Banana bread cookies are a delightful twist on a beloved classic. These cookies harness the rich, sweet flavors of overripe bananas, transforming them into warm, soft treats that boast a deliciously chewy texture. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow. With the addition of chocolate chips, walnuts, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon, each bite is a comforting reminder of home. You’ll love how this recipe combines simplicity with delightful flavors, making it perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy nights in.
Why We Love This Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
You might wonder what makes banana bread cookies so popular. First and foremost, they are an excellent way to use up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. With their soft, chewy texture and sweet flavor, these cookies provide the best of both worlds—banana bread and cookies combined into one delicious treat. Additionally, they are incredibly versatile. You can customize them with your favorite mix-ins, such as nuts or chocolate chips, enhancing the flavor profile to your preference. Most importantly, they are easy to make, requiring minimal time and effort, making them a go-to recipe for any home baker.
Ingredients about Banana Bread Cookies
To start baking your delicious banana bread cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 medium overripe bananas (about 1 cup, mashed)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts (optional)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
How to Make Banana Bread Cookies Directions
Baking banana bread cookies is a simple and enjoyable process. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent your cookies from sticking. In a medium bowl, mash your two medium-sized overripe bananas until they’re smooth. This is a great way to release their sweet, natural flavors, which will shine through in the cookies.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and the packed brown sugar. You’ll want to mix them until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial, as it helps incorporate air into the batter, creating a lighter cookie texture.
Next, add your large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix everything well to combine the ingredients smoothly. After that, fold the mashed bananas gently into the mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the flour. Gradually combine your wet and dry ingredients, stirring gently until just blended—be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to dense cookies.
If you’re using chocolate chips or chopped walnuts, fold them in now for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Using about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, scoop the mixture onto your prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart. This is important to allow the cookies to expand during baking.
Place the sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges begin to turn golden and the tops look set. Once they’re done, allow them to cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies
You might be curious about the best way to serve your banana bread cookies. These cookies are delicious either warm or at room temperature, making them perfect for any occasion. To enhance their appeal, consider serving them with a glass of milk or a steaming cup of tea or coffee. This pairing offers a perfect balance of flavors and adds to the comfort of enjoying these delightful treats.
For gatherings or parties, consider presenting the cookies on a decorative platter, possibly alongside some fresh fruit or a chocolate dip for those who love extra sweetness. You can also package them in a cute box or bag as homemade gifts for friends or family, bringing a personal touch to your offerings.
Expert Tips: Banana Bread Cookies
To ensure your banana bread cookies turn out perfectly, here are some expert tips for you to consider. First, make sure to choose bananas that are well overripe. The browner, the better—this means they are sweeter and will add the best flavor to your cookies.
When measuring your flour, use the spoon-and-level method to avoid adding too much, which could lead to dense cookies. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag.
If you’d like your cookies to have an even richer flavor, consider browning the butter before combining it with the sugar. This step adds a nutty aroma and deeper flavor profile to your cookies.
Lastly, never forget to keep an eye on your cookies while they’re in the oven to prevent overbaking. Slightly underbaked cookies tend to be chewier, while overbaked cookies can dry out.
How to Store Banana Bread Cookies
Storing your banana bread cookies properly is essential to keeping them fresh and delicious. Once they have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container to maintain their moisture and softness. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 5 days.
If you want to keep them for even longer, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Variation of Banana Bread Cookies
You can easily customize your banana bread cookies to suit your taste preferences. For example, you can replace the chocolate chips with dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. This will create a chewier, fruitier cookie that perfectly complements the banana flavor.
Alternatively, try adding a bit of shredded coconut for a tropical twist. If you’re a fan of spices, consider incorporating nutmeg or cardamom along with the cinnamon for a spiced flavor.
For those who enjoy a nutty taste, increasing the amount of chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delicious crunch. If you want to make these cookies healthier, consider using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also reduce the amount of sugar or substitute it with honey or maple syrup, adjusting the wet ingredients accordingly.
FAQ
What makes banana bread cookies different from traditional banana bread?
Banana bread cookies offer a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavor of banana bread in a cookie form, providing a chewy texture and the ability to customize them with mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them and ensure you drain any excess liquid before mashing.
How can I tell when my banana bread cookies are done baking?
Look for golden edges and a set top. They might appear slightly underbaked in the middle, but they will continue to cook while cooling.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and replace the egg with a flax egg or applesauce.
What is the best way to ripen bananas quickly?
If you need ripe bananas fast, place them in a paper bag with an apple or avocado. The ethylene gas produced will speed up the ripening process.
With these tips and insights, you’re now well-equipped to create, enjoy, and share your scrumptious banana bread cookies. Happy baking!
Banana Bread Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium overripe bananas (about 1 cup, mashed) Bananas should be well overripe for best flavor.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) Consider browning the butter for richer flavor.
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed) Ensure it's packed tightly in the cup.
- 1 large egg Room temperature for better mixing.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts (optional) Choose based on personal preference.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mash the overripe bananas in a medium bowl until smooth.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and packed brown sugar until light and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Gently fold the mashed bananas into the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually combine the wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just blended.
- If using, fold in chocolate chips or walnuts.
Baking
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and tops look set.
- Cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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