There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked goods wafting through your kitchen, especially when they involve banana bread cookies. Imagine biting into a warm, chewy cookie that perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe bananas with the comforting warmth of cinnamon. It’s like a hug for your taste buds after a long day.
I remember the first time I decided to bake banana bread cookies; I was trying to use up some overly ripe bananas before they turned into an experimental science project in my fruit bowl. Little did I know that these cookies would quickly become a family favorite, perfect for cozy gatherings or simply enjoying as an afternoon snack.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These banana bread cookies are simple to make and require minimal effort
- They burst with flavors from the bananas and spices, creating a delightful treat
- Visually appealing with their golden-brown hue, they’ll catch anyone’s eye on a dessert table
- Enjoy them warm or chilled, making them versatile for any occasion
My friends couldn’t get enough of them at our last potluck; it felt like I’d discovered the secret to happiness one cookie at a time!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be; look for those speckled beauties.
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All-Purpose Flour: Use standard all-purpose flour for that classic cookie texture; no need to get fancy here.
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Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and depth; light or dark works just fine depending on your preference.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the flavor; nothing beats that rich, buttery taste.
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Eggs: Two large eggs help bind everything together and add richness to our cookie dough.
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Baking Soda: This is essential for achieving that perfect rise; don’t skip it unless you want flat cookies!
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Cinnamon: A dash of cinnamon brings warmth; feel free to add more if you love its spicy kick.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds a lovely aromatic quality that complements the bananas beautifully.
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Chocolate Chips (optional): Because why not? Chocolate chips take these cookies from good to “I can’t stop eating!”
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up later.
Mash Those Bananas
In a large mixing bowl, mash two ripe bananas using a fork until smooth. You want them mushy enough to blend well but leave some small chunks for added texture.
Cream Butter and Sugar
In another bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing. The mixture should look pale and airy.
Mix in Eggs and Vanilla
Add in your eggs one at a time along with vanilla extract while continuing to beat until everything is well combined. The batter should smell heavenly by now!
Combine Dry Ingredients
In yet another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until evenly mixed. This ensures even distribution throughout your cookie dough.
Bring it All Together
Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet mixture while stirring gently until just combined. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, fold in chocolate chips at this stage!
Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop mounds of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden brown around edges.
Cool and Enjoy
Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. Trust me, they’ll be worth every minute of waiting!
Now you’ve created delightful banana bread cookies that bring joy with every bite! Whether enjoyed warm or stored for later indulgence, these cookies are sure to elevate any snack time or gathering with family and friends. Share them generously—or keep them hidden for those moments when you just need a little pick-me-up!
You Must Know
- Banana bread cookies are a delightful fusion of flavors and textures
- These cookies capture the essence of banana bread while being easy to bake
- With their chewy centers and crispy edges, they make a perfect snack or dessert
- The aroma alone will have everyone flocking to the kitchen!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Mix the wet ingredients first, then gently fold in the dry ingredients for the best texture.
Add Your Touch
Try adding chocolate chips, nuts, or spices like cinnamon for an extra flavor kick. Each addition can enhance your banana bread cookies uniquely.
Storing & Reheating
Store your banana bread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds to regain their softness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For extra moisture, use very ripe bananas as they create a richer flavor
- Always chill your dough for at least 30 minutes before baking; it enhances texture
- Keep an eye on baking time; overbaking can lead to dry cookies
Some friends once told me that my banana bread cookies reminded them of childhood memories of baking with their grandmothers, which really warmed my heart.
FAQ
Can I freeze banana bread cookies?
Yes, these cookies freeze well! Just place them in a freezer-safe bag.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Cookies are done when they are golden brown around the edges and slightly soft in the center.
What can I substitute for butter?
You can use coconut oil or applesauce as a healthier butter substitute in banana bread cookies.
Banana Bread Cookies
Indulge in the delightful flavors of banana bread cookies, where ripe bananas meet warm cinnamon for a truly comforting experience. These easy-to-make cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a quiet afternoon snack. With their chewy centers and crispy edges, they are sure to become a favorite in your home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time and mix in the vanilla extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually combine the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just mixed; fold in chocolate chips if desired.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden around the edges. Let cool before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
