Banana cookies are a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the comforting texture of homemade cookies. This recipe is not only incredibly simple but also allows you to enjoy a guilt-free snack that satisfies your sweet tooth. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert or a nutritious snack option for the kids, these banana cookies fit the bill perfectly. Made with minimal ingredients, they can be prepared in under thirty minutes from start to finish. The aroma of fresh-baked cookies wafting through your kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds! Plus, this recipe is highly customizable; you can add nuts or chocolate chips to make them even more indulgent. So gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up a batch of these delicious banana cookies that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This banana cookies
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from bananas and whole grains, these cookies offer a wholesome alternative to traditional snacks
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for banana cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are well-mashed and overripe for maximum sweetness and flavor in your cookies.
- All-Purpose Flour: This serves as the base for the cookie dough; you can substitute it with whole wheat flour if desired.
- Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and richness; light brown sugar works best but dark brown sugar can provide a deeper flavor.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and creates that perfect soft texture.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors in the cookie dough.
- Butter or Coconut Oil: Provides richness; use unsalted butter for better control over salt content.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make banana cookies
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while preparing your cookie dough. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
In a large bowl, mash two ripe bananas using a fork until smooth. The more mashed they are, the better they will blend into your cookie dough.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Add melted butter (or coconut oil) and brown sugar to the mashed bananas. Stir until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Step 5: Scoop onto Baking Sheet
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet about two inches apart.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly browned. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
Serve warm alongside milk or coffee!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter your cookies will be—look for ones with lots of spots!
- Add-ins Galore: Feel free to enhance flavors by adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before baking.
- Storage Tips: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days to maintain freshness.
How to Serve banana cookies
This banana cookies is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Ice Cream: The warm, soft cookie contrasts beautifully with the cold, creamy texture of ice cream.
- Fresh Fruit: Sliced strawberries or a citrus salad add a refreshing element that balances the sweetness.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm drink enhances the flavors of the banana cookies and makes for a cozy snack.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough for banana cookies up to two days in advance. Simply mix all ingredients and chill the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the final taste when baked.
- Storing: Store leftover banana cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer where they can last for up to three months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags to maintain freshness.
- Reheating: To enjoy banana cookies warm again, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. This method keeps them soft and delicious.
FAQs :
What ingredients do I need to make banana cookies?
To create delicious banana cookies, you will need ripe bananas, flour, sugar, butter, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. The ripe bananas are key as they provide natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies. You can use all-purpose flour or substitute a portion with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. Sugar balances the flavors; however, consider using brown sugar for a richer taste. Butter adds richness and helps achieve that perfect texture. Baking soda is essential for leavening, making your cookies light and fluffy. A pinch of salt enhances the flavors. Optional ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts can elevate your banana cookies further.
How ripe should my bananas be for banana cookies?
The best bananas for making banana cookies are those that are very ripe. Look for bananas that have turned mostly brown or have dark spots. These bananas will be soft and sweet, which is ideal for baking. The sweetness from overripe bananas means you can often reduce the added sugar in your recipe without compromising flavor. If you don’t have overly ripe bananas on hand, you can speed up the ripening process by placing them in a brown paper bag with an apple or tomato overnight. This method traps ethylene gas and helps the bananas ripen more quickly.
Can I freeze banana cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze banana cookie dough! Freezing is a fantastic way to prepare ahead of time while preventing food waste. Once you’ve mixed the dough, scoop it into individual portions using a cookie scoop or spoon onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze these scoops until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and bake the frozen dough straight from the freezer; just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
How long do banana cookies last?
Banana cookies typically last about 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want them to stay fresh even longer, consider refrigerating them; they can last up to 10 days in the fridge when properly sealed. For extended storage, freezing is an excellent option as well; frozen banana cookies maintain their quality for about three months. To enjoy them later, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them slightly in the microwave before serving.
Can I substitute ingredients in banana cookie recipes?
Absolutely! Substituting ingredients in banana cookie recipes can cater to dietary preferences and enhance flavors. For example, if you’re looking for a healthier option, replace regular butter with coconut oil or use applesauce instead of sugar for moisture and sweetness. Gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or oat flour work well if you want gluten-free options. Dairy-free chocolate chips can be used instead of traditional ones if you’re avoiding dairy products altogether.
Are there any variations for banana cookies?
Definitely! Banana cookies are versatile and can be customized in many ways. You might try adding different mix-ins such as chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunchiness or shredded coconut for tropical flair. Spice it up by incorporating cinnamon or nutmeg into your dough for warmth and depth of flavor. For chocolate lovers, consider swirling in peanut butter or Nutella before baking to create swirled treats that combine flavors beautifully.
Conclusion :
In summary, banana cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make with simple ingredients like ripe bananas and basic pantry staples. They offer great versatility through substitutions and variations tailored to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Whether you choose to add nuts, chocolate chips, or spices, each batch provides a delightful treat that everyone will love. Remember that using very ripe bananas enhances sweetness naturally while keeping added sugars at bay. Lastly, freezing cookie dough allows flexibility so that you can enjoy freshly baked banana cookies whenever cravings strike!
Print
Banana Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade banana cookies, where the natural sweetness of ripe bananas meets a soft, chewy texture. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings, these cookies are not only simple to make but also customizable with your favorite add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts. In just under 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch that’s sure to please everyone at home. Whether enjoyed as a quick snack or dessert, these banana cookies are a guilt-free treat that brings warmth and joy to any occasion.
Ingredients
- – 2 ripe bananas
- – 1 cup all-purpose flour (or whole wheat flour)
- – 1/2 cup brown sugar
- – 1/4 cup melted butter (or coconut oil)
- – 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- – A pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mash the ripe bananas in a bowl until smooth.
3. Mix in the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold this mixture into the wet ingredients.
5. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet about two inches apart.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until lightly browned on the edges. Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
– Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness.
– Feel free to add chocolate chips or chopped nuts for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 1g
