’s one of the reasons these cookies bake up soft and satisfying every time.
Finally, all-natural peanut butter adds a touch of healthy fat and plant-based protein. It’s important to use a peanut butter that contains just peanuts and salt—skip the versions with added sugar or hydrogenated oils. When combined with bananas and oats, it creates a cookie that feels indulgent without being heavy.
A Smart Snack, Breakfast, or Dessert
Peanut butter and banana oatmeal cookies are the definition of multipurpose. They’re light enough for breakfast, filling enough for a snack, and tasty enough for dessert. You can even tweak the recipe to fit your needs—add extra protein with chia seeds or keep them nut-free with sunflower seed butter.
You can pair them with a cottage cheese smoothie for a post-workout snack or serve them alongside a fat-free cottage cheese bowl for a protein-packed breakfast. However you enjoy them, you’ll feel good knowing each cookie is as wholesome as it is delicious.
How to Make Peanut Butter and Banana Oatmeal Cookies Step by Step
Quick, Easy, and Just One Bowl
Making peanut butter and banana oatmeal cookies couldn’t be easier. This recipe comes together in one bowl, requires no fancy equipment, and takes less than 10 minutes to prep. It’s a no-fuss kind of cookie—one that delivers every time.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 ripe bananas (spotty and sweet)
- ½ cup all-natural creamy peanut butter
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
- ¼ cup dark chocolate chips (more if you’d like)
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the peanut butter, oats, maple syrup, and chocolate chips. Stir everything together until well mixed.
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough onto your baking sheet. Press each cookie slightly to flatten—these won’t spread much in the oven. Bake for 8 to 9 minutes, or until the centers are set and the edges look golden.
Let your peanut butter and banana oatmeal cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They’ll firm up slightly as they cool, but still stay soft and chewy in the middle.
Pro Tips for the Best Texture
For the best texture, always use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats. They give the cookies structure and chew. Ripe bananas are essential too—they’re sweeter, mash easier, and bind the ingredients together naturally.
Using natural peanut butter helps create that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth consistency. If your dough seems too dry, just add a little extra mashed banana.
Looking for more healthy cookie inspiration? Try these 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies for another quick and wholesome option.
Creative Ways to Serve and Store Peanut Butter and Banana Oatmeal Cookies
Storing the Goodness for Later
One of the best parts about peanut butter and banana oatmeal cookies is how well they fit into a busy lifestyle. They’re quick to grab, easy to pack, and simple to store—if they last long enough to need storing!
After baking, let your cookies cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. At room temperature, they’ll stay fresh for about 2 days. Because they contain banana and no preservatives, they’re more delicate than traditional cookies.
To make them last longer, keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you want to bake in bulk, store extras in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just wrap them individually or place parchment between layers to avoid sticking.
To enjoy from the freezer, let the cookies thaw for 10–15 minutes, or pop one in the microwave for about 15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel.
Fun Variations and Serving Ideas
These peanut butter and banana oatmeal cookies are delicious on their own, but even more fun when you customize them. Here are some tasty ways to switch it up:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or ground ginger for cozy spice.
- Mix in chopped walnuts or dried cranberries for extra texture.
- Use mini chocolate chips or white chocolate chunks for a fun twist.
- Skip the chocolate completely and enjoy them as a breakfast cookie.
Serve them warm with a glass of almond milk, crumble them over dairy-free cottage cheese for extra protein, or sandwich two cookies together with nut butter or banana slices for a fun treat.
For another no-fuss dessert, try these chocolate chip protein cookies—just as wholesome, just as satisfying.
What percent of people like oatmeal cookies?
Oatmeal cookies are a classic favorite. Surveys suggest around 70% of Americans enjoy oatmeal cookies, especially when made with add-ins like chocolate chips or raisins. When made with ingredients like banana and peanut butter, they appeal even more to those seeking a healthier twist.
What is a fun name for peanut butter cookies?
Fun names add personality! Some playful ideas include: “Nutty Bites,” “PB Power Cookies,” or even “Banana Boosters” when combined with oats and banana. They make great names for kids’ snacks or healthy lunchbox treats.
Are oats, bananas, and peanut butter healthy?
Absolutely. Oats offer fiber and complex carbs, bananas provide potassium and natural sweetness, and peanut butter delivers plant-based protein and healthy fats. Combined, they make nutrient-dense, satisfying snacks like these peanut butter and banana oatmeal cookies.
Who created the peanut butter cookie?
The first known peanut butter cookie recipe appeared in George Washington Carver’s 1916 bulletin. He promoted peanuts for their sustainability, and his recipes helped popularize peanut-based desserts across the U.S.
Conclusion
Peanut butter and banana oatmeal cookies are the kind of recipe that hits the sweet spot—literally and nutritionally. With just a few pantry staples, you get a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and full of flavor. Whether you eat them as breakfast, a snack, or dessert, they’ll leave you satisfied and smiling.
If you’re already a fan of classic peanut butter cookies or want something even closer to banana bread, try these peanut butter banana cookies for more inspiration.
And remember, these cookies are easy to tweak: throw in some cinnamon, swap chocolate for cranberries, or pair with your favorite smoothie. However you enjoy them, they’re guaranteed to bring warmth and comfort—just like they did in my grandma’s kitchen.