Soft, chewy, and brimming with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, these Banana Bread Cookies are an irresistible twist on the classic banana bread. Perfect for snacks, desserts, or sharing with friends, this easy recipe is a delightful way to use up overripe bananas in a fun and portable form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 22 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Uses Pantry Staples: No need for special ingredients.
- Great for Ripe Bananas: A delicious way to avoid wasting overripe bananas.
- Soft and Chewy: A perfect texture that melts in your mouth.
- Customizable: Add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to make it your own.
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
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
- In a medium mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana. Add sugar and melted butter, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure soft cookies.
- Scoop the Dough:
- Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve:
- Enjoy your Banana Bread Cookies plain or sprinkle them with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 cookies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
- Nutty Addition: Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Spiced Flavor: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting taste.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute for a gluten-free treat.
- Frosted Cookies: Drizzle with a light glaze or cream cheese frosting for extra indulgence.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: For a freshly baked feel, warm cookies in the microwave for 5-10 seconds.
FAQs
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double all the ingredients to make a larger batch.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, brown sugar will add a richer, molasses-like flavor.
What’s the best banana ripeness for this recipe?
Overripe bananas with brown spots work best for maximum sweetness and flavor.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour.
What mix-ins work well with these cookies?
Try chocolate chips, raisins, shredded coconut, or chopped nuts.
How do I make the cookies softer?
Avoid overbaking and ensure you don’t overmix the dough.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut or cane sugar for a vegan option.
What can I pair with these cookies?
Enjoy with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk for a perfect snack or dessert.
Can I use a different fruit?
You can substitute the banana with mashed pumpkin or applesauce, but the flavor will change.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Cookies are a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet cravings while using up overripe bananas. Their soft, chewy texture and delightful banana flavor make them a hit for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain, with mix-ins, or topped with frosting, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your household. Bake a batch today and savor the comforting flavors of banana bread in cookie form!
Explore More Delightful Recipes
If you loved our Banana Bread Cookies, be sure to check out these mouthwatering recipes on Clap Recipes:
- Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies – Indulge in rich and chewy cookies filled with velvety chocolate ganache. Perfect for any chocolate lover.
- Raspberry-Filled Almond Snow Cookies – Enjoy soft almond cookies with sweet raspberry jam, finished with a light dusting of powdered sugar. A festive treat for any occasion.
- Small Batch Chocolate Chip Cookies – Bake just enough for a cozy treat. These small-batch cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without leftovers.
These recipes are perfect complements to the Banana Bread Cookies and will add variety to your dessert collection. Give them a try!