3-Ingredient Chocolate Banana Cookies (Vegan)
These 3-Ingredient Chocolate Banana Cookies (Vegan) are not just any cookies; they are a delightful, guilt-free treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth without the fuss. Made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen, these cookies are quick to whip up and are bursting with rich chocolate flavor. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a sweet dessert, these cookies are a perfect fit for any occasion. Plus, they are naturally vegan and gluten-free, making them suitable for a variety of dietary preferences. Let’s dive into the details of this easy and delicious recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to adore these 3-Ingredient Chocolate Banana Cookies (Vegan). Firstly, they come together in a flash—within minutes, you can have dough ready to bake. Secondly, they’re made with wholesome ingredients, allowing you to indulge in a tasty treat without the guilt. The bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, while the peanut butter contributes a creamy texture and protein. Plus, who can resist the allure of chocolate? Each bite of these cookies is a perfect blend of sweet and savory, making them an instant favorite in any household.
Ingredient Rundown
To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- 3 large ripe bananas (mashed, about 1.5 cups): The base of the cookies, providing natural sweetness and moisture.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Adds richness and a nutty flavor that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- ½ cup cocoa powder: The star ingredient that gives these cookies their deep chocolatey goodness.
- Pinch sea salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Optional, but it adds a lovely warmth and depth to the flavor.
With these five ingredients, you are just moments away from enjoying a batch of delectable cookies!
Hardware & Gadgets
Before we start baking, here are a few tools you’ll need:
- Mixing bowl: For mashing bananas and mixing the ingredients together.
- Fork or potato masher: To mash the bananas until smooth.
- Measuring cups: For accurate measurements of peanut butter and cocoa powder.
- Baking sheet: To bake the cookies on; line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Spoon or cookie scoop: For portioning out the dough onto the baking sheet.
With your ingredients and tools ready, let’s get into the fun part—making the cookies!
3-Ingredient Chocolate Banana Cookies (Vegan) in Steps
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly chewy.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth. Make sure there are no large chunks left.
Step 3: Mix in Peanut Butter
Add the ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the mashed bananas. Stir well until the mixture is combined and creamy.
Step 4: Add Cocoa Powder and Other Ingredients
Next, sift in ½ cup of cocoa powder, a pinch of sea salt, and the ground cinnamon if you’re using it. Mix everything together until you have a thick, dough-like consistency.
Step 5: Scoop the Dough
Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking.
Step 6: Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. The cookies should look set and slightly puffed.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions
If you’re looking to customize your 3-Ingredient Chocolate Banana Cookies (Vegan), consider these swaps:
- Nut butters: Swap peanut butter for almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor or to meet nut-free dietary needs.
- Cocoa powder: Use dark cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor or even carob powder for a caffeine-free alternative.
- Bananas: If you don’t have ripe bananas, you can use unsweetened applesauce in a 1:1 ratio, although the flavor will be different.
- Sweeteners: If you prefer a sweeter cookie, consider adding a drizzle of maple syrup or agave nectar to the banana mixture.
Avoid These Traps
Creating the perfect 3-Ingredient Chocolate Banana Cookies (Vegan) is easy, but there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Using unripe bananas: Make sure your bananas are very ripe. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
- Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the baking time. Overbaked cookies can become dry and crumbly, while perfectly baked cookies are soft and chewy.
- Not mixing properly: Ensure that all ingredients are well combined. Uneven mixing can lead to inconsistent texture and flavor.
- Skipping the salt: A pinch of sea salt is crucial for enhancing the chocolate flavor, so don’t skip it!
Make Ahead Like a Pro
Want to prepare these cookies ahead of time? Here’s how to do it:
You can prepare the dough and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Alternatively, you can scoop the cookie dough onto the baking sheet and freeze the unbaked cookies. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Quick Questions
Can I use other flours in this recipe?
This recipe is designed to be flourless, so it’s best to stick with the original ingredients for the best results. However, if you want to experiment, you can try adding a small amount of oat flour or almond flour, but it may change the texture.
How long do these cookies last?
These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for about a week. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter for added texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to serve these cookies?
Enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast! Pair with a glass of plant-based milk for a delightful treat.
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Save & Share
If you loved this 3-Ingredient Chocolate Banana Cookies (Vegan) recipe, don’t forget to share it with your friends and family! It’s perfect for gatherings, snack time, or even a healthy dessert option. You can easily spread the joy of these delightful cookies by sharing the recipe on social media or saving it to your favorite recipe collection.
These cookies are not just easy to make; they are also a wonderful way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a deliciously simple treat that everyone will love!
3-Ingredient Chocolate Banana Cookies (Vegan)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly chewy.
- In a large mixing bowl, mash the 3 ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth. Make sure there are no large chunks left.
- Add the ½ cup of creamy peanut butter to the mashed bananas. Stir well until the mixture is combined and creamy.
- Next, sift in ½ cup of cocoa powder, a pinch of sea salt, and the ground cinnamon if you’re using it. Mix everything together until you have a thick, dough-like consistency.
- Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread slightly while baking.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. The cookies should look set and slightly puffed.
- Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Feel free to add dairy-free chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
