Banana Bread Cookies

Introduction

Banana Bread Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic banana bread we all know and love. I was looking for a quick, easy treat that would be perfect for an afternoon snack, and these cookies exceeded my expectations! They combine the sweet, comforting flavor of banana bread with the soft, chewy texture of a cookie. With just six simple ingredients, this recipe is perfect for those moments when you need something sweet but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen. My family absolutely loved them, and I was thrilled to see how easily they disappeared from the cookie jar. If you’re a fan of banana bread and cookies alike, these Banana Bread Cookies will become your new go-to recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Cookies Recipe

If you’re a banana bread fan, you’ll absolutely adore these Banana Bread Cookies. They capture all the rich, sweet banana flavor in a convenient, bite-sized form. With only six ingredients, they come together quickly and don’t require any special kitchen tools or equipment. The soft and chewy texture is perfect for a cookie, and the flavor is as comforting as your favorite loaf of banana bread, with a slight crispness on the edges for that perfect balance of chewy and crunchy. Plus, the recipe uses simple pantry staples, making it ideal for when you have a ripe banana sitting on the counter and want to whip up something delicious without much effort.

Ingredients

To make these delicious Banana Bread Cookies, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Making these Banana Bread Cookies is a breeze! Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth. Add the sugar and melted butter, mixing everything together until it’s well combined. The sweetness of the banana and sugar will blend beautifully with the butter to create a soft, luscious base for the cookies.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough—this will ensure your cookies stay soft and tender.
4. Scoop and Shape the Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1-2 inches apart. The dough will spread slightly during baking, so give them some room to spread.
5. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies turn golden brown. You’ll start to notice the delicious banana aroma filling your kitchen as they bake.
6. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these warm, soft, and irresistible cookies with a cup of tea or coffee!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Here are the nutritional details for each cookie based on a batch that makes about 12 cookies:

• Serving Size: 1 cookie
• Calories: 95 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

How to Serve

Banana Bread Cookies are a versatile treat and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• With a Hot Beverage: These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee, tea, or even a glass of milk. The sweet banana flavor complements hot drinks beautifully.
• As a Snack: Perfect for a quick snack, these cookies are satisfying and easy to grab on the go.
• As a Dessert: Serve them as a light dessert after a meal, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
• Packed for Lunch: These cookies are great for lunch boxes or picnics. They’re easy to pack and don’t require refrigeration.
• For Sharing: Bring them to a party or share them with friends and family during the holidays or special occasions. They’re sure to be a hit!

Additional Tips

1. Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful the cookies will be. Overripe bananas that are brown and spotty are perfect for this recipe.
2. Make Them Healthier: Try swapping the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to make these cookies a little more wholesome.
3. Add Mix-ins: Get creative by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit like raisins or cranberries to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
4. Don’t Overmix: Be sure to stir the dough until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough instead of soft and tender.
5. Make Mini Cookies: If you prefer smaller cookies, reduce the size of each scoop and bake for a shorter time (around 6-8 minutes). This will create bite-sized treats that are perfect for snacking.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen bananas?
   Yes, you can use frozen bananas for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and mash them before using.
2. Can I substitute the butter?
   Yes, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil for a dairy-free option.
3. How long do these cookies stay fresh?
   These cookies will stay fresh for about 3-4 days at room temperature if stored in an airtight container.
4. Can I freeze these cookies?
   Yes! Once baked, you can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
5. What can I use instead of sugar?
   You can substitute sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia or erythritol for a healthier option.
6. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   To make these cookies gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent.
7. Can I add chocolate chips to these cookies?
   Yes, chocolate chips are a great addition! Just fold in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips to the dough before scooping it onto the baking sheet.
8. What is the best way to mash bananas?
   The best way to mash bananas is with a fork or potato masher. You want the bananas to be smooth with no lumps.
9. Can I double the recipe?
   Absolutely! Simply double the ingredients and bake the cookies in batches. Keep an eye on the baking time, as larger batches might require a little extra time in the oven.
10. Why are my cookies not spreading?
    If your cookies are not spreading, it could be due to overmixing the dough, which makes it too thick. Make sure to only stir until the ingredients are just combined.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of banana bread but is looking for a quick and easy version. With just six simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, these cookies come together quickly and are ideal for snacking, sharing, or even serving as a dessert. Their soft, chewy texture and naturally sweet banana flavor make them irresistible to all ages. Whether you’re using overripe bananas or simply looking for a fun new cookie recipe, these Banana Bread Cookies are sure to become a family favorite.

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