Healthy & Easy Banana Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies: Your Guilt-Free Treat!

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home. Today, my cravings are leaning towards something deliciously wholesome, and peanut butter is definitely on my mind. I’m also a huge fan of recipes that are not only incredibly tasty but also super simple and quick to prepare, fitting seamlessly into any busy day. That’s why these Banana Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies have become a staple in my kitchen. They build on the simplicity of the popular 2-ingredient banana and oat cookies but elevate the flavor profile significantly (in my humble opinion!), offering a richer, more satisfying experience. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas combined with the hearty texture of oats creates the perfect, wholesome foundation for a truly exceptional peanut butter cookie. And for that extra special touch, those adorable mini Reese’s Pieces are an absolute game-changer, adding a delightful burst of chocolate and peanut butter flavor without overwhelming the healthier aspects of the cookie.

These incredible Banana Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies are not just delicious; they are also remarkably healthy. Clocking in at just 1 Weight Watchers point per cookie, they are truly a guilt-free treat that you can enjoy without a second thought. Their wholesome ingredients and convenient size also make them an ideal choice for a quick grab-and-go breakfast on those hectic mornings when time is of the essence. Forget skipping breakfast or reaching for less nutritious options! With just a handful of pantry staples and a minimal time commitment, you’ll have a batch of these wholesome cookies ready to fuel your day. If you appreciate the natural sweetness of bananas, the heartiness of oats, and the rich, creamy goodness of peanut butter, then preparing them in cookie form is, without a doubt, one of the most delightful ways to incorporate these ingredients into your diet. Get ready to experience a cookie that truly satisfies both your taste buds and your health goals – these Banana Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies are guaranteed not to disappoint!

Three Compelling Reasons to Bake These Healthy Banana Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies

Naturally Sweetened and Low in Sugar

Many traditional cookie recipes are notorious for being loaded with excessive amounts of refined sugar, often leading to guilt and a sugar crash. These Banana Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies stand apart as a remarkably healthier alternative. The primary source of sweetness in this recipe comes from the naturally occurring sugars in ripe bananas, complemented by a modest, optional sprinkle of mini Reese’s Pieces for that delightful hint of indulgence. With each cookie containing under 50 calories and a mere 2 grams of sugar, they are a stark contrast to typical peanut butter cookies, which can easily pack over 9 grams of sugar per serving. Beyond their low sugar content, these cookies are also a fantastic source of dietary fiber, thanks to the wholesome oats and bananas. Fiber is crucial for digestive health and helps to regulate blood sugar levels, preventing the sharp spikes and subsequent crashes often associated with sugary snacks. This makes them an exceptionally wise choice, particularly if you’re managing blood sugar, following a diabetic-friendly eating plan, or participating in a program like Weight Watchers where smart, satisfying choices are key.

A Speedy Solution for Overripe Bananas

What do you do when your bananas start to turn brown? For many, the go-to solution is a classic banana bread, which, while delicious, often involves a longer baking time and a more elaborate preparation process. But what if there was an even quicker, simpler, and equally delightful way to transform those perfectly ripe, sweet bananas into a treat? These Banana Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies offer precisely that alternative. Utilizing the intense, natural sweetness that develops in brown bananas, this recipe allows you to create a batch of wholesome cookies in a fraction of the time it would take to bake a loaf of bread. This means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a fresh, warm, homemade snack. It’s the ultimate hack for repurposing overripe fruit, providing a naturally sweet cookie without the need for additional sweeteners, making it a truly smart and efficient choice for busy individuals and families.

Wholesome, All-Natural Ingredients

In an era where processed foods and artificial additives are commonplace, finding a truly “clean” and natural dessert can be a challenge. These Banana Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies embrace simplicity and natural goodness, making them as close to a whole-food cookie as you can get. The ingredient list is refreshingly straightforward, featuring items you likely already have in your pantry: ripe bananas, wholesome oats, creamy peanut butter, unsweetened applesauce, a hint of vanilla, and a dash of cinnamon. There are no artificial flavorings, preservatives, or unpronounceable chemicals here. This commitment to pure, natural ingredients not only enhances the flavor but also ensures you’re fueling your body with beneficial nutrients rather than empty calories. You won’t need to embark on a scavenger hunt for obscure or exotic components; just grab these everyday essentials, and you’re well on your way to baking. While the optional Reese’s Pieces add a delightful, playful element, they are easily omitted or substituted if you prefer to keep the recipe entirely free of processed elements. It’s about enjoying a treat that tastes fantastic and makes you feel good from the inside out.

Essential Ingredients for Your Healthy Banana Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies:

• 2 ripe mashed bananas
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 t vanilla extract
• 1/2 t cinnamon
• 1 ⅔ cup quick or rolled oats
• 2 T mini Reese pieces or peanut butter chips

How to Make Banana Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies: An Easy Step-by-Step Guide

1. Before you begin mixing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the ideal baking temperature when your cookies are ready to go in. This step is crucial for even baking.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas thoroughly using a fork or a hand mixer until smooth. The riper the bananas, the easier they are to mash and the sweeter your cookies will be. Stir in the peanut butter until it is completely combined with the mashed bananas, creating a creamy base.
3. Next, incorporate the unsweetened applesauce, vanilla extract, and cinnamon into the banana-peanut butter mixture. Mix until everything is well blended. Finally, gently fold in the quick or rolled oats. Avoid overmixing once the oats are added; just stir until they are evenly distributed.
4. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie for even baking. These cookies won’t spread much, so you can place them relatively close.
5. Optionally, press a few mini Reese’s Pieces or peanut butter chips into the top of each cookie for an added treat. Place the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for approximately 18-20 minutes. Since oven temperatures can vary significantly, it’s wise to start checking for doneness around the 15-minute mark. The cookies should be lightly golden brown around the edges and set in the center.
6. Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 5 minutes. This cooling period is important as it allows them to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack or a storage container. Enjoy your freshly baked, wholesome cookies!

This recipe yields approximately 28 delightful cookies. The nutrition information provided below is for a single cookie, calculated to help you keep track of your dietary goals.

WW Points & Nutrition Overview

• Mashed bananas: 0 points
• Peanut butter: 13 points
• Unsweetened applesauce: 0 points
• Vanilla extract: 0 points
• Cinnamon: 0 points
• Rolled oats: 11 points
• Mini Reese pieces or peanut butter chips: 10 points

Based on the Weight Watchers app recipe creator, each cookie is just 1 point, making it an incredibly smart choice for those following the program.

1pp each cookie

Delicious Variations to Customize Your Banana Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies

• If you’re aiming to further reduce the sugar content without sacrificing flavor, consider using Lily’s no-sugar-added chocolate chips. They offer a fantastic chocolatey bite with natural sweeteners. Lily’s even offers a peanut butter flavored chocolate chip, which would perfectly complement the existing flavors of these cookies, making them even more decadent while staying health-conscious.
• The original recipe calls for quick oats, which provide a finer, softer texture in the finished cookie – a personal favorite! However, if you prefer a chewier, more substantial cookie, traditional rolled or old-fashioned oats will work beautifully. Just be sure to avoid steel-cut oats, as their dense texture requires a much longer cooking time and won’t soften sufficiently in this recipe.
• For an added nutritional boost, a scoop of your favorite protein powder can be a wonderful addition. Snickerdoodle or vanilla protein powder would be absolutely divine, enhancing the flavor profile while also increasing the protein content, making these cookies even more satisfying and great for post-workout snacks or a filling breakfast.
• The inherent sweetness of these cookies largely depends on the ripeness of your bananas. For the sweetest results, use bananas that are very brown and spotty. If your bananas are not quite at peak ripeness, or if you simply desire a sweeter cookie without adding more sugar, a few teaspoons of a natural sweetener like Stevia can be incorporated. This clever trick won’t impact the Weight Watchers point value, allowing you to tailor the sweetness to your preference.

Pro Tips and Tricks for Perfect Banana Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies

• To maintain their freshness and delightful texture, store your Banana Oatmeal Peanut Butter Cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to a week, making them perfect for meal prepping healthy snacks or breakfasts throughout your busy week.
• If bananas aren’t available or if you have an allergy, pumpkin puree makes an excellent substitute. However, keep in mind that pumpkin puree is less sweet than ripe bananas, so you will definitely need to add a natural sweetener such as Stevia or a touch of maple syrup to achieve the desired level of sweetness.
• For a cozy, autumnal twist, try substituting pumpkin pie spice for the cinnamon. This warm spice blend pairs wonderfully with the banana and peanut butter flavors, and for an extra touch of seasonal delight, consider adding white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips to the mix.
• It’s common for these cookies to be quite soft when they first come out of the oven. Patience is key! Ensure you let them cool completely on the baking sheet before attempting to move them. As they cool, they will firm up to the perfect cookie consistency, making them easier to handle and preventing them from breaking apart.
• If you find yourself without unsweetened applesauce, don’t fret! You can easily substitute it with an additional mashed ripe banana, which will contribute even more natural sweetness and moisture. Alternatively, pumpkin puree can also work as a substitute, maintaining the moist texture.

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