Banana Bread Cookies are a delightful fusion of two beloved treats: moist banana bread and soft, chewy cookies. Perfect for using up those overripe bananas sitting on your countertop, these cookies bring comfort and joy in every bite. Whether you’re enjoying them as an afternoon snack, packing them in lunchboxes, or serving them at a casual family gathering, they never fail to please. What makes this recipe even more special is how easy and quick it is to whip up—making it a go-to for busy days or spontaneous cravings.
Why you’ll love this dish
Why choose Banana Bread Cookies over traditional sweets? For starters, they are incredibly versatile and super simple to make. You might find yourself captivated by the way they intertwine the familiar flavors of banana bread while delivering the ease of cookies. Plus, this recipe is budget-friendly, requiring minimal ingredients that you likely already have at home.
Imagine the delight of your family and friends as they bite into warm, soft cookies infused with the sweet essence of ripe bananas. These cookies are also kid-approved, making them an excellent choice for satisfying young taste buds.
"I never knew cookies could taste this good! The banana flavor shines through, and they’re so soft— my family gobbled them up!" – A happy home baker.
Step-by-step overview
Let’s dive into how these Banana Bread Cookies come together! The process is straightforward and requires minimal prep work. In just a few simple steps, you’ll blend, bake, and enjoy delectable cookies that showcase the natural sweetness of bananas.
Starting with mashing the bananas to ensure a smooth mixture, you’ll whisk together the wet ingredients before incorporating the dry ingredients. Finally, a quick bake, and voilà—you’re ready to indulge!
What you’ll need
Gather these items to create delicious Banana Bread Cookies:
- 2 large overripe bananas
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Keep in mind that while walnuts and chocolate chips add great flavor, you can easily adjust the mix-ins based on your preferences. For a nut-free version, just omit the walnuts!
Directions to follow
Ready to get baking? Follow these steps to whip up your Banana Bread Cookies:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and mash the bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla. Stir in the mashed bananas until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for an extra treat.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers feel firm to the touch.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store for later!
Best ways to enjoy it
The best way to enjoy Banana Bread Cookies is warm from the oven, perhaps with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy snack. They pair beautifully with a dollop of creamy butter or a chocolate spread for extra indulgence. You could also stack them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert that will impress any guest. Get creative and consider packing them in school lunches or serving them at brunch with fresh fruit on the side.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your Banana Bread Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To extend their life, you can refrigerate them for about a week. For longer storage, freeze unbaked cookie dough in rounded tablespoon portions on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few minutes to the baking time from frozen. It’s that easy!
Helpful cooking tips
To ensure your Banana Bread Cookies turn out perfect every time, consider these pro tips:
- Use very ripe bananas, as they provide the best sweetness and moisture.
- Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix just until combined for softer cookies.
- If you want to boost the banana flavor even more, try adding a splash of banana extract along with the vanilla.
- Adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference; if your bananas are very ripe, consider cutting back on sugar slightly.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations to try with your Banana Bread Cookies:
- Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and a healthier twist.
- Incorporate spices like nutmeg or ginger for a seasonal flair.
- Try vegan butter and a flax egg for a plant-based version that retains the deliciousness.
- Swap out chopped walnuts for pecans or hazelnuts for a different textural experience or add dried fruits like cranberries for added tartness.
Common questions
What is the prep time and cook time for these cookies?
The total prep time is about 10-15 minutes, and the baking time is 12-15 minutes, so you can have freshly baked cookies in under half an hour!
Can I substitute any ingredients?
Yes! You can swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour and use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a different flavor profile.
How can I ensure my cookies stay soft and chewy?
Avoid overbaking your cookies. They should be removed from the oven when the edges are golden but the centers might still look slightly soft; they’ll firm up as they cool.
Print
Banana Bread Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful fusion of moist banana bread and soft, chewy cookies, perfect for using up overripe bananas.
Ingredients
- 2 large overripe bananas
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and mash the bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla. Stir in the mashed bananas until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually mix this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for an extra treat.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers feel firm to the touch.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or store for later.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for the best sweetness and moisture. Avoid overmixing the dough for softer cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American