The smell of sweet bananas mingling with warm, buttery goodness can be quite a distraction, especially when you're in the middle of a busy day. That's how I stumbled upon the ultimate solution to my snack cravings: Banana Bread Cookies. These delightful treats are the perfect mix of cookie and comforting banana bread, making them a fantastic addition to any baking repertoire. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a total of only 32 minutes to cookie bliss, this recipe is a true time-saver. Plus, they’re a delightful way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on the counter. Are you ready to elevate your snack game and put a smile on your face with these tasty cookies?
Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?
Irresistible aroma: The warm scent of baked bananas mixes perfectly with butter, offering a comforting welcome to your home.
Simple to make: With only 15 minutes of prep time and minimal effort, even beginner bakers will shine!
Soft and chewy: These cookies boast a delectable soft texture, thanks to the mashed bananas and rolled oats.
Customizable fun: Feel free to add chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans, creating a unique treat for everyone. If you enjoy crafting delicious baked goods like Banana Cake Roll or Pistachio Cream Cookies, this recipe will fit right in with your favorites!
Family-approved: These Banana Bread Cookies are crowd-pleasers, perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a personal snack.
Banana Bread Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Ripe bananas – 2 mashed bananas give the cookies their natural sweetness and moistness.
• Unsalted butter – ½ cup of softened butter adds richness; use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Granulated sugar – ½ cup provides a sweet base, balancing the flavors perfectly.
• Brown sugar – ½ cup packed enhances the depth of flavor; try dark brown sugar for more caramel notes.
• Large egg – 1 egg helps bind the ingredients together, making for a tender texture.
• Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon brightens the overall flavor and adds warmth.
For the Dry Mix
• All-purpose flour – 1 ½ cups is the foundation for your cookies; substitute with whole wheat flour for an added health boost.
• Baking soda – 1 teaspoon acts as a leavening agent to achieve that perfect rise.
• Salt – ½ teaspoon enhances flavors and balances sweetness.
• Ground cinnamon – ½ teaspoon provides a cozy warmth; feel free to use nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
For Extra Texture and Flavor
• Rolled oats – ½ cup creates a chewy texture and adds heartiness to the cookies.
• Chocolate chips (optional) – ½ cup adds a delightful sweetness; try dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional) – ½ cup introduces a nice crunch; leave them out for a simpler cookie experience.
These Banana Bread Cookies promise to deliver a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for satisfying your cravings!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Banana Bread Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for ensuring even baking. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze later on.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to cream the mixture together until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes. This will create a delightful base for your Banana Bread Cookies.
Step 3: Incorporate Mashed Bananas
Next, stir in the mashed ripe bananas until they are well combined with the butter and sugar mixture. This should create a smooth, sweet batter—don't worry if it looks a bit lumpy! Bananas will add moisture and flavor to your cookies, making them irresistibly soft.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Crack one large egg into the banana mixture and add the vanilla extract. Stir everything together until it's evenly blended. The egg helps bind your ingredients, while the vanilla adds a warm, aromatic touch that enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Step 5: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents. Once combined, slowly incorporate this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to ensure your Banana Bread Cookies stay tender.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Mix-ins
Gently fold in the rolled oats and, if desired, the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts or pecans. Make sure to mix carefully to keep the texture airy and light. These additions provide wonderful texture and flavor contrasts in your delicious Banana Bread Cookies.
Step 7: Spoon the Dough onto the Baking Sheet
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Be sure to leave enough space between each scoop of dough to allow them to spread while baking. Aim for about 2 inches apart.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the Banana Bread Cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they are done when the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look soft. This ensures a chewy texture that everyone will love.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows them to firm up slightly. After that, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the flavors to develop more.
Make Ahead Options
These Banana Bread Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients together, cover the bowl tightly, and refrigerate it. To maintain the cookies' delightful texture, make sure to scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet just before baking. If you want to go a step further, drop the dough balls onto the baking sheet, freeze them for about 1 hour, and then transfer them to a zip-top bag where they can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy, simply bake straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time, and you'll have warm, homemade Banana Bread Cookies just as delicious as if they were freshly made!
How to Store and Freeze Banana Bread Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your Banana Bread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture and fresh flavor.
Fridge: For longer freshness, store the cookies in the fridge, where they can last up to 1 week in an airtight container. Just allow them to come back to room temperature before enjoying!
Freezer: To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To bring back the chewy goodness, warm frozen cookies in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes straight from the freezer.
Expert Tips for Banana Bread Cookies
• Banana Ripeness: Choose bananas that are very ripe with brown spots; they provide the best sweetness and moisture for your cookies.
• Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined after adding the dry ingredients; overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of the tender texture you want.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies hold their shape better.
• Baking Time: Keep a close watch during baking; if the cookies are slightly underbaked, they’ll have that perfect soft and chewy center.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to swap in different nuts or even dried fruits for a unique twist on your Banana Bread Cookies!
What to Serve with Banana Bread Cookies
Indulging in the warm sweetness of these cookies makes it easy to envision a delightful spread to accompany them!
- Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing melts beautifully over warm cookies, adding a refreshing contrast with each bite.
- Rich Hot Chocolate: The velvety chocolate will complement the banana flavors, creating a cozy treat during chilly evenings.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of vibrant fruits adds brightness and a refreshing balance, enhancing the sweet, comforting cookies.
- Nutty Granola: A crunchy sprinkle of granola brings texture and earthy notes, perfect for adding a hearty element to your cookie experience.
- Whipped Cream Topped Coffee: A creamy coffee brings warmth and is an excellent way to enjoy your cookies, especially during brunch.
- Spiced Chai Latte: The warming spices in chai resonate beautifully with the cookies' cinnamon, enhancing the cozy vibes.
These delightful options will elevate your snack time alongside those scrumptious banana bread cookies!
Banana Bread Cookies: Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to mix things up and make these cookies truly your own—your taste buds will thank you!
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Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a delicious alternative.
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Dairy-Free: Swap unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute for a lovely vegan version.
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Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts or pecans, or replace them with seeds, like sunflower or pumpkin seeds, for a delightful crunch.
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Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice alongside cinnamon for an aromatic twist that enhances the banana essence.
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Fruit Boost: Incorporate ½ cup of dried cranberries or chopped dates to elevate sweetness and add a fruity contrast.
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Chocolate Lovers: Use dark chocolate chips or chunks instead of regular chocolate chips for a richer, more intense flavor.
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Frozen Banana Bread Cookies: Freeze the cookie dough before baking! Just scoop, freeze, then bake directly from the freezer—an easy treat on demand.
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Oat Variation: For a chewier texture, swap half of the rolled oats for quick oats; they will meld beautifully into the dough!
Whether you’re whipping up a batch to share or keeping them all to yourself, these adaptations bring delightful new qualities to each cookie. If you're excited to create more scrumptious goodies, why not check out the recipe for Matcha Crinkle Cookies or indulge in the rich flavor of Butter Toffee Cookies? Enjoy your baking adventure!
Banana Bread Cookies Recipe FAQs
What are the best bananas to use for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, choose bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots. These overripe bananas bring out natural sweetness and moisture in your Banana Bread Cookies, making them irresistibly tasty.
How should I store the cookies after baking?
You can keep your Banana Bread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their life, store them in the fridge for up to a week, but remember to let them reach room temperature before indulging!
Can I freeze Banana Bread Cookies?
Definitely! To freeze your cookies, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet first and freeze for about 1 hour until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, layering parchment paper between them. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes straight from the freezer.
What should I do if my cookies turn out too dry?
If your Banana Bread Cookies are dry, it may have been due to overmixing the dough or baking them too long. To avoid this, ensure you mix just until combined and keep an eye on the oven; they should be soft in the center when you take them out. If you find yourself in a pinch, try adding a touch more mashed bananas next time for extra moisture!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Very! If you need to accommodate certain dietary needs, you can easily make these cookies gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. For nut allergies, you can simply omit the chopped walnuts or pecans and still enjoy delicious cookies. If you're looking for a dairy-free version, coconut oil is a wonderful substitute for butter.
Irresistibly Soft Banana Bread Cookies You'll Love
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- whisk
- baking sheet
- parchment paper
- Oven
Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
- 2 pieces ripe bananas mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 piece large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Dry Mix
- 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
For Extra Texture and Flavor
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup chocolate chips optional
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate the mashed bananas into the mixture, ensuring it is smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla, stirring until evenly blended.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon, then combine with the wet ingredients.
- Fold in rolled oats and optional mix-ins like chocolate chips and nuts.
- Spoon the dough onto the baking sheet, leaving space for spreading.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden but centers look soft.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
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