Remember those days huddled by the oven, the scent of warm banana bread filling the house? A true childhood comfort, isn’t it? Lately, I’ve been feeling nostalgic for that cozy feeling. I wanted to capture that same essence but in a grab-and-go, utterly delicious form. That’s how my Banana Bread Cookies were born! These aren’t your average cookie; they’re soft, moist, bursting with banana flavor, and have just a hint of cinnamon spice. They’re like a little hug in every bite.
Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Cookies
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love banana bread? These cookies take everything you adore about it—that intense banana flavor, the moist crumb, the touch of warmth—and package it into a perfect little cookie. They are:
- Super Moist: Forget dry cookies! These are unbelievably soft and moist, thanks to the mashed bananas.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is seriously simple. Perfect for beginner bakers or anyone wanting a quick treat.
- Perfect for Overripe Bananas: Got bananas that are bordering on black? This is the perfect solution. Don’t toss them!
- Customizable: We’ll explore lots of fun variations later. Chocolate chips? Walnuts? The possibilities are endless!
- Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a good cookie, and these are a guaranteed hit for bake sales, snacks, or dessert.
The Ingredient List
Here’s what you’ll need to create your batch of amazing Banana Bread Cookies. Don’t worry, most items are pantry staples!
- Bananas: 3 very ripe (the spottier, the better!), mashed (about 1 1/2 cups)
- All-Purpose Flour: 1 ½ cups
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon (crucial for lift!)
- Baking Powder: ½ teaspoon (extra puffiness)
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon
- Ground Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon
- Brown Sugar: ¾ cup, packed (adds that delicious molasses flavor)
- Granulated Sugar: ½ cup
- Egg: 1 large, lightly beaten
- Melted Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), cooled slightly
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Optional Add-Ins: ½ – 1 cup (chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, pecans, dried cranberries – see variations below!)
Baking Your Best Banana Bread Cookies: Step-by-Step
Ready to get baking? Here’s a detailed guide to ensure cookie perfection.
1. Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Whisking ensures everything is evenly distributed, which means no salty surprises!
3. Mash Those Bananas!
- In a larger bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas until they’re almost smooth. A few little lumps are fine.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
- To the mashed bananas, add the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Mix well until the sugars are mostly incorporated.
- Stir in the beaten egg and cooled melted butter.
- Add the vanilla extract. Mix until just combined – don’t overmix!
5. Combine Wet & Dry:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten and makes tough cookies. A few streaks of flour are okay.
- If using, gently fold in your favorite add-ins – chocolate chips, nuts, etc.
6. Scoop & Bake:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. They will continue to set up as they cool.
7. Cool & Enjoy:
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking.
Tips, Variations, & Serving Suggestions
Let’s customize these cookies to your liking!
- Extra Banana Flavor: Use even more ripe bananas! You can up the mashed banana to 2 cups.
- Chocolate Chip Delight: Add ½ – 1 cup of your favorite chocolate chips. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips all work wonderfully.
- Nutty Goodness: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. Use about ½ – ¾ cup.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves along with the cinnamon for a warmer, spicier flavor.
- Cranberry Orange: Substitute dried cranberries for the chocolate chips and add the zest of one orange to the wet ingredients.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to adjust the amount slightly.
- Serving Suggestions: These cookies are fantastic on their own! But you can also:
- Serve with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
- Top with cream cheese frosting for an extra decadent treat.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Warm them up slightly in the microwave for a gooey, comforting snack.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per cookie)
- Calories: 150-180
- Fat: 6-8g
- Saturated Fat: 3-4g
- Cholesterol: 15-20mg
- Sodium: 50-75mg
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Sugar: 12-15g
- Protein: 1-2g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on ingredient brands and added ingredients.
These Banana Bread Cookies are more than just a recipe; they’re a little slice of happiness. Don’t be intimidated – they’re truly easy to make. Even if you’re a novice baker, you’ll be whipping up a batch in no time. So, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of a classic reimagined! Happy baking!
