Description: These Banana Bread Cookies capture the essence of classic banana bread in a delightful, bite-sized form. Soft, chewy, and bursting with banana flavor, these cookies are incredibly easy to make and perfect for using up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter. With a hint of cinnamon and a touch of sweetness, they offer a comforting treat that’s ideal for breakfast, snacks, or even a simple dessert. These cookies are a great alternative to traditional banana bread, offering a quicker and more portable option without compromising on taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), or dried fruit (optional, for added flavor and texture)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the cookies from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup much easier. If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Mash the Banana
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana until it’s smooth. You can use a fork, a potato masher, or even a whisk. Ensure there are no large lumps of banana remaining, as this will help create a consistent texture in the cookies.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the granulated sugar and melted butter to the mashed banana. Mix these wet ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. Ensure the butter is not too hot when adding it, as it could cook the banana slightly.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Whisking the dry ingredients ensures that the baking soda and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is essential for proper leavening and flavor balance.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. The dough should be slightly sticky but still hold its shape.
Step 6: Add Optional Mix-Ins
If desired, fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit. Gently stir these mix-ins until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step allows you to customize the cookies to your preferences and add extra flavor and texture.
Step 7: Drop Cookies onto Baking Sheet
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded dollops of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking. If you don’t have a cookie scoop, you can use a spoon to measure out approximately 1-2 tablespoons of dough per cookie.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the centers are set. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on the cookies to prevent burning.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cookies to firm up slightly and prevents them from breaking when you move them.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
These Banana Bread Cookies are a revelation for anyone who loves the taste of banana bread but craves a quicker, more convenient treat. They perfectly encapsulate the warm, comforting flavors of banana bread in a soft, chewy cookie form. Imagine biting into a cookie that tastes just like your favorite slice of banana bread – that’s exactly what these cookies deliver.
What sets these cookies apart is their simplicity. The recipe requires minimal ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you need a quick dessert fix. The use of ripe bananas not only adds natural sweetness and moisture but also helps reduce food waste, turning overripe fruit into a delicious treat.
Moreover, these cookies are incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite mix-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit, to create a personalized flavor profile. The optional addition of cinnamon enhances the warm, comforting flavors, while a sprinkle of sea salt on top adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
These Banana Bread Cookies are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even a simple dessert. They are soft enough for kids to enjoy and sophisticated enough to impress adults. Plus, they are incredibly portable, making them a great option for lunchboxes, picnics, or road trips.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Enjoy as a quick and easy breakfast treat.
- Pack in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
- Offer as a homemade gift to friends and family.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
- Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
- Serve alongside a fruit salad for a balanced snack.
- Enjoy as a post-workout treat to replenish energy.
- Serve at potlucks or bake sales for a guaranteed hit.
Tips:
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The riper the banana, the more intense the flavor and the moister the cookie.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake them. For crispier cookies, bake them a little longer.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Experiment with different mix-ins to customize the flavor. Try adding chopped walnuts, pecans, raisins, cranberries, or white chocolate chips.
- Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking for a salty-sweet flavor.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure uniform cookie sizes, which will help them bake evenly.
- If the dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before scooping.
- For a healthier version, substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour and reduce the amount of sugar.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 20-22 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per cookie, approximate)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 1 gram
- Sodium: 50 milligrams
Conclusion:
These Banana Bread Cookies are a simple yet satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy snack, a delightful breakfast option, or a homemade gift, these cookies are sure to please. With their soft, chewy texture and warm, comforting flavor, they offer a delightful twist on classic banana bread. So, grab those ripe bananas and whip up a batch of these delicious cookies today! You won’t be disappointed. Enjoy the process of baking and the joy of sharing these delightful treats with your loved ones. Happy baking!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use frozen bananas for this recipe. Thaw the bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing them. Frozen bananas tend to be softer and may release more moisture, so be sure to drain them well to avoid overly wet cookie dough.
- Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- Yes, you can make these cookies gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that the gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients to help bind the cookies together.
- Can I add spices other than cinnamon?
- Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices such as nutmeg, cloves, or cardamom. A pinch of each can add a warm and complex flavor to the cookies. Start with small amounts to avoid overpowering the banana flavor.
- How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too thin?
- To prevent the cookies from spreading too thin, make sure your butter is not too soft or melted. Also, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help the cookies hold their shape better. Ensure that your oven is at the correct temperature and that you are not overmixing the dough.
- Can I add a glaze to these cookies?
- Yes, you can add a simple glaze to these cookies for added sweetness and visual appeal. To make a glaze, whisk together powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or lemon juice until you reach a smooth, pourable consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies and let it set before serving. You can also add a touch of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze for extra flavor.
