Name: Delicious Banana Bread Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 medium ripe banana, mashed (about 1/2 cup); 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

If you’re in the mood for something sweet yet wholesome, our Banana Bread Cookies are the perfect solution! These delightful cookies are a charming twist on traditional banana bread, combining the beloved flavors of ripe bananas and warm cinnamon into a delightful cookie form. You can enjoy these treasures any time of day, whether as a breakfast treat, a midday snack, or a warming dessert after dinner. The best part is that they are straightforward to make, taking only a short amount of time to whip up. Imagine sinking your teeth into soft, chewy cookies that are both comforting and satisfying, making every bite a small moment of joy.

What’s not to love about Banana Bread Cookies? They’re infused with moisture from bananas, delivering that irresistible banana flavor you crave. With a combination of granulated and brown sugars, these cookies provide a rich sweetness and a slight chewiness that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, the addition of walnuts or pecans gives each bite an added crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cookie texture.

So gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this delicious treat that is sure to become a favorite in your home. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few simple steps, you’ll have a batch of Banana Bread Cookies ready to impress family and friends!

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Cookies Recipe

Deliciously soft and moist texture that’s packed with banana flavor.
A perfect blend of sweet and nutty, great for all ages.
Quick and easy recipe, effective in under 30 minutes.
Perfect for using up overripe bananas sitting on your counter.
Can be easily customized with different nuts or chocolate chips.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

A well-prepared kitchen is the heart of successful baking! Before diving into the Banana Bread Cookies recipe, take a moment to gather all your ingredients and necessary tools. You will need a large mixing bowl for blending your wet ingredients, another for the dry, and a whisk to ensure everything is well combined. An electric mixer can be a great tool for creaming the butter and sugars together, but if you don’t have one, a sturdy wooden spoon will work just fine.

Don’t forget to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking, and find a cookie scoop or tablespoon for evenly portioning your dough. Ensuring your workspace is tidy will help keep the process enjoyable and efficient.

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 medium ripe banana, mashed (about 1/2 cup)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheets

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). As the oven warms, prepare your baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly while also making cleanup much easier.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon, beat the mixture until it becomes light and fluffy. This incorporation of air will give your cookies a nice, chewy texture. Next, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and the mashed banana, mixing until everything is well blended together.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mixing these ingredients separately helps to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents in your cookies. This step is crucial for achieving just the right rise.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Now, it’s time to bring the wet and dry mixtures together. Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until everything is just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this could lead to tough cookies. If you opt for nuts, now is the time to fold them into the dough gently.

Step 5: Portion and Bake

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each dough ball, as they will spread while baking. Place the sheets in your preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies’ edges are lightly golden and their centers have set.

Step 6: Cooling Time

When the cookies are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. After this initial cooling period, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. This process helps maintain their soft texture while allowing the flavors to develop.

Variations

Protein: Try adding a scoop of protein powder to increase the nutritional value.
Vegetables: Incorporate grated zucchini or carrot for added moisture and nutrition.
Spices: Experiment with nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Notes

Ensure your butter is softened properly to make creaming easier.
If your banana is not as ripe as desired, microwave it for about 10 seconds to soften.
Chilling the dough for 30 minutes may enhance the cookie texture if preferred.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a glass of cold milk for a delightful treat.
Pair with coffee or tea for an afternoon snack.

Tips

Always taste before baking to adjust sweetness or spices if needed.
Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness for several days.
Use silicone baking mats for a non-stick surface and even baking.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 120 per cookie
Protein: 1.5 grams
Sodium: 50 milligrams

FAQs

Can I freeze these Banana Bread Cookies?

Yes, you can freeze the cookies! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them before transferring to an airtight container.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To create a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I use flavored extracts instead of vanilla?

Absolutely! Almond extract or even rum extract can provide a unique flavor twist.

What do I do if my dough seems too wet?

If your dough appears too wet, you can add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the desired consistency.

Conclusion

Baking Banana Bread Cookies is not just about creating a sweet treat; it’s about bringing warmth and comfort into your home. These cookies capture the essence of the classic banana bread we all know and love and make it accessible in a cookie format. You can enjoy them straight out of the oven or share them with family and friends. We encourage you to try out this recipe, embrace the deliciousness, and don’t hesitate to experiment with various flavors and ingredients. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below and let us know how your batch turns out. Happy baking!