Did you know that about 30% of bananas in the U.S. are tossed because they’re too ripe? But those ripe bananas are perfect for making yummy banana bread cookies! This recipe mixes the cozy taste of banana bread with the fun texture of cookies. It’s a treat you’ll love to share or enjoy all by yourself.
With just a few easy ingredients, you can make a batch of these soft, tasty cookies quickly. People who’ve tried it give it a high rating of 4.84 out of 5. It’s a favorite among cookie lovers. If you enjoy baking or want a quick banana treat, these cookies will bring warmth and a sense of home to your kitchen.
For a real banana bread taste in cookie form, try this banana bread cookies recipe. Let’s get started and learn about the ingredients, how to prepare them, and tips for the best banana bread cookies.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- A single batch yields approximately 4 dozen cookies, perfect for sharing.
- Using 3 ripe bananas enhances the sweetness and flavor of the cookies.
- The recipe is easy to follow, making it a great choice for bakers of all levels.
- The addition of chocolate chips caters to those who love a touch of chocolate.
- With a cooking time of just 12-14 minutes, you can have cookies ready in no time.
- The cookies boast a satisfying 125 calories per serving.
Introduction to Banana Bread Cookies
The evolution of banana bread into banana bread cookies is a creative twist. These cookies bring the classic taste of homemade banana bread to a new form. They are a favorite among cookie enthusiasts, offering a moist texture and comforting flavor.
These cookies use overripe bananas, making them an eco-friendly choice. They are perfect for any event, from cookie swaps to family get-togethers. Each bite brings a taste of home-baked goodness.
Baking banana bread cookies is a great way to explore new recipes. They appeal to both experienced bakers and beginners. You can try different ingredients or add-ins to make them even more special.
Benefits of Homemade Banana Bread Cookies
Making your own banana bread cookies has many perks. You can pick the ingredients, making them healthier and tastier. Using ripe bananas adds sweetness and flavor, making them a joy to eat.
Many people love homemade treats more than store-bought ones. Homemade cookies taste fresher and are of better quality. They also have fewer preservatives and less sugar and fat.
Homemade cookies can be cheaper to make than buying them. You can save money by using quality ingredients and making lots at once. This way, you can share delicious treats with your loved ones.
Baking fills your kitchen with a cozy smell and sparks creativity. You can add different nuts, spices, or chocolate chips to make them unique. It’s fun to try new flavors and textures.
Baking is a great way to bond with family and friends. It’s a fun activity that brings people together. Plus, you know exactly what’s in your cookies, making it a healthier choice. For more baking ideas, check out this helpful recipe.
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Control Over Ingredients | Create healthier versions by substituting sugars or fats. |
| Enhanced Flavor | Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness. |
| Cost-Effectiveness | Save money compared to store-bought options. |
| Customizability | Endless options for mix-ins and flavors. |
| Connecting Experience | Fosters bonding during the baking process. |
Ingredients for Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Making the perfect banana bread cookie needs a few key ingredients. Ripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture. Traditional baking components make the cookies soft, chewy, and irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need.
Key Ingredients Overview
- 3 ripe bananas – approximately 1 ½ cups mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter – melted for richness
- ¾ cup granulated sugar and ¼ cup light brown sugar – for balanced sweetness
- 2 large eggs – for binding
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – for flavor enhancement
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour – for structure
- ½ teaspoon baking soda and 1 teaspoon baking powder – for leavening
- ¼ teaspoon salt – to enhance flavors
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional) – for a delightful treat
Optional Add-ins for Customization
You can customize your quick banana cookies with various add-ins. Try these:
- Chopped walnuts – for a crunchy texture
- Dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries – to introduce different sweetness
- Different types of chocolate chips – like dark or white chocolate
- Spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg – to enhance the flavor profile
These changes make the recipe versatile and can meet dietary needs. For a healthier option, use whole grain flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can create your perfect cookie!
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ripe Bananas (mashed) | 1 ½ cups (225 g) |
| Unsalted Butter | ½ cup (113.5 g) |
| Granulated Sugar | ¾ cup (150 g) |
| Light Brown Sugar | ¼ cup (55 g) |
| Eggs | 2 large |
| Pure Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose Flour | 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) |
| Baking Soda | ½ teaspoon |
| Baking Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground Cinnamon | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Baking Delicious Banana Bread Cookies
Making banana bread cookies is easy with a few key steps. First, prepare your ingredients. Then, mix the batter. Finally, bake the cookies until they’re perfect.
Prepping the Ingredients
Start by getting all your ingredients ready. Heat your oven to 350°F and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. You’ll need:
- ½ cup of cooled, just melted butter
- ¾ cup of packed light brown sugar
- ⅓ cup of mashed ripe banana (preferably overripe for more flavor)
- 1 large egg yolk (or a vegan alternative using ground flaxseed and water)
- 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup of dark chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup of chopped walnuts (optional)
Mixing the Batter
Start by creaming the melted butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and mashed banana, mixing well. Then, add the flour and chocolate chips, mixing until just combined. If using walnuts, gently fold them in.
Baking the Cookies
Now, it’s time to bake. Use a cookie scoop to drop the dough on the baking sheets, leaving space between each cookie. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. The cookies will be soft when removed; let them cool to achieve a soft texture.
Enjoy your freshly baked banana bread cookies, perfect for sharing or enjoying yourself.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Melted Butter | ½ cup (113g) |
| Brown Sugar | ¾ cup (165g) |
| Mashed Banana | ⅓ cup (80ml) |
| Egg Yolk | 1 large |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1 ½ cups (215g) |
| Dark Chocolate Chips | ¾ cup (125g) |
| Chopped Walnuts | ⅓ cup (50g) |
Tips for Perfecting Your Banana Bread Cookies
To make the perfect banana bread cookies, follow these tips. Start with overripe bananas. Their sweetness and flavor make your cookies taste amazing.
Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can make cookies dense. Mix gently to keep them tender. Chilling the dough before baking helps cookies keep their shape.
Try rotating your baking sheets halfway through baking. This trick ensures cookies bake evenly. After baking, let cookies cool on a wire rack. This step improves their flavor and texture.
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use Overripe Bananas | Choosing ripe bananas enhances sweetness and flavor. |
| Avoid Overmixing | Mix until just combined for a light and tender cookie. |
| Chill the Dough | For firmer dough, chill before baking to maintain shape. |
| Rotate Baking Sheets | Ensure even baking by rotating halfway through cooking time. |
| Cool Cookies Completely | Allowing cookies to cool enhances texture and flavor. |
Using these tips will make your banana bread cookies delicious every time. Happy baking!
Variations on Banana Bread Cookies
Looking to mix things up? There are many tasty variations for banana bread cookies. You can shape your dough into fun shapes or make healthier versions. The options are endless.
Making Banana Bread Cookie Bars
Turn your banana bread cookie dough into bars for a chewy treat. Spread the dough in a greased pan and bake for 15-18 minutes. This makes the edges golden and the center soft.
These bars are great for sharing or as a quick snack. They’re easy to slice and add a nice touch to any dessert.
Creating Healthy Banana Bread Cookies
Want to make healthier banana bread cookies? Try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for more fiber. Cutting down on sugar and adding rolled oats or nuts boosts nutrition without losing flavor.
This way, you can enjoy tasty cookies that fit your diet. By tweaking ingredients, you keep the banana flavor while making a healthier choice.
For more baking ideas, check out recipes like Thanksgiving Cornucopia Cookies. They can spark your creativity in the kitchen.
Storing Your Homemade Banana Bread Cookies
Storing banana bread cookies right keeps them fresh and tasty. You can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them. Wrap each cookie in plastic wrap, then put them in a freezer bag.
This keeps them from getting freezer burn and keeps them soft. When you want to eat them, just thaw them at room temperature. This way, they stay moist and delicious.
For even longer storage, freeze them without frosting for up to three months. This lets you enjoy your cookies later.
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Airtight Container at Room Temperature | Up to 1 week | Best for immediate consumption. |
| Freezing (Wrapped & in a Bag) | Up to 3 months | Thaw at room temperature before serving. |
| Refrigerator | Up to 5 days | Use for unfrosted or frosted cookies. |
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
This banana bread cookie recipe is a mix of banana bread’s comfort and cookies’ charm. It’s quick to make and cooks fast. You’ll get 20 cookies in just 25 minutes.
The cookies are soft and sweet, thanks to ripe bananas and chocolate chips. They’re a smart way to use up overripe bananas. Perfect for family fun or a quick snack, they bring back memories and are easy to make.
Each cookie has about 194 calories, 30g of carbs, and 3g of protein. Baking at 375 degrees for 9-11 minutes gets them just right. Chill the dough for 30 minutes and use a cookie scoop for even sizes.
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 194 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Sodium | 121 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 13 g |
| Cholesterol | 25 mg |
The best banana bread cookie recipe is loved for its taste, nostalgia, and ease. These cookies are not just tasty but also memorable. They’re perfect for any event.
Conclusion
This easy banana bread cookie recipe combines the tasty flavors of banana bread into a cookie. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy homemade banana bread cookies without the long baking time. This guide covers everything from ingredients to storage, helping you make these treats at home.
Each cookie has 203 calories, making it a satisfying treat without losing flavor. The sweet aroma while baking is amazing. Plus, the warm texture in every bite is comforting. You can add chocolate chips or nuts to make it your own.
Now, you’re all set to start baking. Enjoy making cookies that taste great and bring back happy memories. Your kitchen will fill with the scent of banana bread cookies. Your loved ones will love the effort you put into making them.
