Looking for a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of banana bread in a chewy cookie form? Look no further than these Banana Bread Cookies. These cookies offer the perfect blend of sweetness and warmth, making them ideal for snacking, dessert, or even a special breakfast indulgence.
Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Cookies
- Classic Comfort: Infuses the classic banana bread taste into a chewy cookie.
- Versatile Treat: Ideal for any time of day, from a quick snack to a sweet breakfast.
- Nutty Goodness: Options to add walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch.
- Customizable Delight: Optional glaze adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.
Ingredients
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cookies.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cookie’s texture.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and moisture.
- Large Egg: Functions as a binding agent for the cookie dough.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a fragrant and sweet flavor.
- Ripe Banana: Imparts the classic banana bread taste and adds moisture.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base ingredient for the cookie dough.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise during baking.
- Baking Powder: Acts as a leavening agent for light, fluffy cookies.
- Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
- Ground Cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm and cozy hint of spice.
- Walnuts or Pecans (optional): Adds a nutty crunch to the cookies.
- Chocolate Chips or Raisins (optional): Enhances the cookies with bursts of sweetness.
How to Make Banana Bread Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed banana. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then fold in the nuts and chocolate chips or raisins if desired.
Step 2: Form and Bake the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto a baking sheet. Bake the cookies in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Let them cool on a wire rack.
Storage Tips
Store these Banana Bread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat frozen cookies in a preheated oven for a few minutes to enjoy them warm and fresh.
Variations and Substitutions
- Healthier Twist: Substitute some of the butter with mashed avocado for a healthier fat alternative.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version of these cookies.
- Spiced Glaze: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the glaze for a spiced kick.
- Dried Fruit Mix-Ins: Swap out the chocolate chips or raisins for dried cranberries, apricots, or dates for a fruity twist.
What to Serve With Banana Bread Cookies
- Beverage Pairing: Enjoy these cookies with a glass of cold milk, a warm cup of tea, or a refreshing iced coffee.
- Fruit Accompaniment: Serve with a side of fresh sliced strawberries or a medley of mixed berries.
- Ice Cream Topping: Top a warm cookie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Yogurt Parfait: Crumble a cookie over a bowl of Greek yogurt and drizzle with honey for a flavorful snack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Freeze the Cookie Dough ?
Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough. Form the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Can I Substitute Butter with a Non-Dairy Option ?
Yes, you can use margarine or a plant-based butter spread as a substitute for the unsalted butter in this recipe.
How Can I Make These Cookies Vegan ?
Replace the egg with a flax or chia egg, use a plant-based butter, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free to make this recipe vegan-friendly.
Can I Omit the Glaze ?
Absolutely! These cookies are delicious on their own without the added glaze. Simply skip that step for a simpler version.
After baking these Banana Bread Cookies, you can expect a delightful aroma to fill your kitchen, reminiscent of fresh banana bread straight from the oven. Each bite offers a perfect blend of banana sweetness, nutty crunch, and a hint of cinnamon, creating a comforting and satisfying treat for any occasion.
Banana Bread Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter softened
- 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 Large Egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 Ripe Banana mashed
- 1 1/2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon (optional)
Optional Mix-Ins
- Walnuts or Pecans
- Chocolate Chips or Raisins
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Start by creaming together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed banana. In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then fold in the nuts and chocolate chips or raisins if desired. - Step 2: Form and Bake the Cookies
Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto a baking sheet. Bake the cookies in a preheated oven until golden brown and cooked through. Let them cool on a wire rack.