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| Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Cookies Recipe |
If you love banana bread and cookies equally, you are about to experience the best of both worlds! Banana Bread Cookies are soft, chewy, packed with sweet banana flavor, and sprinkled with hints of cinnamon and brown sugar warmth.
These cookies are perfect when you have ripe bananas waiting to be used but want something more snackable than traditional banana bread. Whether for a cozy breakfast, afternoon treat, or dessert, these cookies are sure to be a new household favorite.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to master Banana Bread Cookies right in your kitchen!
🛠️ Recipe Preparation Equipment
Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools. Good preparation makes baking smooth and enjoyable!
- Mixing bowls (medium and large)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk and spatula
- Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Cookie scoop (optional, but helpful for even cookies)
- Wire cooling rack
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Banana Bread Cookies ?
Gather these easy-to-find ingredients to create soft and delicious banana bread cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium ripe banana (mashed, about ½ cup)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: ½ cup mini chocolate chips
🥣 How to Make Easy Banana Bread Cookies Step-by-Step ?
Let’s walk through the process of making these mouthwatering cookies!
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| Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Cookies Recipe |
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This will evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy — about 2-3 minutes. Creaming creates air pockets that make the cookies soft!
Step 4: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Banana
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Then mix in the mashed banana. The batter may look slightly curdled at this stage, but that’s normal!
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Mix on low speed just until combined — avoid overmixing. Gently fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and lightly golden.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or room temperature!
🔀 Variations for Banana Bread Cookies
Banana Bread Cookies are a blank canvas for creativity! Love chocolate? Fold in a generous helping of chocolate chips for a banana-choco twist. Prefer nuts? Walnuts or pecans add a wonderful crunch and earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet banana.
Want a healthful option? Replace half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a hearty version. For a more decadent cookie, drizzle them with cream cheese frosting or caramel glaze after cooling.
You could even mix in dried cranberries or shredded coconut for tropical flair. To enhance the spice notes, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or clove along with the cinnamon. The possibilities are endless tailor the cookies to match your taste!
🍳 Cooking Note
Baking these cookies to perfection requires a few key points to remember. First, be sure to use very ripe bananas they should have brown speckles on the skin for maximum sweetness and moisture. When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid packing too much, which can result in dense cookies. Also, don’t overmix the batter once the dry ingredients are added; overmixing can create a tough texture.
Bake the cookies just until the edges are set; they might look slightly underbaked in the center, but they’ll continue cooking as they cool on the baking sheet. Finally, allow your cookies to cool completely before storing them to prevent sogginess.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Banana Bread Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee for a cozy breakfast treat, or serve alongside a glass of cold milk for an afternoon pick-me-up.
For a more indulgent dessert, sandwich two cookies together with a layer of cream cheese frosting or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
These cookies also make charming additions to brunch spreads, potlucks, and holiday cookie trays. If gifting, wrap them individually in parchment paper and tie with twine for a rustic, homemade touch.
🧠 Helpful Tips
For best results, keep these tips in mind:
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor the browner, the better!
- Measure flour correctly to avoid heavy cookies.
- Soften butter properly, but don't melt it. Room temperature butter creates the best texture.
- Mix the dough gently to maintain tenderness.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if it seems too soft; it helps the cookies hold shape better.
- Use a cookie scoop to ensure even sizing and consistent baking.
- Don’t overbake! The cookies should be soft when removed from the oven.
- Cool cookies completely before storing in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
🌟 Tips for the Best Banana Bread Cookies
If you want truly unforgettable Banana Bread Cookies, choose the ripest bananas you can find they make all the difference! Use brown sugar in addition to granulated sugar to add a deep caramel flavor and soft chewiness.
A little cinnamon brings warmth and balances the sweetness perfectly. Don’t skimp on creaming the butter and sugars; it sets the foundation for fluffy cookies.
Finally, bake at the right temperature (350°F) and remove the cookies when the edges are set but the centers still look soft. They’ll finish baking as they cool, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth perfection!
⏰ Timing Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
🥗 Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate)
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 85mg
(Note: Nutrition may vary depending on add-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.)
❓ FAQs about Banana Bread Cookies
Q: Can I freeze Banana Bread Cookies?
A: Yes! Freeze the cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Q: How do I store these cookies?
A: Store Banana Bread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Q: Can I use bananas that aren’t fully ripe?
A: It's better to use overripe bananas for sweeter flavor and better texture, but you can bake with ripe bananas in a pinch.
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Prepare the dough, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
🎉 Conclusion
Banana Bread Cookies are an irresistibly delicious treat that captures the beloved flavors of classic banana bread in soft, chewy cookie form. They are simple to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for nearly any occasion.
Whether you're satisfying a sweet craving, using up ripe bananas, or baking for a gathering, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.
With their cozy, nostalgic flavor and heavenly texture, Banana Bread Cookies will quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection. Now that you have all the tips and tricks, it’s time to grab those ripe bananas and bake a batch (or two)!
Happy baking!
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