Introduction
Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, soft cookie that captures the essence of banana bread. These delightful Banana Bread Cookies are the perfect combination of flavors and textures, bringing together the sweetness of ripe bananas, the richness of butter, and the comforting aroma of cinnamon. They are an easy, scrumptious treat that you can whip up in no time and enjoy with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 cup ripe bananas, mashed (about 2 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract to the mixture and blend until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and nuts, if using.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are set.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes or Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, try adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- If you prefer a more cake-like texture, add a bit more flour until you reach your desired consistency.
Cooking Techniques
To create the perfect banana bread cookies, focus on the creaming method, ensuring your butter and sugars are well combined before adding the wet ingredients. This step is key to achieving that fluffy texture.
FAQ
- Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, you can freeze the dough or the baked cookies for up to 3 months.
- What can I use instead of chocolate chips? You can substitute with dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a different flavor.
- How can I make these cookies gluten-free? Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Cookies are not just baked treats; they’re a warm embrace on a chilly day. Perfect for any occasion, indulgence is just a batch away, allowing you to savor the sweet, comforting flavors that everyone will adore. Enjoy every bite!