Banana Peanut Butter Chip Cookies Recipe

Banana Peanut Butter Chip Cookies: A Delightful Blend of Flavors

There’s something undeniably comforting about the classic combination of peanut butter and bananas. When these flavors come together in the form of cookies, the result is a delightful treat that satisfies both nostalgic cravings and a sweet tooth. These Banana Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, making them the perfect addition to any cookie repertoire.

The Magic of Peanut Butter and Bananas

Peanut butter and bananas have long been a favorite pairing, often found in sandwiches, smoothies, and desserts. The creamy, nutty taste of peanut butter complements the natural sweetness and subtle tang of bananas. In these cookies, this duo creates a flavor profile that is both rich and comforting, with a hint of sweetness that is perfectly balanced by the savory notes of the peanut butter chips.

Ingredients and Their Roles

To create these delectable cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 large over-ripened banana: The banana not only adds natural sweetness but also provides moisture and a soft texture to the cookies.
½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted: The melted butter ensures the cookies are tender and adds a rich flavor.
¾ cup (150 g) light brown sugar, packed: Brown sugar contributes to the chewiness of the cookies and adds a slight caramel flavor.
1 large egg yolk: The egg yolk helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
1⅓ cups (167 g) all-purpose flour: Flour provides structure to the cookies.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Baking soda helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
⅔ cup (112 g) peanut butter chips: These chips provide bursts of peanut butter flavor throughout the cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and ensure even baking.
Mash the Banana: In a large mixing bowl, mash the over-ripened banana with a fork until smooth. The banana should be thoroughly mashed to integrate well with the other ingredients.
Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the melted butter, light brown sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract to the mashed banana. Using a handheld mixer, blend the ingredients on medium speed for about 30 seconds, or until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cookies.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Mix until no traces of flour remain, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Add Peanut Butter Chips: Gently fold in the peanut butter chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough. This step is crucial for ensuring that each bite of the cookie is packed with peanut butter flavor.
Rest the Dough: Let the cookie dough rest at room temperature for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the flour to hydrate and the flavors to meld, resulting in a better-textured cookie.
Scoop and Bake: After the dough has rested, use a 1-tablespoon cookie scoop to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Space the dough balls about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake the cookies for 7-8 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still appear slightly underbaked. This ensures a chewy, rather than cakey, texture.
Cool and Enjoy: Transfer the baked cookies to a cooling rack and let them cool for 5-10 minutes before enjoying. This cooling period allows the cookies to set and develop their full flavor.

Tips for Perfect Cookies

To achieve the best results with these Banana Peanut Butter Chip Cookies, consider the following tips:

Use Over-Ripened Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best results.
Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, and accurate measurements are crucial for consistent results. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements of ingredients.
Don’t Skip the Resting Period: Allowing the dough to rest for 10 minutes is essential for achieving the right texture. This step helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Avoid Overbaking: The cookies should appear slightly underbaked in the center when you take them out of the oven. They will continue to set as they cool, resulting in a perfectly chewy texture.

How to Avoid Cake-Like Cookies

One of the common pitfalls when baking cookies is ending up with a cake-like texture rather than a chewy one. To avoid this, it’s important to follow the recipe’s guidelines for cookie size. When testing this recipe, it was found that making larger cookies altered the texture significantly, resulting in a more cake-like consistency. Stick to the recommended size of 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie for the best results. This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and maintain their desired chewy texture.

Storing Your Cookies

To keep your Banana Peanut Butter Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and delicious for up to five days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, let the cookies thaw at room temperature for a few hours.

Variations and Add-Ins

While these cookies are delightful as they are, you can experiment with different add-ins and variations to suit your taste:

Chocolate Chips: Swap out some or all of the peanut butter chips for chocolate chips for a classic chocolate-banana combination.
Nuts: Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for extra crunch and flavor.
Oats: For a heartier cookie, mix in a half cup of rolled oats along with the flour.
Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.

Conclusion

Banana Peanut Butter Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the best of both peanut butter and banana flavors in a soft, chewy cookie. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later, these cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the classic combination of peanut butter and bananas. So, preheat your oven, mash that ripe banana, and get ready to bake a batch of cookies that will fill your kitchen with a delicious aroma and your taste buds with pure joy.