Introduction
I recently made these Banana Bread Cookies for my family, and they were a huge hit! My husband, who has always been a fan of banana bread, couldn’t stop raving about them. After just one bite, his eyes lit up, and I knew I had a winner on my hands. These cookies are the perfect combination of soft, chewy, and banana-flavored goodness, and the fact that they only require six simple ingredients makes them even better! The best part? They taste just like banana bread but in cookie form! Let’s dive into how you can recreate this delicious treat at home.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth. You should have about 1/2 cup of mashed banana.
- Add the sugar and melted butter to the bowl with the mashed banana and mix until well combined and smooth.
- Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy these soft, sweet bites of banana bread goodness!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Servings: 12
- Calories per serving: 120 calories
(Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on portion sizes and exact ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 8-10 minutes
- Total time: 18-20 minutes
How to Serve
- Enjoy them as a snack with a warm cup of tea or coffee.
- Serve as a dessert for family gatherings or a cozy evening treat.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
- Pack in lunchboxes for a delicious treat that both kids and adults will love.
- Serve with fresh fruit on the side for a balanced snack.
Additional Tips
- Use a ripe banana for the best flavor. The more brown spots, the sweeter the banana will be.
- For a chewier texture, use melted butter rather than softened butter.
- If you prefer a bit of crunch, add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the dough.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough to prevent the cookies from becoming tough.
- For an extra banana flavor, try adding a teaspoon of banana extract to the dough.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist on the classic.
- Nutty Banana Bread Cookies: Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Cinnamon Banana Bread Cookies: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the flour mixture for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Oatmeal Banana Bread Cookies: Mix in 1/2 cup of rolled oats for a heartier, more textured cookie.
- Vegan Banana Bread Cookies: Substitute the butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based milk instead of regular butter for a vegan version of these cookies.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a comforting treat.
- Serve at holiday parties or gatherings to impress your guests with a unique twist on banana bread.
- Top with a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
- Serve with a glass of milk for a classic combination that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: To freeze the dough, scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
- Storing: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. If you want to keep them fresher longer, refrigerate them for up to 1 week.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a green banana for this recipe?
It’s best to use a ripe, brown-spotted banana for maximum sweetness and flavor. - Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, you can substitute margarine for the butter if needed, though the flavor may differ slightly. - How do I know when my cookies are done?
When the edges turn golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean, they’re ready to be taken out of the oven. - Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. - Can I add nuts to the dough?
Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or any other nut of your choice would make a great addition. - How many cookies does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 12 cookies, depending on the size of the dough scoops. - Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for white sugar, which will add a deeper flavor. - Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?
Yes, feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to give the cookies a warm, spiced flavor. - How long can I store these cookies?
You can store these cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days at room temperature or up to 1 week in the fridge. - Can I make these cookies in advance?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Cookies are the perfect treat for banana lovers! With just six simple ingredients, they’re quick and easy to make, and their soft, banana-filled flavor will leave everyone craving more. Whether you enjoy them as an afternoon snack, a dessert, or a lunchbox treat, these cookies are sure to please. With endless possibilities for customization and the option to freeze them for later, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again. Happy baking!
PrintThe Best Banana Bread Cookies (6 Ingredients!)
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft, banana-packed cookies are just as cozy and delicious as banana bread. With just six simple ingredients, they come together quickly and are the perfect sweet treat for banana lovers. My husband couldn’t get enough of them!
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth.
- Add sugar and melted butter to the bowl with the mashed banana and mix until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in the flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure your banana is ripe for the best flavor. A banana with brown spots is ideal.
- For extra flavor, feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 50 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg