Kraft Peanut Butter and Banana Oatmeal Cookies -

When you think about baking cookies, the combination of Kraft peanut butter and ripe bananas might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it's worth considering. These oatmeal cookies offer a unique twist that balances flavor and texture while being straightforward to prepare. You'll appreciate the convenience of a one-bowl recipe, but there's more to uncover about how this treat not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also carries some nutritional benefits. What surprises await when you explore the nuances of this simple yet delightful recipe?

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

This recipe combines Kraft peanut butter, ripe bananas, and rolled oats for a nutritious and delicious cookie option.
The cookies are easy to prepare in one bowl, minimizing cleanup for busy bakers.
Baking at 350°F for 10-12 minutes yields soft, chewy cookies with a golden-brown exterior.
Optional add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts can enhance flavor and texture.
These cookies are a healthy snack, providing protein, potassium, and fiber from the key ingredients.

History

The history of combining peanut butter, bananas, and oats in cookies reflects a delightful evolution of flavors and textures. Envision the first person who thought, "Hey, why not throw these together in a cookie?" You can almost hear the culinary motivation cracking like an egg!

Peanut butter's creamy richness, bananas' natural sweetness, and oats' hearty chewiness come together like a classic trio, each one bringing something special to the table.

Peanut butter became a staple in many households in the early 20th century, praised for its protein-packed goodness. Bananas, on the other hand, gained popularity thanks to their affordability and unique taste. Oats, often seen as a humble breakfast option, made their way into cookies, adding a delightful texture and a health boost.

As these ingredients mingled over time, they transformed into a beloved cookie recipe you can whip up with minimal fuss. It's like a tasty time capsule, connecting generations through the simple joy of baking.

Recipe

Indulging in a sweet treat can be both delicious and nutritious, and these Kraft Peanut Butter and Banana Oatmeal Cookies are the perfect example. Combining the creaminess of peanut butter with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the hearty texture of oats, these cookies offer a delightful snack for any time of day.

Easy to make and requiring only one bowl, cleanup is a breeze, making them a great choice for busy bakers.

To begin, you'll want to gather your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the ability to customize it to your liking. Whether you prefer to add in some chocolate chips or nuts for extra crunch, or leave them as is for a wholesome treat, these cookies will surely satisfy your cravings while providing a nutritious boost.

Ingredients:

1 cup Kraft peanut butter
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional: chocolate chips or nuts for added texture

To prepare these cookies, you'll need a large mixing bowl, a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and a spoon for mixing.

When making this recipe, keep in mind that the ripeness of your bananas plays a significant role in the flavor and sweetness of the cookies. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.

If you find the dough too sticky to work with, simply refrigerate it for about 30 minutes before baking to make it easier to handle.

These cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also provide numerous health benefits. Peanut butter is a great source of protein and healthy fats, while bananas are rich in potassium and essential vitamins.

Oats add fiber to the mix, which can aid in digestion and promote heart health. Overall, these cookies are a wholesome snack that can be enjoyed guilt-free!

Step 1. Combine Peanut Butter and Bananas

Combining Kraft peanut butter and ripe bananas creates a deliciously creamy mixture that's perfect for your oatmeal cookies. Seriously, it's like a match made in heaven! You'll love how the smooth, nutty flavor of the peanut butter pairs with the natural sweetness of the bananas.

When you mash those ripe bananas—make sure they're nice and spotty—you'll release all that banana goodness. It adds moisture and sweetness, making your cookies soft and chewy.

Grab your large mixing bowl and a fork; it's time to get mashing! Once your bananas are nice and mushy, scoop in that creamy Kraft peanut butter. Don't be shy; a whole cup will do wonders!

Mix them together until you can't tell where one ends and the other begins. The combination should be smooth and inviting, almost like a comforting hug.

This mixture is the heart of your cookies, and it's what makes them so irresistible. Plus, it's a great way to use those overripe bananas sitting on your counter, which means less waste and more yum!

Step 2. Add Oats and Sugar Mixture

After mixing the peanut butter and bananas, it's time to enhance the dough by adding oats and the brown sugar mixture. Grab that bowl, and sprinkle in one cup of rolled oats. These little gems add a chewy texture that balances perfectly with the creamy peanut butter and sweet bananas.

Now, let's sweeten the deal! Pour in half a cup of brown sugar, which not only adds sweetness but also gives your cookies that lovely caramel flavor we all crave.

Next, toss in a teaspoon of vanilla extract, because who doesn't love a hint of vanilla? Then, add half a teaspoon of baking soda and salt. The baking soda helps your cookies rise, while the salt enhances all those lovely flavors.

Mix everything together until it's well combined; you want a nice, even dough that's begging to be baked.

If you're feeling adventurous, this is the perfect time to fold in some chocolate chips or nuts for that extra crunch. Just envision biting into a warm cookie, with chocolate melting in your mouth—yum! You're almost there, so keep mixing until it looks just right!

Step 3. Drop Spoonfuls Onto Baking Sheet

Now that your cookie dough is perfectly mixed, it's time to drop spoonfuls onto the baking sheet. Grab a spoon, and let's get to it! You want to scoop out about a tablespoon of dough for each cookie. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even use a cookie scoop for that perfect round shape. Just think about how delicious these little bites will be!

Place the dough mounds on your lined baking sheet, leaving about two inches between each one. Trust me, they'll spread a bit while baking, and we don't want them to conjoin into one giant cookie—unless that's your goal, of course!

If you're adding chocolate chips or nuts, now's the time to sprinkle a few on top of each mound. It'll give them that extra flair and flavor.

As you drop the dough, take a moment to inhale that wonderful peanut butter and banana aroma wafting through the kitchen. It's a little slice of heaven, isn't it?

Keep going until your baking sheet is full, and then we'll be ready to pop them in the oven, where the magic really happens!

Step 4. Bake Until Golden Brown

With your baking sheet full of dough mounds, it's time to pop them into the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) if you haven't yet—this step is essential!

As you carefully slide the tray onto the center rack, take a moment to envision the delicious aroma that will soon fill your kitchen. You'll bake those tasty mounds for about 10 to 12 minutes, but keep an eye on them. You want them to turn a beautiful golden brown; it's like a warm hug for your taste buds!

While they're baking, resist the temptation to hover. Instead, maybe do a little dance or grab a snack. It's all about balance, right?

When the cookies start to look golden, it's time to check them. A light tap should reveal a soft, yet set center. If they're not quite there, give them a minute or two more—patience is key!

Once they're done, they'll look so inviting, you might just want to devour them straight off the tray. Just remember, those cookies need to cool a bit before you plunge in. Happy baking!

Step 5. Cool on Wire Rack

How do you know when it's time to cool those delicious cookies? Well, once they're golden brown and your kitchen smells like a cozy bakery, you're almost there! Pull the baking sheet from the oven and let those warm cookies sit for a few minutes. This little rest helps them firm up, so they won't fall apart when you transfer them.

Now, grab a wire rack—if you don't have one, a clean plate works just fine. Carefully lift each cookie and place them on the rack. This step's super important! It allows air to circulate around the cookies, preventing them from getting soggy.

Plus, it makes them cool down faster, and who doesn't want to munch on a still-warm cookie?

While they're cooling, you can sneak a taste—just don't burn your tongue! Picture the creamy peanut butter and sweet banana mingling with the chewy oats. It's a flavor explosion!

Once they're cool, you can stack them up, share them with friends, or hide them away for a late-night treat. Enjoy every bite, because you've earned it!

Pro Tips for Making This Recipe

For the best results when making these Kraft peanut butter and banana oatmeal cookies, choose bananas that are very ripe, as their natural sweetness will enhance the flavor of your cookies. Trust me, the riper, the better!

You'll want to mash them up until they're smooth; this creates a lovely batter that's easy to mix.

When measuring your peanut butter, try to use a measuring cup that's been lightly greased. This will help the peanut butter slide right out, making your life easier!

Also, if you're feeling adventurous, throw in some chocolate chips or nuts for that extra crunch—because who doesn't love a surprise in their cookie?

If your dough feels a bit sticky, don't panic! Just pop it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes scooping so much easier.

And remember, every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on those cookies while they bake. You want them golden brown, not "oops, I forgot about them!"

Health Benefits

Enjoying Kraft peanut butter and banana oatmeal cookies not only satisfies your sweet cravings but also offers a range of health benefits.

First off, let's talk about the star ingredients. Peanut butter is packed with protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. It can keep you feeling full longer, so you won't be raiding the snack cupboard an hour later!

Bananas, those lovely yellow fruits, bring in potassium and fiber, which are great for your heart and digestion. Plus, pairing these cookies with a warm beverage like a Warm Mulled Spices Apple Juice Infusion can enhance your cozy experience and provide additional health benefits.

And let's not forget the oats! They're a whole grain that's rich in antioxidants and helps lower cholesterol levels. You're not just indulging; you're fueling your body with goodness.

Plus, these cookies can be a fantastic post-workout treat, giving you the energy you need to recover.

Now, if you're adding in some chocolate chips or nuts, you're just amplifying the nutrient profile—more fiber, more healthy fats, and a little chocolate happiness never hurt anyone!