If you love banana bread but want a fun, bite-sized twist, these Banana Bread Cookies are for you! Soft, chewy, and packed with the classic flavors of banana bread, these cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. With optional add-ins like nuts and chocolate chips, they’re customizable to suit your taste. Let’s bake up a batch!
Ingredients
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (approximately 2-3 medium bananas) 🍌
1 teaspoon lemon juice 🍋
2 cups all-purpose flour 🍚
1/2 teaspoon baking soda 🥄
1/4 teaspoon salt 🧂
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
1/2 cup granulated sugar 🍚
1/2 cup packed brown sugar 🍚
1 large egg 🥚
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
1 cup chopped nuts (optional) 🌰
1 cup chocolate chips (optional) 🍫
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Bananas
In a small bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to keep the bananas from browning and to add a subtle tangy flavor. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the 1/2 cup of softened butter, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 5: Add the Wet Ingredients
Beat in the 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 6: Incorporate the Bananas
Gradually add the banana mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until fully incorporated.
Step 7: Add the Dry Ingredients
Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
Step 8: Add Optional Mix-Ins
If desired, fold in 1 cup of chopped nuts and/or 1 cup of chocolate chips into the cookie dough.
Step 9: Drop the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 10: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown.
Step 11: Cool the Cookies
Let the cookies sit on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set, then carefully transfer them to wire racks to cool completely.
Step 12: Enjoy!
Once cooled, enjoy these soft, chewy, and flavorful Banana Bread Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.
Tips and Variations
- Add Spices: Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.
- Use Different Mix-Ins: Customize the cookies by adding dried fruit, shredded coconut, or white chocolate chips instead of nuts or chocolate chips.
- Make It Healthier: Replace half of the butter with unsweetened applesauce and use whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
- Freeze the Dough: Shape the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a resealable bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Banana Bread in Cookie Form: All the flavors of banana bread in a convenient, portable cookie.
✅ Soft and Chewy: These cookies have the perfect texture—soft in the center with slightly crispy edges.
✅ Customizable: Incorporate your favorite mix-ins to create a cookie that’s uniquely yours.
✅ Great for Using Overripe Bananas: A tasty solution for those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
Cooling Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Servings: About 24 cookies
These Banana Bread Cookies are a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Whether you’re baking them for a party or just because, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy! 🍌🍪😊
Final Thoughts
This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the comforting flavors of banana bread in a fun, bite-sized form. The soft, chewy texture and customizable mix-ins make these cookies a versatile and crowd-pleasing treat. So grab those ripe bananas, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these delicious cookies!