Banana Peanut Butter Cookies with Vanilla

This Banana Peanut Butter Cookies with Vanilla recipe is chewy, naturally sweet, and packed with feel-good ingredients to keep you full and satisfied for hours. Made with just five pantry staples, including banana, oats, peanut butter, and a touch of vanilla or cinnamon, these breakfast cookies are perfect for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or a light post-workout treat.

These banana peanut butter cookies with vanilla are quick to make, flourless, and totally free of refined sugar. The banana provides moisture and sweetness, the oats offer fiber and staying power, and peanut butter adds healthy fats and protein. Add-ins like chocolate chips or raisins give them that extra little something. If you enjoy simple, wholesome cookies, you might also love my Chia banana oats Breakfast Cookies or my family favorite Strawberry Banana Breakfast Cookies.

Why You’ll Love These Banana Peanut Butter Cookies With Vanilla

• Made with just 5 ingredients. No complicated prep or long shopping lists—just everyday staples you already have.
• Naturally sweet and flourless. These cookies are free of refined sugar and flour, yet still sweet and satisfying thanks to ripe banana.
• Soft, chewy, and flexible. They bake up tender and moist, and you can easily customize the texture and flavor with simple mix-ins.
• Perfect for all ages. Whether you’re packing a lunchbox, prepping a toddler snack, or just need something for your afternoon tea, these fit the moment.
• Great for freezing. They hold up beautifully in the freezer—so you can make a big batch and enjoy all week.

Ingredients Needed For Banana Peanut Butter Cookies

• Ripe Banana. The riper, the better—brown spots mean more natural sweetness and moisture.
• Rolled Oats. These form the base and make the cookies hearty and satisfying. Quick oats also work.
• Peanut Butter. Choose natural, unsweetened peanut butter for the best texture and flavor.
• Chocolate Chips or Raisins. Either works great to add a little sweetness and texture. Or mix both!
• Vanilla or Cinnamon. A splash of vanilla extract or a dash of cinnamon adds warmth and brings everything together.

How I Make Banana Peanut Butter Cookies With Vanilla

(This is a quick overview of how I make these Banana Peanut Butter Cookies, with helpful tips along the way. Full instructions are in the recipe card below.)

1. Preheat the oven. Set to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Mash the banana. Use a medium bowl and mash until smooth.
3. Mix it all in. Stir in the oats, peanut butter, vanilla, or cinnamon, and your mix-in of choice.
4. Scoop and flatten. Drop spoonfuls onto the baking sheet and gently press into shape.
5. Bake. Cook for 12 to 14 minutes until set and lightly golden underneath.
6. Cool. Let them cool completely—they firm up as they rest.

Best Type of Peanut Butter to Use

For the best flavor and texture, go with natural, unsweetened peanut butter. It should have just peanuts (and maybe a pinch of salt) on the label, no added sugars or oils. Creamy works best for smooth dough, but if you love texture, crunchy adds a nice bite.

Can I Make These Without Oats?

Yes! If you’re avoiding oats, try swapping them with almond flour or coconut flour. Start with about ½ cup and adjust as needed for consistency. Almond flour gives a moist, nutty bite, while coconut flour is more absorbent and creates a denser texture, so use it sparingly.

Banana Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe Variations

There are so many ways to tweak these cookies depending on your mood or pantry. Here are some of my favorite variations:

• Nut-Free. Use sunflower seed butter or tahini in place of peanut butter, and skip the chocolate chips for a totally school-safe cookie.
• Tropical. Add 1–2 tablespoons of unsweetened shredded coconut and a few pieces of chopped dried pineapple or mango. This gives the cookies a fun, fruity twist.
• Crunchy. Stir in a handful of chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans. It adds bite and boosts healthy fats and protein.
• Sweet Tooth. For dessert-style cookies, add mini chocolate chips and a tiny splash of maple syrup or vanilla extract for more flavor depth.
• Spiced Up. Mix in a dash of pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, or cardamom for seasonal warmth.
• Berry Blend. Toss in dried cranberries, blueberries, or chopped dates for a naturally sweet, chewy variation.

Bake for 12–14 minutes for that classic soft texture. Let them cool on the baking sheet—they’ll firm up as they cool.

Can I Make These Cookies Without Banana?

You can! While banana gives these cookies their natural sweetness and moisture, you can substitute it with 1/3 cup of unsweetened applesauce, pumpkin purée, or mashed sweet potato. The flavor and texture will shift slightly, but each option still gives a soft, chewy cookie.

When’s the Best Time to Eat Banana Peanut Butter Cookies?

These cookies are great any time of day. Enjoy one in the morning with coffee or tea, grab a couple as a post-workout bite, or tuck them into a lunchbox or afternoon snack tray. They’re filling but not heavy—just enough to tide you over.

What to Serve with Banana Peanut Butter Cookies

• A hot coffee or chai latte
• A glass of almond or oat milk
• Sliced apples or berries for a light breakfast plate

Storing / Freezing Banana Peanut Butter Cookies

Room Temperature. Once the banana peanut buttercookies are fully cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and chewy for 2–3 days, perfect for quick snacks or a grab-and-go breakfast.

Refrigerator. To extend freshness, keep the cookies in a sealed container in the fridge. They’ll last up to a week and taste just as good cold. If you like a firmer bite, chilled cookies are a great option.

Freezer. These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or pop one in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to warm it up.

These Banana Peanut Butter Cookies store well and are just as tasty days later.

FAQs About Banana Peanut Butter Cookies With Vanilla

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