Banana Bread Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Perfectly Sweet

Banana bread lovers will adore these soft, chewy, and perfectly sweet banana bread cookies! These treats combine the comforting flavors of banana bread with the delightful texture of a cookie, making them an irresistible snack or dessert. Packed with ripe bananas, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla, they offer a familiar, yet unique twist on the classic banana bread. Whether you’re craving something indulgent or looking for a way to use up overripe bananas, these banana bread cookies are sure to hit the spot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These banana bread cookies are a fun and creative spin on the traditional banana bread recipe. They’re the ideal option if you love banana bread but want something more portable and bite-sized. The cookies have the same moist, tender texture as banana bread but in a cookie form, making them perfect for on-the-go snacks, lunchboxes, or casual gatherings. The chewy centers and crispy edges give you the best of both worlds, while the subtle sweetness of ripe bananas balances perfectly with warm hints of cinnamon and vanilla.

In addition to their delicious taste, these cookies are relatively simple to make and don’t require any special equipment. They come together quickly, with minimal prep and cook time. Plus, the cookies are versatile—feel free to customize them with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit to elevate the flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• Ripe bananas
• Butter
• Sugar
• Brown sugar
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Optional add-ins: chocolate chips, walnuts, or dried fruit

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking and to ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth, leaving a few small chunks for texture. Then, add the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar to the mashed bananas. Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to beat the ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract. Continue to mix until everything is well combined.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients and ensures the cookies will rise properly.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in dense cookies.
6. Add Optional Ingredients: If you’re using any optional add-ins, such as chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or dried fruit, gently fold them into the dough at this stage.
7. Shape the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
8. Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the centers are set. Keep an eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
9. Cool and Serve: Once the cookies are done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle.

Enjoy your banana bread cookies with a glass of milk, a hot cup of tea, or just as a tasty treat on their own!

Variations

• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies: Add a generous handful of semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips to the dough for a sweet, melty surprise in every bite.
• Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds can be chopped and mixed into the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Dried Fruit: If you enjoy a bit of chewiness, try adding dried cranberries, raisins, or even chopped dried apricots for a fruity twist.
• Spices: Enhance the flavor of your cookies with additional spices like nutmeg or allspice. A dash of ground ginger can also add a warm, spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free. Be sure to also check that your baking powder and soda are gluten-free.
• Vegan: For a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or a chia egg.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size of the dough scoops.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: These banana bread cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. To keep them fresh, place a piece of parchment paper between layers of cookies to prevent sticking.

Freezing: If you want to keep the cookies for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat the cookies, simply place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, you can warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work great in this recipe! Just make sure to thaw them before mashing them. You may also want to drain any excess liquid from the thawed bananas to avoid making the dough too wet.

2. Can I make these cookies without brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar for brown sugar. However, brown sugar adds a slight molasses flavor and extra moisture, which enhances the overall taste and texture of the cookies.

3. How ripe should the bananas be?

For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. Overripe bananas are the sweetest and will provide the best texture for these cookies.

4. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. Keep in mind that this may result in a denser cookie, but it will still be delicious. You might want to try using half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour for a lighter texture.

5. Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Yes, a hand mixer works just fine for this recipe. It’s perfect for mixing the wet ingredients and incorporating the dry ingredients without overworking the dough.

6. Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?

Absolutely! You can adjust the size of the cookies by using more or less dough for each scoop. Just keep in mind that smaller cookies may bake a bit faster, while larger ones might need extra time in the oven.

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

The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown and the centers have set. They should not be too soft in the center, and a light press should leave a slight indentation without the dough sticking to your finger.

8. Can I add oats to these cookies?

Yes, adding oats can give your cookies an extra texture and a slightly heartier bite. Try adding about 1/2 cup of old-fashioned oats for a new twist on the classic recipe.

9. Can I use coconut flour instead of regular flour?

Coconut flour is highly absorbent and behaves differently from all-purpose flour. If you want to use coconut flour, you’ll need to adjust the quantities and add extra moisture. A good starting point would be to use 1/4 cup coconut flour and increase the number of eggs to ensure the dough holds together.

10. Can I make these cookies in advance for a party or event?

Yes! These cookies store well, so you can bake them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve. They’ll stay fresh for several days, making them a great make-ahead option.

Conclusion

These banana bread cookies are the perfect treat for banana bread lovers who want to enjoy their favorite flavors in a new and convenient form. With their soft, chewy centers, sweet banana flavor, and endless customization options, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy them as a quick snack or share them with friends and family, these cookies bring all the best parts of banana bread into a delicious bite-sized cookie. Try them today and experience the magic for yourself!

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