Description

Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie bursting with delightful flavors of ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and the sweet touch of chocolate or nuts, depending on your preference. Our Banana Bread Cookies offer an inviting twist to the traditional banana bread. They embody the essence of comfort baking while being incredibly easy to whip up. This recipe is not just about cookies; it’s about reviving childhood memories of stealing a slice of warm banana bread fresh out of the oven. The combination of wholesome ingredients transforms overripe bananas into delightful little bites of heaven, making these cookies not only delicious but also a fantastic way to reduce food waste.

Perfect for any occasion—be it a casual afternoon snack, a sweet addition to your breakfast table, or a delightful treat to share with friends—these cookies are sure to please everyone. Not only do they have a soft and tender texture reminiscent of banana bread, but they also come packed with fiber-rich oats, making them a better-for-you option. With minimal steps and simple ingredients, even novice bakers will find success in this delightful recipe. So grab those overripe bananas, and let’s embark on a baking adventure!

Ingredients

• *Dough Base*
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup mashed ripe bananas (approximately one large banana)
• *Add-Ins*
• 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
• *Substitutions and Variations*
• - For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
• - If you’re out of bananas, unsweetened applesauce can work as a replacement, although the flavor will change slightly.
• - Consider substituting the granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a more caramel undertone.
• - Vegans can replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use a dairy-free butter alternative.

Preparation Method

Begin by creating a cozy baking atmosphere in your kitchen. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), allowing it to warm up while you prepare your cookie dough. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure that your cookies won’t stick and will develop a lovely, golden hue.

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This step is essential as it combines the dry ingredients evenly, allowing the baking soda to distribute well, ensuring your cookies rise and have that delightful feel.

In a larger bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter along with the granulated sugar and packed brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer. Mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes. This incorporates air into the batter, leading to a lighter cookie texture. If you prefer a more traditional method, you can use a sturdy wooden spoon and some elbow grease—just be ready to mix a little longer.

Next, crack in the large egg and pour in the vanilla extract, blending until the mixture is well incorporated. Now it’s time to add the star of our cookies: mashed ripe bananas. Ensure they are well mashed, almost to a puree, for the best results in flavor and moisture. Gently fold this banana mixture into your wet ingredients until everything is just combined, taking care not to overmix to keep your cookies tender.

Incorporate the dry ingredients into the banana mixture gradually, mixing gently until just combined. This will create a wet dough rather than a thick batter, which is one of the defining features of our banana bread cookies. You may notice a few small flour pockets remaining; that’s okay! Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, and we want them to be soft and delightful.

Now it’s time to give your Banana Bread Cookies some character! Fold in the generous amount of old-fashioned rolled oats, which not only add texture but also a chewy heartiness. If you’re adding chocolate chips and walnuts, now is the time to include them as well. The choice between nuts and chocolate chips is entirely yours—why not try both for a decadent treat? Mixing them in evenly will ensure a delightful surprise in every bite.

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each ball; these cookies will spread slightly while baking. This presents the perfect opportunity to practice a little patience and an even distribution of dough, something we all could use a bit more of, right?

Now, slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the cookies bake for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes; you want the edges to be gently golden while the centers should still look slightly underbaked—it’ll firm up while cooling. Take them out and allow them to sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This way, they will continue to cook off the heat and become perfectly soft.

Once they have cooled slightly, carefully transfer the Banana Bread Cookies to a wire rack, where they can cool completely. You might be tempted to eat them straight off the baking sheet—letting the lovely scent waft around your kitchen is tempting enough! Don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate your handiwork and the delightful aroma filling your home.

Tips and Conclusion

For those days when you need an extra boost or want to create a delightful treat platter, consider making mini banana bread muffins with this same recipe. Simply pour the batter into muffin tins instead of baking cookies—bake for approximately 15-18 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick. You can also freeze any leftover cookies for future cravings—simply place them in an airtight container, separating layers with wax paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to enjoy them, pop them into the microwave for a few seconds or let them thaw at room temperature.
You've just created a batch of Banana Bread Cookies that are sure to become a household favorite! Savory, sweet, and packed with delightful flavors, these cookies are not just a treat but a warm hug in the form of baked goods. They perfectly encapsulate the essence of comfort food and the joy of baking. From the first smell wafting through your kitchen to the last delectable bite, these cookies are bound to spark conversation and smiles around the table.

Feeling inspired? Dive deeper into our delicious world of baking with our other popular recipes such as Chocolate Chip Cookies, Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, or even Banana Bread Muffins. Each recipe is a journey of flavors just waiting for you to explore.

Have you baked your batch of Banana Bread Cookies yet? If so, don't forget to share your experience! Join our community, let us know your thoughts, and keep browsing for more scrumptious recipes and delightful baking tips! Happy baking!