Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Cookies

$- 2 ripe bananas - 1 cup natural peanut butter - 1/2 cup rolled oats First, let's talk about the essential ingredients. Ripe bananas are key. Their natural sweetness adds flavor and moisture. I use about two bananas, mashed well. It gives the cookies a nice, soft texture. Next, grab one cup of natural peanut butter. This ingredient is rich in protein and healthy fats. It binds everything together and adds a nutty taste. Lastly, use half a cup of rolled oats. Oats give the cookies a hearty feel and a bit of chew. - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips - 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds Now, let’s explore optional ingredients. You can add a quarter cup of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness. This is not a must but can enhance the flavor. Dark chocolate chips, also a quarter cup, can make your cookies a treat. They melt slightly and provide a rich taste. If you like crunch, add a quarter cup of chopped nuts. Walnuts or almonds work well. They give texture and a nutty flavor. - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt Finally, we have pantry staples. You’ll need half a teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds warmth and depth to the cookies. Next, include half a teaspoon of baking soda. It helps the cookies rise and become fluffy. Lastly, a quarter teaspoon of salt brings out the other flavors. Even a little salt can make a big difference in taste. With these ingredients, you are set to make delicious peanut butter banana breakfast cookies. Enjoy the process! - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps keep cookies from sticking. - In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. You want no lumps. - Add the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix well until combined. - In a separate bowl, mix the rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. This keeps the baking soda even. - Stir the dry mix into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix. - If you want, fold in dark chocolate chips and chopped nuts for crunch. - Use a tablespoon to scoop generous amounts of dough onto the baking sheet. - Flatten each cookie slightly with your hand to help them bake evenly. - Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Watch for golden brown edges. This simple process gives you tasty, healthy cookies in no time. Enjoy them fresh! To make your cookies truly delicious, use overripe bananas. They bring out the best sweetness. The riper the banana, the sweeter your cookies will taste. You can also play around with baking times. If you want a chewy texture, take them out sooner. For a crunchy bite, let them bake a bit longer. Make your cookies look great by adding extra chocolate chips or banana slices on top. This adds color and makes them more inviting. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk. This combination makes a quick and complete breakfast. One common mistake is overmixing the dough. This can make your cookies tough. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients. Another mistake is not preheating the oven properly. Always preheat your oven to ensure even baking. This small step makes a big difference in the final result. {{image_2}} You can make these cookies nut-free. Just swap out the peanut butter. Use sunbutter or almond butter instead. These options keep the cookies tasty and creamy. They also work well for those with nut allergies. To boost flavor, add spices. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg makes these cookies even better. You can also throw in dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. Seeds, like chia or flax, add crunch and nutrition. These simple changes make each bite special. Making gluten-free cookies is easy! Just use gluten-free oats. You can also use a certified gluten-free flour blend. This way, everyone can enjoy these breakfast treats. The taste stays the same, and you keep the chewy texture. To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them at room temperature. This way, they stay soft and tasty. If you like, you can also add a slice of bread to keep the cookies moist. The bread will absorb excess air, keeping your cookies chewy. If you want to make cookies ahead of time, freezing is a great choice. First, let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap before placing them in the bag. When you're ready to eat, take out the cookies and let them thaw at room temperature. For a warm treat, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. When stored correctly, these cookies last about one week at room temperature. If you freeze them, they can last up to three months. Make sure to check for any signs of freezer burn. This way, you can enjoy your peanut butter banana breakfast cookies anytime! Yes, you can! Honey works well, but other sweeteners are just as good. Agave syrup is a great choice. It has a similar texture and sweetness. You can also use date syrup, which adds a rich, caramel flavor. Both options are easy to find and will keep your cookies sweet. Absolutely! To make these cookies vegan, swap out the honey for maple syrup. Use a natural peanut butter without added sugar. This way, you keep the taste and texture while making them plant-based. Just check that your chocolate chips are dairy-free, too. Look for the edges of the cookies to turn golden brown. They should feel firm to the touch but still soft in the center. If you press lightly, they should spring back. This means they are ready to come out of the oven. Yes, oats add texture but can be replaced. You can use almond flour or ground flaxseed instead. Both options will help bind the ingredients together. Just remember, the cookies might be a bit different in texture but still taste great! You now have a simple and tasty cookie recipe. You learned about key ingredients like bananas and peanut butter. Optional add-ins like chocolate chips and nuts can enhance flavor. Following the step-by-step guide ensures success every time. Remember to avoid common mistakes, like overmixing the dough. You can also store your cookies for later enjoyment. Experiment with flavors and adapt the recipe to your tastes. Enjoy making and sharing these delicious cookies!$

Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Cookies

Start your day with these delicious Peanut Butter Banana Breakfast Cookies that are both easy to make and healthy! With ripe bananas, natural peanut butter, and optional dark chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. Just mix, scoop, and bake for a tasty treat your whole family will love. Click to discover the full recipe and enjoy this nutritious delight today! #PeanutButterCookies #HealthySnacking #BreakfastIdeas #BakingWithKids

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Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, mashed

1 cup natural peanut butter

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.

Add the peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas, mixing until well combined.

In a separate bowl, combine the rolled oats, baking soda, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

If desired, fold in the dark chocolate chips and chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

Using a tablespoon, scoop generous amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, flattening each cookie slightly with your hand.

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 22 mins | 12 cookies

- Presentation Tips: Serve the cookies on a colorful plate, sprinkled with a few extra chocolate chips and banana slices for a vibrant look. Perfect for a quick breakfast on-the-go!