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Easy Chewy Lunchbox Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

peanut butter banana cookies - featured image

These chewy peanut butter banana cookies are quick, simple, and perfect for homemade snacks or lunchboxes. They combine natural sweetness from ripe bananas with creamy peanut butter for a wholesome, kid-approved treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1/2 cup (125g) peanut butter, creamy or chunky
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (135g) rolled oats
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • Optional mix-ins: 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mash 2 ripe bananas in a medium mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher until smooth but still a little chunky (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Stir in 1/2 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until well combined and creamy.
  4. Add 1 1/2 cups rolled oats, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon if using. Stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
  5. Fold in any optional mix-ins like mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts if desired.
  6. Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon for even baking.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are set and tops look dry but centers still feel soft.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Do not overbake to maintain chewy texture. If bananas are not ripe, microwave for 30 seconds to soften. Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep moist. Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: peanut butter cookies, banana cookies, chewy cookies, lunchbox snacks, kid-friendly snacks, quick cookies, healthy cookies, gluten-free cookies