Soft Banana Bread Cookies Recipe

why make this recipe

Soft Banana Bread Cookies are the perfect blend of comfort and sweetness. They are soft, chewy, and incredibly wholesome. When you have overripe bananas sitting on your counter, this recipe is a fantastic way to make use of them. The rich flavor of bananas combines beautifully with oats, spices, and optional add-ins like walnuts and chocolate chips.

This recipe is not just for cookies; it’s a way to celebrate the delightful taste of bananas while enjoying a treat that feels homey and satisfying. Banana Bread Cookies are great for any occasion—whether you’re making them for a snack, dessert, or even breakfast on the go. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

how to make Soft Banana Bread Cookies

Making Soft Banana Bread Cookies is straightforward. Follow these step-by-step directions, and you’ll have delicious cookies ready to enjoy in no time.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional, for crunch)
• ½ cup chocolate chips (optional, for sweetness)

Directions:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This step helps your cookies spread evenly and keeps cleanup easy.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas and softened butter. Using a fork or a whisk, mix them together until smooth. Then add the brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat the mix until everything is well combined and creamy.

Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Ensure there are no lumps in the flour mixture. The spices add warmth and flavor, enhancing the taste of the banana cookies.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Gently fold them together until just combined. It’s important not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough. You want to maintain the light and soft texture.

Step 5: Fold in the Extras

If you’re using oats, walnuts, or chocolate chips, fold them into the cookie dough now. The rolled oats add a nice texture, walnuts provide a satisfying crunch, and chocolate chips bring sweetness. Feel free to customize the mix-ins based on your preferences!

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each cookie, as they will spread a little while baking. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown. The cookies may look slightly underbaked in the center; that’s okay! They will continue to cook once you take them out of the oven.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your Soft Banana Bread Cookies warm or at room temperature!

how to serve Soft Banana Bread Cookies

These cookies are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious dessert. Pair them with a cup of coffee, tea, or milk for a cozy snack or breakfast. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can even drizzle a little honey or maple syrup on top before serving.

how to store Soft Banana Bread Cookies

To keep your Soft Banana Bread Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should last for about 3-4 days. If you want them to last longer, you can also freeze them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then transfer them to a zip-lock bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer. They will keep for about 2-3 months. Thaw them at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again!

tips to make Soft Banana Bread Cookies

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas that are brown and spotty for the best results.

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough.

• Adjust the Flavor: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you don’t have nutmeg, you can leave it out or use all cinnamon.

• Temperature Matters: Bring your butter and egg to room temperature before mixing. This will help create a smoother batter and better texture in the cookie.

• Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding different nuts, dried fruits, or even peanut butter chips in place of chocolate chips for a unique twist.

variation

If you want to switch things up, consider these fun variations on the Soft Banana Bread Cookies recipe:

• Vegan Version: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) in place of the egg for a vegan-friendly option.

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

• Add Fruits: Incorporate small pieces of dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or even fresh blueberries for added flavor and texture.

• Peanut Butter Banana Cookies: Swirl in some peanut butter into the cookie dough for a delicious peanut butter-banana flavor combo.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?

Yes! Frozen bananas work just as well. Make sure to thaw them and drain any excess moisture before mashing.

2. What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar. If you want to replicate the molasses flavor, add a teaspoon of molasses to white sugar.

3. How can I make these cookies healthier?

You can reduce the sugar or use healthier substitutes like honey or maple syrup. You can also replace some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for added nutrition.

4. Can I leave out the nuts and chocolate chips?

Absolutely! The base cookie recipe works perfectly well without any add-ins. You can keep it simple or customize it to your taste.

5. How do I know when the cookies are done?

The cookies are done when the edges are lightly browned, and the centers look slightly underbaked. They will firm up as they cool.

Soft Banana Bread Cookies are easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With their soft texture and sweet flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or as a snack later, you can’t go wrong with this delightful recipe. Happy baking!

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