Irresistible Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cookies: Your Go-To Healthy & Egg-Free Recipe
There’s something truly magical about the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, isn’t there? That classic duo, when infused into a perfectly baked cookie, creates an experience that’s hard to resist. But what if you could have that indulgent flavor profile in a cookie that’s also surprisingly wholesome and mindful of your health goals? Look no further! Our Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Banana Cookies are here to redefine your dessert cravings.
Imagine a cookie that’s wonderfully soft, delightfully chewy, and bursting with the rich flavors of chocolate and creamy peanut butter, all balanced by the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas. This isn’t just a dream; it’s the reality of this incredible recipe! These cookies offer a decadent taste experience without the guilt, making them a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a healthier treat, including those following a Weight Watchers plan. At just 2 Smart Points per cookie and a mere 47 calories, they prove that delicious doesn’t have to mean unhealthy. Plus, they’re completely egg-free, making them suitable for those with egg sensitivities or dietary preferences.
We all crave that comforting, homemade cookie, and often, it’s the simple ingredients that make the biggest difference. In this recipe, the star ingredient, mashed bananas, plays a crucial role not only in flavor but also in creating that sought-after soft and chewy texture. This natural binder and sweetener allows us to keep things light while delivering maximum satisfaction. The blend of mini chocolate chips and peanut butter chips ensures every bite is an explosion of complementary flavors, making these cookies a true delight for any sweet tooth.
Whether you’re preparing a snack for yourself, a treat for the family, or something special for a gathering, these banana cookies are a universally loved choice. They’re straightforward to make, require no fancy equipment, and come together with everyday pantry staples. Get ready to bake a batch of these extraordinary cookies that promise both flavor and a lighter footprint!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Chip Banana Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup unsweetened apple sauce
- 2 medium mashed bananas
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 Tbsp corn starch
- 1/3 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup peanut butter chips
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly cream together your unsweetened apple sauce, lightly packed brown sugar, and the mashed bananas. Mash the bananas well beforehand to ensure a smooth, even consistency in your cookie dough. The applesauce not only adds moisture but also helps reduce the fat content, making these cookies a healthier choice. Add in the vanilla extract and mix until all wet ingredients are fully combined.
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Gradually stir in your all-purpose flour, baking powder, and corn starch. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tougher cookies. A few lumps are perfectly fine and often result in a tender crumb.
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Gently fold in your mini chocolate chips and peanut butter chips. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough so every cookie gets a generous amount of deliciousness. Once mixed, cover the bowl and chill the dough in the fridge for approximately 30 minutes. This chilling step is crucial; it helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in a chewier texture and a more defined shape.
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While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. For extra non-stick insurance, lightly spray the parchment paper with a little non-stick cooking spray.
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Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet. The dough will be quite sticky, so don’t be alarmed. Each cookie should be approximately 1 tablespoon of dough. For best results and uniform cookies, use a small cookie scoop if you have one. Then, wet your fingers with a little water and gently flatten each cookie slightly. This helps them bake evenly and achieve that perfect disc shape. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. You want them to be just set, as they will continue to firm up as they cool, ensuring that soft and chewy texture.
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Carefully transfer the baked cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This recipe yields approximately 40 delicious cookies, each at 2 Smart Points (or 1 Point Plus for older Weight Watchers programs). They are perfect for portion control and guilt-free enjoyment!
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Nutritional information per cookie (not including bananas for WW calculation, as fruits are typically zero points): Approximately 47 Calories, 1g Fat, 0.6g Saturated Fat, 8.3g Carbohydrates, 0.2g Fiber, 3.5g Sugars, 0.8g Protein. Please note that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Additional Info
Why You’ll Love These Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
Beyond their incredible flavor, these cookies boast several qualities that make them a standout in your recipe collection. They are a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas, transforming them into a delightful treat rather than letting them go to waste. The bananas not only contribute natural sweetness, allowing us to use less added sugar, but also act as a natural binder, replacing eggs. This makes them a perfect option for those with egg sensitivities or looking for egg-free baking solutions.
Moreover, these cookies are a smart choice for anyone focusing on mindful eating. With just 2 Smart Points per cookie on the Weight Watchers program and a modest 47 calories, you can enjoy a satisfying sweet treat without derailing your diet. They offer a guilt-free indulgence, proving that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or fun. The combination of simple ingredients and straightforward instructions also makes this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Batch
While this recipe is incredibly forgiving, a few tips can elevate your cookies from good to absolutely perfect:
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots on their peels – this indicates maximum sweetness and makes them easier to mash.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tougher, less tender cookies.
- Chilling is Key: Don’t skip the 30-minute chilling period. This step helps the flour fully hydrate and solidifies the fats, preventing the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It leads to a thicker, chewier cookie with a more concentrated flavor.
- Consistent Sizing: For even baking, try to make each cookie roughly the same size. A small cookie scoop (about 1 tablespoon capacity) is ideal for this.
- Wet Fingers for Shaping: The dough is sticky! Keep a small bowl of water nearby to moisten your fingertips. This will make pressing down the dough much easier and prevent it from sticking to your hands.
Flavorful Variations to Try
While delicious as is, these chocolate peanut butter banana cookies are also versatile. Feel free to experiment with these ideas:
- Nutty Boost: Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chips for added crunch and flavor.
- Different Chips: Swap out some of the mini chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks, white chocolate chips, or even butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or a tiny dash of nutmeg can add a wonderful warmth to these cookies, complementing the banana flavor beautifully.
- Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure your chosen blend contains xanthan gum.
Storage Instructions for Freshness
To keep your delicious Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cookies fresh and soft:
- At Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- In the Refrigerator: If you prefer to extend their freshness, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The texture might become slightly firmer when chilled, but they’re still delicious!
- Freezing Dough: You can scoop the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze the individual dough balls until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, place frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and add an extra 2-4 minutes to the baking time.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Once completely cooled, place cookies in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for a few hours, or microwave briefly for a warm, soft treat.
There’s truly nothing quite like a homemade cookie, especially one that brings together such beloved flavors in a wholesome way. These Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a testament to how delicious and satisfying healthy baking can be. From their comforting aroma filling your kitchen to their soft, chewy texture and irresistible taste, every aspect of these cookies is designed to bring joy.
Perfect for a quick snack, a delightful dessert, or a lunchbox surprise, these cookies are versatile and sure to become a family favorite. The simplicity of the ingredients, combined with the detailed instructions, ensures a successful bake every time. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a batch of these extraordinary cookies that will satisfy your cravings and keep you on track with your wellness goals.
We’re confident that once you try these, they’ll become a regular feature in your baking repertoire. Their blend of health-conscious ingredients and robust flavors is truly unmatched. Remember to use ripe bananas for the best results – the browner, the better – as they contribute significantly to the sweetness and texture without needing extra sugar. Enjoy the process of baking and the delicious reward that awaits you!
Frequently Asked Questions About These Cookies
- Can I use under-ripe bananas?
- While you technically *can*, for the best flavor and sweetness, we highly recommend using very ripe bananas (those with brown spots). Riper bananas are softer, mash more easily, and contribute more natural sugar and moisture to the cookies.
- Is there a substitute for unsweetened applesauce?
- Unsweetened applesauce acts as a fat replacer and moisture provider. You could try using an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt or a similar fruit puree (like pumpkin puree), but the taste and texture might be slightly altered. For best results with this specific recipe, stick to applesauce.
- Can I make these cookies vegan?
- This recipe is already egg-free. To make it fully vegan, you would need to ensure your chocolate chips and peanut butter chips are vegan-certified, as some brands contain dairy. Check the ingredient labels carefully.
- How many cookies does this recipe yield?
- This recipe is designed to make approximately 40 small cookies (about 1 tablespoon of dough per cookie). This yield is part of what keeps the calorie and Smart Point count low per serving, allowing for satisfying portion control.
- Can I freeze the baked cookies?
- Yes, absolutely! Once the cookies have completely cooled, place them in an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, or microwave briefly for a warm, soft treat.
We hope you enjoy baking and savoring these delightful Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Cookies as much as we do. They are a true testament to the fact that healthy living can be wonderfully delicious. Happy baking!