Soft and chewy Banana Bread Cookies combine the best of banana bread and cookies. Easy to make, they’re perfect for any occasion!
Introduction
If you’re a fan of banana bread but crave the portability of cookies, these soft and chewy Banana Bread Cookies are the perfect treat for you. They bring together the moist and flavorful essence of banana bread with the delightful texture of a cookie. Perfect for breakfast on the go, an afternoon snack, or even dessert, these cookies will leave everyone asking for the recipe. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these cookies are a no-fuss solution to using up overripe bananas. Whether paired with a cup of coffee or enjoyed solo, Banana Bread Cookies are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir in the oats, walnuts, and chocolate chips, if using, until evenly combined.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 7: Cool
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Prepare
These cookies are easy to make and require no special equipment. The key is to not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cookies soft and tender.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings
Yields about 24 cookies.
FAQs
1. Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, portion the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen.
2. Can I make these gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
3. How do I store these cookies?
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
4. Can I omit the walnuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! The cookies are delicious even without the extras.
5. What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
Ripen bananas quickly by baking them at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes until the skins turn black. Let cool before using.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Cookies are the best of both worlds—soft, chewy, and packed with banana flavor. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or looking for a unique twist on a classic, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Customize with nuts or chocolate chips to suit your taste, and enjoy these delightful cookies anytime!
