Banana Bread Cookies

December 30, 2024

An Irresistible Fusion: Banana Bread Cookies

Imagine the comforting aroma of freshly baked banana bread, now infused into delightful cookie form. These Banana Bread Cookies are the perfect blend of soft, chewy goodness with just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you’re looking to switch up your cookie game or have some ripe bananas begging to be used, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in no time, making them perfect for spontaneous baking sessions.
Perfectly Soft: The mashed banana keeps these cookies moist and tender.
Customizable: Add your choice of nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins to suit your taste.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Baking sheet
Parchment paper or cooking spray
Wire cooling rack

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 medium ripe banana, mashed
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 (optional, for extra warmth)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/2 cup chocolate chips or raisins (optional)

For the Glaze (Optional):

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed banana. Mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Fold in the nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins if using.

Step 3: Scoop and Bake

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Glaze the Cookies (Optional)

In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to form a smooth glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag.

Tips for Success

Ensure your banana is ripe for maximum flavor and sweetness.
Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies.
For an even bake, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time.

Additional Tips and Variations

Try adding a pinch of nutmeg for a spiced flavor.
Use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
Experiment with different nuts like almonds or hazelnuts.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them well before mashing.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The texture may vary slightly.

How should I store these cookies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Conclusion

These Banana Bread Cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional banana bread, bringing you a treat that’s both comforting and delicious. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your baking adventures in the comments below. Happy baking!