Grandma’s 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Cookies: 5 Amazingly Easy Cookies You’ll Bake Again and Again

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By Gianna Poulef

3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

Grandma’s 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are one of those magical little recipes that prove baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be delicious. Thank you so much for being here in my kitchen today. Recipes like this always remind me of the simple treats my grandmother used to whip up when we had ripe bananas on the counter and hungry kids waiting around the table.

These cookies are soft, naturally sweet, hearty from oats, and full of creamy peanut butter flavor. With only three wholesome ingredients, they come together in minutes—no flour, no refined sugar, and no fuss.

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Overview of Recipe Content

Grandma’s 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are a simple, naturally sweet cookie made with mashed bananas, oats, and peanut butter. They’re perfect for:

  • Healthy snacks
  • Quick breakfasts
  • After-school treats
  • Pre-workout bites

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are a favorite in busy kitchens because they are:

  • Made with only 3 ingredients
  • Ready in under 20 minutes
  • Naturally sweetened with bananas
  • Gluten-free (if using certified oats)
  • Kid-friendly and meal-prep friendly

They’re the kind of recipe that feels almost too easy—but one bite will convince you otherwise.

What They Taste Like

These cookies are:

  • Soft and chewy
  • Lightly sweet
  • Nutty from peanut butter
  • Hearty from oats

Think of them as a cross between a cookie and a baked oatmeal bite.

Ingredients

This Now, Make It Later!
  • 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 ½ cups rolled oats
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter

While the classic version is perfect, you can add:

  • Chocolate chips
  • Chopped walnuts
  • Raisins
  • Coconut flakes
  • Cinnamon

Tools You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Fork or potato masher
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Spoon or cookie scoop

Suggested Substitutions

Peanut butter can be swapped with:

  • Almond butter
  • Cashew butter
  • Sunflower seed butter

For extra sweetness, add:

  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup

You might also enjoy these easy recipes:

https://poulef.com/flourless-banana-oatmeal-muffins/
https://poulef.com/healthy-oatmeal-apple-breakfast-cake/
https://poulef.com/healthy-carrot-oatmeal-bars/
https://poulef.com/almond-flour-orange-cake/
https://poulef.com/flourless-apple-cinnamon-cake/

Find more baking inspiration on Pinterest:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

How to Make Grandma’s 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

Step 1 – Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2 – Mash the Bananas

In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. The riper they are, the sweeter your cookies will be.

Step 3 – Add Peanut Butter

Stir the peanut butter into the mashed bananas until the mixture is creamy and fully combined.

Step 4 – Mix in Oats

Add the rolled oats and mix until a thick cookie dough forms.

Step 5 – Shape the Cookies

Scoop tablespoon-sized portions onto the baking sheet and gently flatten with the back of a spoon.

Step 6 – Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cookies are lightly golden and set.

Step 7 – Cool

Let cookies cool for 5 minutes before serving.

The aroma of warm bananas and peanut butter will make the whole kitchen smell like comfort.

What to Serve with Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

These cookies pair beautifully with:

  • Cold milk
  • Coffee or latte
  • Hot chocolate
  • Yogurt parfait
  • Fresh fruit

They also make a wonderful addition to breakfast plates.

Tips for Making Them Perfect

Use very ripe bananas

Brown-spotted bananas add natural sweetness.

Do not overbake

These cookies should stay soft.

Add texture

A handful of chopped nuts adds wonderful crunch.

Use parchment paper

This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Storage Instructions

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for 2 days.

Refrigerator

Keep for up to 5 days.

Freezer

Freeze cookies for up to 2 months.

Reheat briefly in the microwave for warm, soft cookies.

General Information

Three-ingredient cookies became popular in healthy baking circles because they eliminate refined sugar and flour while still delivering satisfying flavor.

Bananas act as a natural sweetener and binder, making them perfect for simple cookie recipes like this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes. Just use certified gluten-free oats.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Add ¼ cup chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

Can I make them vegan?

They already are vegan as long as the peanut butter contains no dairy additives.

Can I blend the oats?

Yes. Blended oats create a smoother cookie texture.

Can I make them crispier?

Bake them 2–3 minutes longer for slightly crisp edges.

Conclusion

Grandma’s 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Cookies are proof that simple recipes often become the most beloved. They’re wholesome, quick, and perfect for busy days when you want something sweet but nourishing.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love banana oatmeal muffins or healthy apple oat cakes.

Happy baking!

Interactive Elements

If you try this recipe:

Leave a comment and rating below.
Share your photo on Pinterest and tag us!

More ideas here:
https://www.pinterest.com/poulefrecipe/

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per cookie.

NutrientAmount
Calories95
Protein3g
Carbohydrates13g
Sugar5g
Fat4g
Fiber2g
Sodium40mg
Print
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Grandma’s 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Cookies: 5 Amazingly Easy Cookies You’ll Bake Again and Again


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  • Author: Gianna Poulef
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cookies 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft and naturally sweet cookies made with bananas, oats, and peanut butter. A quick healthy snack with only three ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale

2 large ripe bananas mashed

1 1/2 cups rolled oats

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper

2. Mash bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth

3. Stir peanut butter into mashed bananas until creamy

4. Add rolled oats and mix until a thick dough forms

5. Scoop tablespoon sized portions onto baking sheet

6. Flatten slightly with a spoon

7. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until cookies are set

8. Allow cookies to cool for 5 minutes before serving

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness

Add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor

Store cookies in the refrigerator for up to 5 days

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 95
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 40mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Grandma’s 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Cookies: 5 Amazingly Easy Cookies You’ll Bake Again and Again
Gianna Poulef
CEO, Chef & Recipe Creator at BLYNO LLC | Website

I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.

Let’s be friends!

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