Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

Ingredients and Weight:

• Peanut Butter - 1 cup
• Butter - ½ cup
• Banana - 2 medium, mashed
• Sugar - 1 cup
• Eggs - 2
• All-purpose flour - 1½ cups
• Baking soda - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - ½ teaspoon
• Chocolate chips or chopped peanuts (optional) - ½ cup

Preparation Time:

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 15-20 minutes
• Total: 35-40 minutes

Difficulty Level:

[Level 3] - Moderate. Requires basic baking skills and attention to detail.

Preparation Method Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine the peanut butter and butter. Microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften if necessary.
3. Add mashed banana and sugar, and mix well.
4. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing after each addition.
5. Sift in flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined.
6. Stir in chocolate chips or chopped peanuts (if using).
7. Drop cookies onto a baking sheet using a cookie scoop or spoon, leaving space for spreading.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
9. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutritional Information: (per cookie, assuming ½ cup cookie dough per cookie)

• Calories: 250-300
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 5g

Dish Characteristics:

• These cookies have a rich peanut butter flavor combined with the natural sweetness of banana.
• The addition of chocolate chips or chopped peanuts adds a crunchy and chocolatey contrast to the cookie.
• Perfect for any time of day, especially as a snack or dessert.

User Comments:

1. "These cookies are amazing! The combination of peanut butter and banana is so unique and delicious."
2. "I added chocolate chips to mine and they were a hit! Great recipe."
3. "Easy to make and such a crowd-pleaser. Will definitely make these again."

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth dough.
• Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and texture.
• If adding chocolate chips or peanuts, make sure they are roughly chopped for easier mixing into the dough.