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To make these tasty cookies, you will need: - 2 ripe bananas, mashed - 1 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy) - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option) - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/4 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional) - 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans, optional) These simple ingredients work together to create a chewy and flavorful cookie. The ripe bananas add sweetness and moisture, while peanut butter provides a rich, nutty taste. You can personalize your cookies with some fun add-ins. Here are a few ideas: - Dark chocolate chips for a sweet touch - Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch - A sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth - Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for extra sweetness These add-ins let you customize your cookies to your taste. Try different combinations to find your favorite mix! If you don’t have certain items on hand, don’t worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a nut-free option. - Replace brown sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener. - Use quick oats instead of rolled oats if that's what you have. These substitutions keep the recipe flexible, so you can still enjoy delicious cookies even if you’re missing an ingredient. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the cookies bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup later. In a large bowl, mash two ripe bananas. You want them smooth but not completely liquid. Then, add one cup of natural peanut butter to the bananas. Stir until the mixture is combined well. Next, mix in half a cup of brown sugar. You can use coconut sugar if you prefer a healthier choice. Add half a teaspoon of vanilla extract, a quarter teaspoon of baking soda, and a quarter teaspoon of salt. Stir the mixture again until it is smooth. Now, it's time to fold in one cup of rolled oats. Make sure the oats are evenly mixed in. If you like, add half a cup of dark chocolate chips and a quarter cup of chopped nuts. Gently mix these in. Take a tablespoon or cookie scoop and drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet. Leave some space between each one. They will spread a little while baking. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes. You want the edges to turn golden brown. The cookies should look set but not hard. When the time is up, take them out of the oven. Let them sit on the baking sheet for five minutes. This helps them firm up before you move them. After five minutes, use a spatula to transfer the cookies to a wire rack. Let them cool completely. For a fun serving idea, arrange the cookies on a colorful plate. Serve them with fresh banana slices or a scoop of peanut butter for dipping. Enjoy your cookies with a tall glass of almond milk. These cookies are a simple delight, perfect for any time of day! To get the best texture in your cookies, use ripe bananas. The riper they are, the sweeter and softer your cookies will be. Mix the bananas and peanut butter fully. This ensures a smooth blend. For chewy cookies, do not overbake. Bake just until the edges turn golden brown. Adding oats helps create a hearty texture. If you want a softer cookie, use less oats. One common mistake is using unripe bananas. They do not mash well and lack sweetness. Another issue is not measuring ingredients accurately. Too much peanut butter can make cookies oily. On the flip side, too little can make them dry. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet. This can cause cookies to stick together. Lastly, don’t skip the cooling time. This helps cookies firm up and hold their shape. Store your cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for a longer time. If you want them to last, place parchment paper between layers. You can also freeze cookies for later. To freeze, place them in a zip-top bag. They will stay good for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature. Enjoy your cookies fresh and delicious! {{image_2}} You can easily make these cookies gluten-free. Just use certified gluten-free oats. They work just as well as regular oats. This small change ensures everyone can enjoy these cookies without worry. To make the cookies vegan, swap out the brown sugar for coconut sugar. This keeps the recipe plant-based. You can also skip the chocolate chips or use dairy-free chocolate. This way, everyone can enjoy a tasty treat! Want to kick up the flavor? Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. A dash of these spices can make the cookies more exciting. You can also mix in different nut butters. Almond or cashew butter can add a unique twist. Just keep the same amount as peanut butter. These simple swaps keep your cookies fresh and fun! After you bake the cookies, let them cool completely. This step is key. Once cool, place them in an airtight container. Keep the container at room temperature. The cookies will stay soft and yummy for several days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider refrigerating the cookies. Just remember to let them sit out for a bit before eating. This way, they will taste better. If you want to save some cookies for later, freezing is a great option. To freeze, let the cookies cool completely first. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Put the sheet in the freezer for about an hour. After that, you can transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Cookies can stay frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, just thaw them at room temperature. These cookies are best when fresh, but they can last. If stored properly, they can stay good for up to one week at room temperature. To keep them fresh longer, use parchment paper between layers in the container. This helps to avoid sticking. Always check for any signs of spoilage. If the cookies smell off or look strange, it's best to toss them. Enjoy them while they're fresh for the best taste! Yes, you can use other nut butters. Almond butter and cashew butter work well. These nut butters give a different taste but still keep it yummy. Just ensure the nut butter is natural. The texture might change a bit, but the cookies will still be great. You will know the cookies are done when the edges turn golden brown. The center should look set and not too soft. It helps to set a timer for 10-12 minutes. Once you take them out, let them cool for a few minutes. They will firm up as they cool. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. You can mix the dough and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just scoop and bake. This is great for busy days or when you want fresh cookies! This blog post covered all you need to know about making cookies. We explored key ingredients and offered smart substitutions. You learned step-by-step instructions for baking and cooling your cookies. I shared tips for the best texture and avoided common mistakes. We also discussed fun variations and how to store leftovers. Now, with this knowledge, you can bake your perfect cookies anytime! Enjoy your baking journey!

Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Cookies

Indulge in the deliciousness of Banana Bliss Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies! This easy recipe combines ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and wholesome oats for a delightful treat that's perfect for any time of day. Whether you're looking for a snack or a dessert, these cookies are sure to satisfy your cravings.
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Ingredients
  

2 ripe bananas, mashed

1 cup natural peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option)

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans, optional)

Instructions
 

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

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas and peanut butter until fully integrated.

      Add the brown sugar, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt to the mixture. Stir well until combined.

        Gradually fold in the rolled oats until they are evenly distributed in the mixture.

          If desired, add in the dark chocolate chips and chopped nuts, gently mixing to incorporate.

            Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie as they will spread slightly.

              Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies appear set.

                Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the cookies on a colorful plate, and serve alongside fresh banana slices or a dollop of peanut butter for dipping. Enjoy with a tall glass of almond milk!