Banana cookies are a fantastic way to enjoy the sweet, comforting flavor of ripe bananas in a fun, portable form. They taste like banana bread but with the delightful crisp edges and soft centers of a cookie. Whether you want to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter or just crave a tasty treat, making banana cookies at home is easy and rewarding. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to help you bake your own batch of banana cookies that everyone will love.
What Makes Banana Cookies Special?
Banana cookies combine the moistness and flavor of banana bread with the convenience and texture of a cookie. They are typically soft and chewy inside with slightly crispy edges. The natural sweetness of the bananas means you can use less sugar than in regular cookies, making them a bit healthier and bursting with flavor. Plus, they’re super versatile—you can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even cinnamon to customize your cookies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of ingredients commonly used to make banana cookies:
– All-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough.
– Cornstarch: Adds a soft, fluffy texture.
– Baking powder and baking soda: Help the cookies rise and become light.
– Salt: Balances the sweetness and activates leavening.
– Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor.
– Butter: Unsalted and softened for creamy mixing.
– Mashed ripe bananas: The star ingredient—use bananas with lots of brown spots for maximum sweetness.
– Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor.
– Egg: Binds the ingredients together.
Optional add-ins include chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Banana Cookies
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step creates a nice texture in your cookies.
4. Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and egg until everything is well combined. The bananas add moisture and sweetness, while the egg helps bind the dough.
5. Combine Wet and Dry
Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until combined to keep the cookies tender.
6. Scoop the Dough
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
7. Bake
Bake the cookies for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned and the tops are set. The centers should still be soft, giving you that perfect chewy texture.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up without losing their softness.
Tips for Perfect Banana Cookies
– Use very ripe bananas: The browner the banana skin, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
– Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can make cookies tough instead of soft and fluffy.
– Customize your cookies: Add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
– No chilling needed: These cookies bake well straight from the mixing bowl, making them quick to prepare.
Variations to Try
– Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies: Fold in chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
– Banana Nut Cookies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
– Cinnamon Banana Cookies: Add ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm spice note.
Why You’ll Love Making Banana Cookies
Banana cookies are a great way to reduce food waste by using overripe bananas. They’re quick to make, require simple ingredients, and deliver a comforting, nostalgic flavor that reminds many of classic banana bread. Plus, they’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Whether you’re baking for kids or adults, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
Banana cookies are a delicious, easy treat that brings the best of banana bread into a fun, bite-sized form. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the sweet, soft, and chewy goodness in every bite!
Banana cookies are a simple, tasty way to enjoy ripe bananas and satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats!