If you’re looking for a sweet and satisfying treat, banana cookies are the way to go! These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with banana flavor, making them the perfect snack or dessert. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, this recipe will have your kitchen smelling heavenly in no time. Whether you’re using overripe bananas or just want to indulge in a unique cookie, this recipe is a must-try for any banana lover.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is around 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 12-15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each cookie (approximately 1 cookie) contains about 120 calories, 5g of fat, 18g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein. This nutritional information is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract to the mixture; stir until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined.
- If desired, fold in the chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option. Additionally, use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a healthier sweetener, or add nuts for extra crunch.
Serving and Pairings
These banana cookies are perfect on their own but can be paired with a glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Not using ripe bananas will result in less flavor.
- Skipping the chilling time can affect the cookie texture.
- Baking at too high a temperature can burn the cookies.
- Not spacing the cookies properly can cause them to stick together.
Helpful Tips
- Use overripe bananas for the best flavor.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for chewier cookies.
- Experiment with add-ins like nuts or dried fruit.
- Use parchment paper for easy clean-up.
- Keep an eye on the cookies while baking to avoid burning.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work well! Just thaw them and drain any excess moisture before mashing.
How can I make these cookies healthier?
You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly for a healthier version.
Can I add nuts to the banana cookies?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
What’s the best way to store banana cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes, you can use a flax egg or applesauce as a substitute for eggs in this recipe.
Conclusion
Banana cookies are a delightful way to use up ripe bananas while creating a delicious treat. With their soft texture and sweet flavor, they are perfect for any occasion. Enjoy these cookies fresh out of the oven or as a snack throughout the week!
Banana Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract to the mixture; stir until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined.
- If desired, fold in the chocolate chips.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
