These peanut butter banana cookies are the definition of feel-good baking. With no refined sugar, no flour, and plenty of nourishing ingredients, they prove that “healthy” and “delicious” don’t have to be opposites. Soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, they’re perfect for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or guilt-free desserts. Loaded with fiber from oats and flaxseed, and offering the rich, satisfying flavor of peanut butter, these cookies check all the boxes: comforting, energizing, and allergy-friendly. They’re also freezer-friendly, making them a great option for batch baking and prepping ahead for the week.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 ripe bananas, mashed
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1/2 cup natural peanut butter
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/3 cup rolled oats
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2 tablespoons desiccated coconut
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2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
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1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
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Pinch of sea salt
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly.
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Stir in the peanut butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Mix until well combined.
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Add the oats, coconut, flaxseed, and maple syrup (if using). Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
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Using a spoon or small scoop, drop mounds of the cookie dough onto the baking sheet and gently flatten with the back of the spoon.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until cookies are set and golden on the bottom.
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Allow to cool slightly before transferring to a wire rack.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 85 kcal per cookie | Servings: 10 cookies
The Perfect Marriage of Peanut Butter and Banana in a Healthy Cookie
Peanut butter and banana—few food combinations are as nostalgic, comforting, and universally loved. Whether spread on toast, blended into smoothies, or enjoyed straight off the spoon, this pairing has stood the test of time. But when you turn those flavors into soft, naturally sweet cookies with a short list of wholesome ingredients? That’s when the magic really happens.
Our Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are everything a home baker could want: easy, nourishing, flexible, and seriously delicious. They’re soft-baked, filled with fiber, naturally sweetened, and completely free from refined sugar, dairy, and gluten. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast bite, a kid-friendly treat, or a healthy snack for your busy lifestyle, these cookies hit every mark.
Where This Recipe Comes From
The inspiration behind this recipe is rooted in simplicity and wellness. In many whole-food kitchens, ripe bananas are a go-to ingredient for adding natural sweetness and moisture to baked goods. Meanwhile, peanut butter brings creamy texture and a rich, nutty depth—making it the perfect counterpart. Together, they form a base that requires little else to become a satisfying and energizing cookie.
What makes this recipe truly special is that it was developed not just for taste, but for real life. Busy mornings, after-school cravings, midday energy slumps, or guilt-free late-night snacking—this cookie handles it all. Inspired by clean eating principles and allergen-friendly baking, it’s ideal for modern families and anyone with a sweet tooth that still wants to eat smart.
Clean, Minimal Ingredients with Maximum Flavor
One of the greatest appeals of these cookies is their ingredient list. There’s nothing artificial here—just real, recognizable foods that come together in a nourishing way. Each ingredient has a specific role, both in flavor and nutrition:
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Bananas: Provide natural sweetness, moisture, and potassium. The riper, the better!
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Peanut Butter: Adds protein, healthy fats, and a rich, satisfying texture.
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Rolled Oats: Offer fiber and heartiness, giving the cookie structure and chewiness.
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Ground Flaxseed: Boosts omega-3s, fiber, and acts as a binder, replacing the need for eggs.
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Desiccated Coconut: Adds subtle sweetness and a pleasant texture.
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Cinnamon & Vanilla: Bring warmth and aroma, elevating the overall flavor profile.
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Maple Syrup (optional): Enhances sweetness for those who like a touch more indulgence.
Every ingredient has a purpose—not just in taste, but in nourishing the body. This makes the cookies suitable for a wide range of diets, including vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, and even vegan (if you swap honey for maple syrup).
Nutritional Benefits That Go Beyond Sweet Cravings
These cookies aren’t just a healthier alternative to traditional sweets—they’re functional. Here’s why they’re such a smart choice for anyone looking to eat well without sacrificing enjoyment:
1. High in Fiber:
Between the oats, flaxseed, and banana, these cookies pack a good amount of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health, improves satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
2. Plant-Based Protein:
Peanut butter and flaxseed provide a protein boost, making this a snack that keeps you energized for hours. It’s ideal for post-workout recovery, a pre-yoga bite, or an afternoon pick-me-up.
3. Naturally Sweetened:
Ripe bananas and optional maple syrup eliminate the need for refined sugar. This not only makes the cookies better for blood sugar balance but also helps retrain your taste buds to appreciate natural sweetness.
4. Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free:
No flour, no butter, no eggs—this recipe is a win for people with common allergies or those following special diets.
5. Kid-Friendly and Parent-Approved:
These cookies are soft enough for toddlers, sweet enough for picky eaters, and nourishing enough for parents who want to avoid sugar-laden snacks.
Why These Cookies Are the Ultimate Snack Solution
We all get snack cravings—and unfortunately, most on-the-go options are processed, sugar-heavy, and nutrient-poor. This recipe solves that problem beautifully. Just one or two cookies can give you lasting energy and satisfy your sweet tooth, without the crash or guilt.
They’re also incredibly portable. Pack them in lunchboxes, take them on road trips, bring them to work, or freeze a batch for grab-and-go access throughout the week. Unlike traditional cookies, which can feel too heavy or overly indulgent, these feel light and energizing.
How to Customize and Make Them Your Own
Part of the fun of this recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your preferences. Here are a few ideas to make these cookies work even harder for your lifestyle:
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Add chopped dark chocolate for a mood-boosting antioxidant punch
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Mix in raisins, dates, or cranberries for extra chewiness and natural sweetness
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Use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor or allergy-friendly version
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Add a scoop of protein powder to turn them into true energy cookies
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Include chia seeds or hemp hearts for more texture and omega-3s
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Sprinkle with a touch of sea salt or cinnamon sugar before baking for extra depth
These cookies are so forgiving that you can experiment freely while still keeping them wholesome.
Simple, Foolproof Baking for Any Skill Level
Whether you’re a seasoned home baker or just getting started, this recipe is one you can rely on. It doesn’t require fancy tools, special techniques, or complicated steps. If you can mash a banana and stir a spoon, you can make these cookies.
No electric mixers needed. No chilling time. No measuring cups full of white sugar or flour. Just mix, scoop, and bake. The texture is soft and chewy—not crumbly or dry—and they store well, making them a great addition to your weekly baking routine.
When to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
The real beauty of this recipe is in its versatility. These cookies can step into multiple roles throughout your week:
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Breakfast on-the-go: Pair two cookies with coffee or tea for a fiber-rich morning start.
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Snack time for kids: They’ll love the taste, and you’ll love that they’re eating something healthy.
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Healthy dessert: A soft cookie with a square of dark chocolate? Pure bliss.
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Post-workout fuel: The natural sugars and protein combo are ideal for refueling muscles.
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Midday energy boost: Instead of reaching for a sugary bar, keep a couple of these in your bag.
These aren’t cookies you bake and forget about. They become part of your rhythm—reliable, delicious, and nourishing every time.
What Makes This Recipe Better Than Traditional Cookies
Most traditional cookie recipes rely on white sugar, white flour, butter, and eggs—all of which can taste great but lack nutritional value. This recipe reimagines cookies through a wellness lens. You get all the flavor, texture, and satisfaction—without the crash, the processed ingredients, or the need for willpower to stop after one.
These cookies are truly designed with the modern eater in mind. They’re naturally sweet, nutrient-dense, and free from anything unnecessary. And because the recipe is quick and easy to make, it becomes something you can turn to whenever the craving hits.
Conclusion
Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are more than just a recipe—they’re a smart, satisfying solution for everyday life. With clean ingredients, a short prep time, and endless customization options, they check every box for health-conscious snackers, busy parents, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone with a soft spot for cookies. They’re easy to love, easy to make, and easy to share. Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or your community, these cookies will win hearts with their wholesome simplicity and naturally irresistible flavor. Try them once, and they just might become your go-to treat for years to come.
