Looking for a cookie that’s both satisfying and simple to make? Peanut butter banana cookies are the answer. They combine two beloved pantry staples—ripe bananas and creamy peanut butter—for a naturally sweet, soft, and chewy treat. Whether you’re after a quick snack, a wholesome dessert, or something to bake with kids, this cookie fits the moment. In the sections ahead, we’ll dive into its nostalgic charm, nutritional value, easy recipe tips, and creative variations. Along the way, you’ll learn why peanut butter and banana are a power couple in the kitchen—and on your plate.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why Peanut Butter Banana Cookies Are More Than Just a Snack
From Grandma’s Kitchen to My Baking Sheet
Hey there, I’m Zina—welcome to Easy Dishes To Do!
I’m the cook, writer, and daydreamer behind this blog, created out of my love for simple, comforting food and the joy of sharing it. My passion for cooking started in my grandmother’s warm, bustling kitchen, where I first learned that food isn’t just something we eat—it’s something we feel.
These peanut butter banana cookies bring me right back to those cozy days. I remember standing on a chair next to her, carefully mashing bananas while she scooped peanut butter with a wooden spoon. She never wasted a ripe banana, and these cookies were her go-to. They were soft, chewy, and smelled like home. Today, I still use that same recipe—only with a few modern tweaks. Whenever I bake them, the kitchen fills with that familiar warmth. It’s amazing how a simple cookie can hold so much memory and comfort.
What Makes Peanut Butter Banana Cookies So Special
What sets these cookies apart? First, they’re made with real ingredients you probably already have—ripe bananas, natural peanut butter, a touch of sweetener, and flour. No fancy tools. No complicated steps. Just mix, scoop, and bake. The banana keeps them soft for days, while the peanut butter brings richness and balance. Together, they create a soft, chewy texture that’s hard to beat.
They’re also a smart way to cut down on added sugar since bananas provide natural sweetness. That makes them perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or something quick to satisfy your sweet tooth. They sit right at home with other comforting recipes like the chewy small batch chocolate chip cookies.
Whether you’re baking with kids or looking for something to use up ripe bananas, this cookie delivers—no stress, no waste, and full of heart
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Peanut Butter Banana Cookies – Soft, Healthy, and Totally Satisfying
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These peanut butter banana cookies are soft, naturally sweetened, and super easy to make with pantry staples. A wholesome treat that’s perfect for any time of day.
Ingredients
1 ripe banana
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1/3 cup brown sugar (or maple syrup)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
3/4 cup flour (or oat flour)
Pinch of salt
Optional: chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Mash banana in a large bowl.
3. Add peanut butter, sugar, vanilla, and egg. Mix until smooth.
4. Stir in baking soda, cinnamon, flour, and salt until a dough forms.
5. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
6. Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls onto the baking sheet.
7. Flatten gently with a fork.
8. Bake for 9–11 minutes or until edges are golden.
9. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
You can freeze unbaked dough or baked cookies for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: peanut butter banana cookies, banana cookies, healthy cookies
Banana and Peanut Butter – A Nutritional Power Pair
Is Eating Banana and Peanut Butter Healthy?
Absolutely. When you combine bananas and peanut butter, you’re not just making a delicious snack—you’re creating the foundation for peanut butter banana cookies that are surprisingly nutritious. Bananas are naturally high in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. They’re great for steady energy and digestion. Peanut butter brings protein, healthy fats, and richness that keeps you full and satisfied.
That’s exactly why peanut butter banana cookies make such a smart treat. They offer the sweetness of fruit with the heartiness of nuts—no refined sugars or processed ingredients required. When you bake them fresh.
You’ll also find that peanut butter banana cookies fit into many dietary goals. They’re naturally gluten-free if made with oats or almond flour, and with just a few tweaks, they can even become low-carb like our keto peanut butter cookies. It’s comfort food with benefits.
Why Do Peanut Butter and Banana Go Together?
There’s a reason peanut butter banana cookies are so popular—bananas and peanut butter simply belong together. Bananas add mellow sweetness, moisture, and natural sugars. Peanut butter brings saltiness, depth, and protein. The flavor balance hits every note—sweet, salty, soft, and nutty.
When combined in peanut butter banana cookies, these ingredients create a dough that bakes up soft and chewy, with golden edges and a perfectly tender middle. It’s no wonder they’re a nostalgic favorite for so many people. Just like our chocolate chip cookie cake takes you back to birthday parties, these cookies deliver warmth and flavor in every bite.
You can even level up your peanut butter banana cookies by folding in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or cinnamon. Some bakers like turning them into sandwich cookies or bars. keep things simple with a short list of whole ingredients.
Whether you’re new to baking or a cookie veteran, peanut butter banana cookies are an easy win. They’re proof that smart ingredients don’t have to mean boring flavor—just the opposite.
How to Make the Perfect Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Improving Peanut Butter Cookie Mix with Banana
If you’ve ever made peanut butter cookies from a boxed mix, you know they can turn out a little dry or overly crumbly. The solution? Bananas. Adding ripe banana to your dough brings moisture, natural sweetness, and a boost of nutrients—turning basic cookies into chewy peanut butter banana cookies your whole family will love.
To get started, mash one medium banana and fold it into your mix. Reduce any added liquid slightly to account for the moisture in the fruit. If your mix calls for eggs, you can even replace one with mashed banana for a softer, cakier texture. Adding a dash of vanilla or a pinch of cinnamon can deepen the flavor. For a simple example, try adapting your favorite 4-ingredient peanut butter cookies into a banana-friendly version.
Once you’ve done this once, it’s hard to go back. Even store-bought cookie mix becomes something special with this one step. Want more indulgence? Try adding chunks like we do in our double chunk chocolate cookie.
Tried-and-True Baking Tips for Consistency
Bananas can be unpredictable—some are firm, others very soft—so consistency matters when baking peanut butter banana cookies. Here are some quick, essential tips:
- Chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent spreading and gives the cookies a thicker, chewier bite.
- Use parchment paper or silicone mats. They prevent sticking and give more even browning.
- Test with one cookie before baking a full batch. Depending on how ripe your banana is, the dough may need a touch more flour or oats.
If you prefer a heartier texture, stir in a few tablespoons of quick oats or almond flour. Want more crunch? Add chopped peanuts or crushed pretzels. These mix-ins help you customize peanut butter banana cookies to your personal taste.
And if you’re baking in small batches, check out our small batch chocolate chip cookies for inspiration on scaling down while keeping flavor big.
For more pro-level kitchen shortcuts, the baking techniques we use in vegan chocolate chip cookies also apply here—like using room temperature ingredients and spacing dough evenly on the tray.
Creative Variations to Keep It Fresh
Customizing Peanut Butter Banana Cookies for Any Diet
One of the best things about peanut butter banana cookies is how easily they adapt. Whether you’re baking for allergies, lifestyle changes, or just trying something new, there’s a version that fits.
Going vegan? Use maple syrup instead of honey and choose dairy-free chocolate chips. Most natural peanut butters are already vegan-friendly, so no big swaps are needed there. These peanut butter banana cookies are also perfect for egg-free diets—bananas act as a binder on their own.
Need a gluten-free option? Replace regular flour with oat flour or a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Want more protein? Stir in a scoop of your favorite vanilla protein powder or some hemp hearts. These adjustments don’t just fit your needs—they make your peanut butter banana cookies even more satisfying.
During the holidays, white chocolate and cranberries (like in our white chocolate chip cookies) are great add-ins.
Fun Mix-Ins & Seasonal Twists
Let’s talk about mix-ins. Once you’ve nailed the base recipe, peanut butter banana cookies become the perfect canvas for creativity. Want something indulgent? Add dark chocolate chips or swirl in a spoonful of Nutella. Craving crunch? Chopped walnuts or pecans bring texture and toastiness.
For fall baking, a dash of pumpkin pie spice adds a cozy twist. During the holidays, try white chocolate and dried cranberries. These small changes make peanut butter banana cookies feel new again—without complicating the process.
If you love seasonal baking like we do, you’ll find inspiration in our cookie butter cold brew , where classic flavors meet playful presentation.
For an on-the-go option, shape the dough into bars or flatten them into thin snack bites. Peanut butter banana cookies are soft enough to be enjoyed straight from the fridge and sturdy enough for lunchboxes.
At the end of the day, they’re as versatile as they are nostalgic. No matter the season or occasion, these cookies deliver comfort, flavor, and a little bit of fun in every bite.
Is eating banana and peanut butter healthy?
Yes, it’s a great combination! Bananas provide fiber, potassium, and natural sweetness, while peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein. Together, they help you stay full longer and provide steady energy—making peanut butter banana cookies a smarter dessert choice.
How to improve peanut butter cookie mix?
Add mashed ripe banana for moisture, flavor, and sweetness. Reduce liquid slightly and mix in extras like vanilla, oats, or cinnamon. These small adjustments create a softer, more flavorful cookie—like the ones featured in our peanut butter banana cookies recipe.
Why do peanut butter and banana go together?
Their flavors complement each other. Banana is sweet and mellow, while peanut butter is salty and rich. Together in cookies, they form a perfect chewy balance—making peanut butter banana cookies both nostalgic and satisfying.
Is it healthy to eat banana and peanut butter together?
Yes—this combo balances carbs, fats, and protein. It’s commonly used for pre-workout snacks or healthy treats. In baked form, like peanut butter banana cookies, it’s still a wholesome option when made with simple ingredients.
Conclusion
Peanut butter banana cookies aren’t just easy to make—they’re full of warmth, flavor, and flexibility. Whether you’re baking a batch to use up ripe bananas or looking for a healthier treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies deliver. They’re proof that simple ingredients, when paired right, can make something truly comforting. From childhood memories to modern adaptations, peanut butter banana cookies are the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to.
If you’re looking for a different cookie texture altogether, check out our chocolate cookies recipe for more ideas.