Banana Cookies

Introduction

Banana cookies are a delightful treat that brings together the warm, comforting flavors of ripe bananas and the sweetness of brown sugar. This recipe has become a favorite in my household, especially when we have overripe bananas that need using up. The cookies come out soft and chewy, making them perfect for an afternoon snack or a cozy dessert after dinner. My family loves how easy they are to make, and the aroma that fills the kitchen while they bake is simply irresistible.

These cookies also offer a unique twist compared to traditional chocolate chip cookies, with the banana providing a natural sweetness and moistness. Plus, they are incredibly versatile—great for kids and adults alike!

Let’s dive into the deliciousness of banana cookies!

Ingredients

• 1 ⅔ cups (217 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (210 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup (56 g) mashed ripe banana
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, room temperature

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375ºF (190ºC). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the mashed banana, vanilla extract, and egg until everything is well blended. The banana will add a lovely flavor and moisture to your cookies.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually stir the flour mixture into the banana mixture using a silicone spatula. Be sure to combine everything until just blended; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
6. Scoop the Cookies: Using a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop rounded mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. Bake: Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly browned around the edges.
8. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: Approximately 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: About 110 kcal
• Total Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 80mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 17g
• Dietary Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 1g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve the cookies warm or at room temperature.
• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
• Pair with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee.
• Enjoy them as an after-school snack for kids.

Additional Tips

1. Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
2. Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies soft and tender.
3. Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
4. Chill the Dough: If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
5. Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies: Add ½ to 1 cup of chocolate chips to the batter for a delicious twist.
• Nutty Banana Cookies: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
• Cinnamon Banana Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to the flour mixture for a warm spice flavor.
• Vegan Banana Cookies: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a vegan butter alternative.
• Gluten-Free Banana Cookies: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with fresh fruit on the side, such as sliced strawberries or blueberries.
• Enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
• Pair with yogurt for a tasty breakfast option.

Freezing and Storage

• Storing: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
• Baked Cookies: Freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for about 3 months.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen bananas?

• Yes, thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

1. Can I substitute the butter?

• You can use coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative for a healthier option.

1. How do I know when my cookies are done?

• They should be lightly browned around the edges and firm to the touch.

1. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

• Yes, just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.

1. What should I do if my cookies are too flat?

• Make sure your butter is not too soft, and check that you’re using the right measurements.

1. Can I add oats to the recipe?

• Yes, substitute ½ cup of flour with oats for a chewier texture.

1. What if I don’t have brown sugar?

• You can use white sugar, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different.

1. How can I make these cookies less sweet?

• Reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute.

1. Can I add spices like nutmeg or ginger?

• Absolutely! These spices can enhance the flavor profile of the cookies.

1. What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?

• Keep them in an airtight container to maintain softness and freshness.

Conclusion

Banana cookies are not only a delicious way to use up overripe bananas but also a versatile and easy treat that everyone will love. With their soft, chewy texture and sweet flavor, these cookies are sure to become a regular in your baking rotation. Whether you enjoy them plain or with your favorite add-ins, they’re a wonderful snack for any time of day. So gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking! You won’t regret adding these delightful banana cookies to your recipe collection.

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