Description: These Banana Bread Cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, transforming it into a convenient and delicious cookie form. Combining the comforting flavors of ripe bananas, warm spices, and a hint of sweetness, these cookies are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a sweet treat any time of day. With a soft, chewy texture and a satisfyingly familiar taste, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite. They are easy to make and require simple ingredients, making them a great option for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. The optional additions of walnuts or chocolate chips allow for personalization, ensuring there’s a version for everyone to enjoy. These Banana Bread Cookies are not only a tasty treat but also a fantastic way to use up those overly ripe bananas sitting on your counter.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier. Parchment paper also helps the cookies bake evenly.
Step 2: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer or a sturdy whisk to combine these ingredients until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the dough, contributing to a softer, more tender cookie.
Step 3: Add the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture. Mix until everything is well combined. Ensure there are no large lumps of banana remaining. The bananas provide moisture and sweetness, while the egg binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Whisking ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing clumps and ensuring the baking soda is properly incorporated for leavening. The cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the bananas perfectly.
Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated and no streaks remain.
Step 6: If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips. These additions provide texture and flavor contrast, enhancing the overall cookie experience. Walnuts add a nutty crunch, while chocolate chips offer a sweet and indulgent element.
Step 7: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie to allow for spreading. Flatten the scoops slightly with a fork. This helps the cookies bake evenly and gives them a uniform shape.
Step 8: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from burning. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so check for doneness by observing the color of the edges.
Step 9: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Allowing the cookies to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack helps them to firm up and prevents them from breaking. Cooling completely on a wire rack allows air to circulate around the cookies, preventing them from becoming soggy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These Banana Bread Cookies are incredibly versatile and satisfying. They capture the essence of classic banana bread in a convenient, portable form. The aroma while baking is irresistible, filling your kitchen with the warm, comforting scent of bananas and cinnamon. These cookies are perfect for a quick breakfast on the go, a mid-afternoon snack, or a simple dessert after dinner. They are also a great way to use up ripe bananas, reducing food waste and turning an overripe ingredient into a delicious treat. The customizable nature of the recipe, with options to add walnuts or chocolate chips, makes it easy to tailor the cookies to your personal preferences. The soft, chewy texture and the perfect balance of sweetness and spice make these cookies a truly delightful experience.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy them warm, straight from the oven, for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
- Serve them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet treat during the day.
- Stack them high on a plate for a festive dessert presentation.
- Crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for added flavor and texture.
- Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
- Drizzle them with melted chocolate for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Serve them at a brunch gathering as a delightful alternative to traditional banana bread.
- Offer them as a homemade gift to friends and neighbors.
- Enjoy them as a simple, satisfying snack any time of day.
Tips:
- Use very ripe bananas for maximum flavor and natural sweetness. The more brown spots on the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful they will be.
- Soften the butter to room temperature before creaming it with the sugar. This will ensure that the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Measure the flour accurately by spooning it into a measuring cup and leveling it off with a knife. Avoid scooping the flour directly from the bag, as this can pack it down and result in too much flour in the recipe.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until the flour is just incorporated.
- For a chewier texture, let the cookies cool completely before serving.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- To freeze the cookies, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
- Experiment with different mix-ins, such as dried cranberries, chopped pecans, or shredded coconut.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the dough for a warmer, spicier flavor.
- For a more intense banana flavor, add a teaspoon of banana extract to the dough.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Nutritional Information: (approximate, per cookie)
- Calories: 145 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 70mg
Conclusion
Banana Bread Cookies are a delightful and convenient way to enjoy the classic flavors of banana bread. They are easy to make, require simple ingredients, and are endlessly customizable. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a sweet treat to share with friends and family, these cookies are sure to please. The soft, chewy texture, the warm spices, and the unmistakable taste of ripe bananas combine to create a truly comforting and delicious experience. So, the next time you have some overripe bananas on hand, skip the loaf pan and whip up a batch of these irresistible Banana Bread Cookies! They are a perfect solution for using ripe bananas!
Questions and Answers about This Recipe
- Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen bananas, but make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing them. Frozen bananas tend to release more moisture than fresh bananas, so removing the excess liquid will prevent the cookie dough from becoming too wet. Thaw the bananas overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- 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. Look for a blend that contains xanthan gum, as this will help to bind the ingredients together and give the cookies a chewier texture. Keep in mind that gluten-free flours can sometimes result in a slightly different texture, so you may need to adjust the baking time slightly.
- Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe? Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor of the cookies. Sugar not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the moisture and tenderness of the cookies. If you want to reduce the sugar, try reducing the amount of brown sugar and granulated sugar by a couple of tablespoons each. You can also use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in place of some of the sugar, but be aware that this will change the flavor profile of the cookies.
- How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking? To prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, make sure that your butter is softened but not melted. If the butter is too warm, it will cause the cookies to spread. You can also chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. Chilling the dough will help to firm up the butter and prevent the cookies from spreading. Additionally, make sure that your oven is at the correct temperature. If the oven is too hot, it can cause the cookies to spread.
- Can I add other spices besides cinnamon to these cookies? Yes, you can definitely add other spices besides cinnamon to these cookies! Nutmeg, cardamom, ginger, and allspice are all great options that would complement the banana flavor. Start by adding a small amount (about 1/4 teaspoon) of your chosen spice or spice blend and adjust to taste. Experimenting with different spice combinations can add a unique twist to your Banana Bread Cookies and create a flavor profile that you love.
