Introduction
There’s something incredibly comforting about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen. These Banana Bread Cookies are not just a delightful twist on traditional banana bread; they bring the best of both worlds into every bite. Imagine soft, chewy cookies filled with the sweetness of ripe bananas, the warmth of cinnamon, and the optional crunch of walnuts or the indulgence of chocolate chips. Perfect for sharing or a cozy afternoon treat, these cookies will surely become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1/2 cup 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
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 12-15 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make for easy cleanup.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth. The more ripe the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
- Add the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar to the mashed banana; mix until well combined. The mixture should feel creamy and inviting.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and silky.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. The cinnamon adds a wonderful warmth to these cookies!
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; we want our cookies to be tender.
- Gently fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips, if using. These add delightful textures and flavors!
- Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. They will spread as they bake.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look slightly underbaked, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of nutmeg along with the cinnamon.
- If you don’t have walnuts or pecans on hand, feel free to substitute with your favorite nuts or leave them out entirely.
- These cookies freeze wonderfully! Just be sure to store them in an airtight container.
Cooking Techniques
Mashing bananas properly is key to achieving the perfect cookie texture. Make sure they are ripe enough so they mash easily and impart moisture to the dough. When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, gentle folding helps keep the cookies light and tender, instead of tough and dense.
FAQ
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes! Whole wheat flour can be used for a healthier version, although the cookies may be a bit denser.
- What can I substitute for butter? You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
- Can these be made without egg? Absolutely! Try a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as a great egg substitute.
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Cookies are not only easy to make but are also a joyful way to turn those overripe bananas into something special. With their rich and creamy texture paired with the added crunch of nuts or the sweetness of chocolate, they are bound to be a hit. Whether you enjoy them with a warm cup of tea, share them at gatherings, or savor them as a midnight snack, these cookies will bring a touch of homemade love to any moment. Enjoy every bite!