There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of bananas baking in the oven, and when you combine that with the nostalgia of homemade cookies, you get Banana Bread Cookies! This delightful treat brings together the best of both worlds: the moisture and richness of banana bread, and the fun, easy-to-eat shape of cookies. Whether you’re snacking on them with a cup of tea or serving them to friends at a gathering, these cookies are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Banana Bread Cookies are a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. They’re easy to make and require minimal ingredients, making them perfect for a last-minute dessert or snack. Here are some reasons why this recipe will soon become a favorite in your home:
- Quick and Easy: With straightforward instructions, you can whip these cookies up in no time.
- Versatile: Customize them with your favorite mix-ins, like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.
- Deliciously Moist: The bananas add natural moisture, making these cookies soft and chewy.
- Healthy Option: With no refined sugar and the ability to use whole wheat flour, they can be a healthier treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these delightful Banana Bread Cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Banana Bread Cookies!
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and develop that lovely golden color.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
3. Mash the Bananas
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or a potato masher until smooth. You want about 1 cup of mashed bananas. The riper, the better!
4. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
6. Mix in the Bananas
Stir in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated. The mixture will be a bit chunky due to the bananas, and that’s perfectly fine!
7. Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
8. Add Mix-Ins (Optional)
If you’re adding chocolate chips or nuts, fold them into the dough at this stage.
9. Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
10. Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set. The cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven.
11. Cool Down
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving and Storage Tips
These Banana Bread Cookies can be enjoyed warm from the oven, or you can store them for later. Here are some serving and storage tips:
Serving
- Serve warm as a dessert with a scoop of ice cream on the side for a delightful twist!
- Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon snack.
- They also make a great addition to lunchboxes for a wholesome treat.
Storage
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week.
- You can also freeze the cookies! Just make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Helpful Tips
Here are some additional tips to ensure your Banana Bread Cookies turn out perfectly:
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe; they should be brown and spotty for the best flavor.
- Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Experiment with add-ins! Apart from chocolate chips and nuts, consider adding oats, coconut flakes, or dried fruit.
- If the dough seems too wet, you can add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes! Whole wheat flour can be used in this recipe for a healthier option. Just keep in mind that it might alter the texture slightly, making the cookies a bit denser.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use plant-based butter to create a vegan version of these cookies.
What can I use instead of bananas?
If you’re not a fan of bananas or don’t have any on hand, you can try substituting applesauce. However, this will change the flavor and texture. The cookies will be less sweet and more cake-like.
Can I add spices to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Adding cinnamon or nutmeg can bring a warm flavor to the cookies. Just a teaspoon will do to give it that extra kick!
Is it necessary to cool the cookies on a wire rack?
While it’s not strictly necessary, cooling them on a wire rack helps prevent them from getting soggy on the bottom, allowing air to circulate around the cookies.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Cookies are a delightful treat that merges the essence of traditional banana bread with the convenience of cookies. With their rich banana flavor, soft texture, and versatility, they are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or stored for later, these cookies bring joy and sweetness to any occasion. So, the next time you find some overripe bananas staring back at you, remember this recipe—your taste buds will thank you!
Now, are you ready to bake some delicious Banana Bread Cookies? Grab those bananas and let the fun begin!
Print
Decadent Banana Bread Cookies Irresistible Easy Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Discover an easy recipe for decadent banana bread cookies Irresistible treats that combine flavors of classic banana bread in a delightful cookie.
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Mash the ripe bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Stir in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in another bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if desired.
- Drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden and centers look set.
- Cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 120 calories
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Fat: 5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 18 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 2 grams