Healthy Banana Monster Cookies Recipe

Introduction

These Healthy Banana Monster Cookies are a deliciously wholesome treat packed with oats, peanut butter, and a touch of chocolate. They combine natural sweetness from banana and maple syrup for a guilt-free snack that both kids and adults will love.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (100g) instant oats (gluten-free if necessary and measured like this)
• ¾ cup (90g) whole wheat or gluten-free* flour (measured like this)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp salt
• ¼ cup (63g) mashed banana
• 2 tbsp (32g) homemade easy blender peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120mL) pure maple syrup
• 2 tbsp (28g) miniature chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp (28g) miniature M&Ms

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, stir together the mashed banana, peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Then stir in the maple syrup.
3. Step 3: Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until incorporated.
4. Step 4: Fold in 1 ½ tablespoons of miniature chocolate chips and 1 ½ tablespoons of miniature M&Ms. Let the cookie dough rest for 10 minutes.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 325°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
6. Step 6: Using a spoon and spatula, drop the dough into 15 rounded scoops onto the prepared sheet. Flatten each scoop to the desired thickness and width with a spatula.
7. Step 7: Gently press the remaining miniature chocolate chips and M&Ms into the tops of the cookies.
8. Step 8: Bake at 325°F for 10-12 minutes. Cool on the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• Use gluten-free oats and flour if you need a gluten-free cookie option.
• Substitute almond or sunflower seed butter for peanut butter for a different nutty flavor.
• Try adding chopped nuts or seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
• For softer cookies, slightly reduce the baking time, checking at 9 minutes.

Storage

Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature. To refresh, warm gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular peanut butter instead of homemade?

Yes, you can use store-bought peanut butter as a convenient substitute. Just choose a natural variety without added sugars or oils for the healthiest option.

What if I don’t have maple syrup?

You can substitute maple syrup with honey or agave nectar in equal amounts. Keep in mind this may slightly change the flavor and texture of the cookies.

Healthy Banana Monster Cookies Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 65 reviews

These Healthy Banana Monster Cookies are a wholesome twist on a classic favorite, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the heartiness of whole wheat flour and oats. Packed with a blend of miniature chocolate chips and M&Ms, these cookies offer a delightful balance between nutrition and indulgence. Perfect for a guilt-free treat or a nutritious snack, they are easy to prepare and bake to chewy, soft deliciousness.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 15 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup (100g) instant oats (gluten-free if necessary)
• ¾ cup (90g) whole wheat or gluten-free flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ⅛ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

• ¼ cup (63g) mashed banana
• 2 tbsp (32g) homemade easy blender peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120mL) pure maple syrup

Add-ins

• 2 tbsp (28g) miniature chocolate chips
• 2 tbsp (28g) miniature M&Ms

Instructions

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant oats, whole wheat or gluten-free flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, stir together the mashed banana, homemade blender peanut butter, and vanilla extract. Then stir in the pure maple syrup until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
3. Form Dough: Add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients bowl and stir just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
4. Add Chocolate Chips and M&Ms: Fold in 1½ tablespoons each of the miniature chocolate chips and miniature M&Ms gently into the dough. Let the dough rest for 10 minutes to allow the oats to absorb moisture.
5. Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheet: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
6. Shape Cookies: Using a spoon and spatula, drop the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet in 15 rounded scoops. Flatten each scoop to your desired thickness and width with a spatula. Press the remaining miniature chocolate chips and M&Ms onto the tops for decoration.
7. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set and lightly golden but the centers remain soft.
8. Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and stay moist inside.

Notes

• For a gluten-free version, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats and flour.
• Homemade easy blender peanut butter is made by blending roasted peanuts with a touch of oil; it works best for this recipe.
• Resting the dough helps the oats soften and improves texture.
• You can substitute miniature chocolate chips and M&Ms with other mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit if preferred.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: banana cookies, healthy cookies, gluten-free cookies, whole wheat cookies, banana peanut butter cookies, monster cookies, easy baking recipe