There’s something wonderfully comforting about cookies, and when they seamlessly combine with the delectable essence of banana bread, the result is simply magical. Chewy Banana Bread Cookies are a delightful treat that not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also evoke memories of warmth and home-baked goodness. The inspiration behind these cookies is to capture the rich flavors and moist texture of traditional banana bread, presenting them in a fun and chewy cookie form. With their irresistible blend of ripe banana, buttery goodness, and warm spices, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite.

What makes these cookies so appealing is not just their flavor, but also their simplicity. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients to whip up a batch of Chewy Banana Bread Cookies. Just a few pantry staples and a ripe banana are all you need to create these soft, flavorful cookies. They’re perfect for an afternoon snack, lunchbox treat, or dessert option after dinner. Plus, the banana adds a natural sweetness that means you can enjoy your cookies with a little less guilt.

Not only do these cookies deliver on taste, but they’re also straightforward to prepare. Most of the preparation can be done in one bowl, making cleanup a breeze. Just remember to allow some time for the dough to chill before baking, as this crucial step enhances the cookies’ texture and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love making these Chewy Banana Bread Cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Chewy Banana Bread Cookies

Delicious Flavor: They combine the classic taste of banana bread with the fun of cookies.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal equipment, anyone can bake them.
Great Texture: The chewy consistency makes them hard to resist.
Versatile Ingredients: Fun to customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or spices!
No Waste: Using overripe bananas means you get to reduce food waste.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Baking Chewy Banana Bread Cookies starts with a little organization in your kitchen. Before you dive into the recipe, take a moment to gather your ingredients and tools. You’ll need a large mixing bowl, a whisk, measuring cups, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. The parchment paper not only makes for easy cleanup but also helps prevent the cookies from sticking to the pan.

It’s crucial to have a ripe banana on hand—preferably one that’s covered in brown spots—because the ripeness enhances the natural sweetness of the cookie. Before starting, ensure your butter is melted and cooled to prevent cooking the egg when mixing. For the best results, set aside about 30 minutes for chilling the dough; this step is essential for achieving that perfect chewy texture. Now, let’s not forget to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when the cookies are assembled.

Ingredients

1 large very ripe banana, mashed (½ cup / 120 g)
½ cup unsalted butter, melted & cooled
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 large egg, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional: ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg (very subtle)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Meanwhile, line your baking sheets with parchment paper—this simple step will save you from the hassle of scrubbing stuck-on cookies later. Having everything set up will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, begin by adding the mashed banana along with the melted butter and brown sugar. Use a whisk to mix these ingredients until you achieve a smooth and glossy mixture. This should take about three minutes of vigorous whisking. Once combined, crack in the room-temperature egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Continue whisking until these ingredients meld together into a silky batter.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, take the time to whisk together the key dry ingredients. Mix the flour along with the baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg if you’re using it. This step is essential to ensure the leavening agents are evenly distributed, which is crucial in achieving perfect cookies.

Step 4: Bring It Together

Now, gently combine the dry ingredients into the bowl of wet ingredients. Use a folding motion, carefully mixing until just combined. Be cautious—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as you no longer see dry flour. The mixture is expected to be loose and sticky, so don’t worry about it being too dry.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

To enhance the cookies’ flavor and prevent excessive spreading, wrap the cookie dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge for at least 20 to 30 minutes. This crucial step will allow the ingredients to meld, leading to tastier cookies.

Step 6: Scoop & Bake

Once your dough has chilled adequately, use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out about two tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the lined baking sheets, ensuring enough space between each scoop. It’s best to bake in batches to maintain the right oven temperature. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 11 to 13 minutes or until the edges are golden brown while the centers remain cool and slightly sunken. Don’t worry; they will set up as they cool.

Step 7: Cool the Cookies

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling phase is not only essential for setting the cookies’ texture, but it’s also the point where they can develop a subtle wrinkliness, adding to their charm.

Variations

Protein: Add in some chopped walnuts or pecans to enhance the cookie’s texture.
Vegetables: Mix in a bit of shredded zucchini for added moisture, without overpowering the flavor.
Spices: Experiment by adding a dash of ginger or cloves for a spicier profile.

Cooking Notes

Chilling the dough is essential to avoid excess spread during baking, giving your cookies the desired chewy texture.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these cookies with a glass of milk for a classic combo that no one can resist.
Enjoy them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert experience.

Tips

Ensure your banana is very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
If you prefer sweeter cookies, consider increasing the brown sugar slightly.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approx. 150 per cookie
Protein: 2.2g
Sodium: 90mg

FAQs

Can I use less sugar in this recipe?

Yes, you can reduce the sugar amount; however, this may impact the overall texture and flavor of the cookies.

What kind of bananas should I use?

Use very ripe bananas that are soft and have brown spots for the best flavor and moisture.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes! Store them in an airtight container, and they can last in the freezer for up to three months.

Can I add nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix in your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chewy Banana Bread Cookies are a simple yet delightful treat that everyone will love. Their pleasing chewy texture and comforting banana flavor make them perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to festive gatherings. Not only are they an excellent way to use overripe bananas, but these cookies also embody the joy of home baking without any fuss. Don’t hesitate to make a batch and see for yourself how irresistible they can be! We’d love to hear your experience trying the recipe or any variations you come up with, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below!