These Banana Bread Cookies are a sweet treat made with just six simple ingredients! They’re soft, chewy, and packed with the yummy flavor of ripe bananas.
Who knew cookies could be this easy? I love making these with my overripe bananas, and they make my kitchen smell amazing. Grab a glass of milk—you’re gonna want it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies! If you don’t have ripe ones, you can microwave them for 20-30 seconds to soften them up. Just remember, they shouldn’t be too hot when you mix them in.
Peanut Butter: I love creamy peanut butter for a smooth texture, but feel free to use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for nut-free options. Just note that sunflower seed butter can give a slight green tint when baking due to the reaction with baking soda!
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and a rich flavor. If you’re out, white sugar can work, but I recommend adding a little honey or maple syrup to bring some of that moistness back.
Vanilla Extract: A must for a lovely aroma! If you don’t have it, you could use almond extract for a different flavor. Just use about half the amount.
Baking Soda: This helps the cookies rise a bit. If you’re out, you could substitute it with baking powder, but use about three times the amount since baking powder isn’t as strong.
Rolled Oats: These give the cookies a chewy texture. Quick oats can be used if that’s what you have, but they will yield a slightly different texture. You could also swap oats for flour, but the cookies will be a bit denser.
How to Mash Bananas for Smoothness?
Mashing bananas properly ensures a smooth and even cookie dough. Here are some easy steps to get your bananas nice and creamy:
- Peel the bananas and place them in a bowl. Use a fork to mash them, going from the edges to the center.
- Push down and twist the fork as you mash to break down any lumps.
- If you prefer a completely smooth texture, you can use a hand blender for a few seconds.
Making sure the bananas are well mashed will help each bite of your cookie be sweet and flavorful! Trust me, this little step goes a long way for the overall texture.
How to Make Banana Bread Cookies (6 Ingredients!)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ripe bananas
- ½ cup peanut butter (or any nut butter)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1½ cups rolled oats
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 10-12 minutes to bake. After that, you’ll want to let the cookies cool for a few minutes. Altogether, it’s a quick and easy treat to whip up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking those delicious cookies. While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mash the Bananas:
In a large mixing bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them with a fork or a potato masher until they’re nice and smooth. This will be the base of your cookie mixture, adding both flavor and moisture.
3. Mix in the Other Ingredients:
Add the peanut butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. This will create a deliciously sweet and nutty foundation for your cookies.
4. Add the Baking Soda and Oats:
Next, stir in the baking soda, and then gradually fold in the rolled oats. Keep mixing until the oats are evenly blended into the banana mixture. The oats will give your cookies a nice texture and heartiness.
5. Form the Cookies:
Using a tablespoon, scoop out rounded balls of cookie dough and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread a little while baking.
6. Flatten the Dough Balls:
Take the back of a fork and gently flatten each dough ball to create a slight indentation pattern. This will help them bake evenly and give them a lovely look.
7. Bake the Cookies:
Put your baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are golden brown. The smell will also be heavenly!
8. Cool and Enjoy:
After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious banana bread cookies as a tasty snack or dessert!
Can I Use Almond Butter Instead of Peanut Butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter works just as well in this recipe and can give the cookies a slightly different flavor. Just ensure you choose a smooth variety for the best texture. If you have a nut allergy, sunflower seed butter is a great alternative!
What Should I Do If My Bananas Aren’t Ripe Enough?
No problem! If your bananas are not quite ripe, you can place them in a paper bag for a day or two to speed up the ripening process. Alternatively, you can bake unpeeled bananas at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until the skins are black; then let them cool before mashing!
How to Store Leftover Cookies?
Store your banana bread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking!
Can I Add Mix-Ins Like Nuts or Chocolate Chips?
Yes, mix-ins can definitely elevate your cookies! Feel free to add a handful of chocolate chips, walnuts, or even dried fruit into the dough before baking. Keep in mind that this may alter the final texture slightly but will definitely enhance the flavor!
