Looking for a treat that mixes the warmth of banana bread with the fun of cookies? You’re in the right place! I’m excited to share my easy recipe for savory banana bread cookies. These cookies are soft, tasty, and packed with flavor. Plus, I’ll guide you on ingredients, baking tips, and even variations for dietary needs. Let’s dive into the delightful world of banana bread cookies!
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients for Banana Bread Cookies
To make tasty banana bread cookies, you need a few key items. Here’s what you need:
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
These ingredients work together to create a soft and chewy cookie. The ripe bananas add natural sweetness, while the brown sugar gives a rich flavor. The butter makes the cookies tender and moist.
Optional Add-ins for Extra Flavor
You can make your cookies even better with a few fun add-ins. Consider these options:
– 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Adding walnuts gives a nice crunch. Chocolate chips add a sweet burst of flavor. Mix and match based on what you like!
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have an ingredient, don’t worry. You can swap some items for what you have at home. Here are a few ideas:
– Use white sugar instead of brown sugar for a lighter taste.
– Substitute applesauce for butter to make them lower in fat.
– A flax egg works well if you want to make these cookies vegan.
These substitutions still keep the cookies delicious. Don’t hesitate to tweak the recipe to fit your needs!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mash the two ripe bananas with a fork. Aim for a smooth texture. Add one cup of brown sugar and half a cup of softened unsalted butter. Mix these well until creamy. Next, crack one large egg into the bowl and pour in one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Stir until everything is blended perfectly.
Combining Dry Ingredients and Forming the Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together one cup of all-purpose flour, half a teaspoon of baking soda, half a teaspoon of baking powder, and a quarter teaspoon of salt. Don’t forget half a teaspoon of ground cinnamon for flavor! Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Overmixing can make the cookies tough.
Baking the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop spoonfuls of dough and drop them onto your lined baking sheet. Space them a couple of inches apart. They will spread as they bake. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Look for golden edges and set centers. Once done, take them out and let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the sheet. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your tasty treats!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve the Perfect Cookie Texture
To get the right cookie texture, follow these tips:
– Use ripe bananas. They add moisture and flavor.
– Mix just until combined. Overmixing makes cookies tough.
– Let the dough rest. This helps flavors blend well.
– Bake until edges are golden. This means they are done.
Storing and Freezing Cookies
Storing cookies correctly keeps them fresh. Here’s how:
– Let cookies cool completely before storing.
– Place cookies in an airtight container. This keeps them soft.
– You can freeze cookies for later. Just wrap them well in plastic.
– Thaw cookies at room temperature for the best taste.
Common Baking Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can be tricky. Watch out for these common mistakes:
– Not measuring ingredients correctly. This can change your cookie’s texture.
– Skipping the parchment paper. It helps cookies not stick.
– Opening the oven too soon. This can cause cookies to collapse.
– Not checking the baking time. Set a timer to avoid overbaking.
Variations
Vegan Banana Bread Cookies
You can easily make vegan banana bread cookies. Just swap the egg and butter. Use 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce instead of the egg. For butter, use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. The rest of the recipe stays the same. Your cookies will still taste great! They will be soft and chewy, with a nice banana flavor.
Gluten-Free Banana Bread Cookies
If you need gluten-free cookies, choose a gluten-free flour blend. Brands like Bob’s Red Mill work well. Replace the all-purpose flour with the gluten-free blend in equal amounts. The texture may be slightly different, but they will still be tasty. Make sure to check that your baking soda and baking powder are gluten-free too.
Flavor Variations: Spices and Mix-ins
You can add different spices and mix-ins to your cookies. Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth. You can also mix in dried fruit, like raisins or cranberries. If you want a chocolate kick, add more chocolate chips. For a nutty crunch, try pecans or hazelnuts. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Storage Info
Best Practices for Keeping Cookies Fresh
To keep your banana bread cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and air out. Place parchment paper between layers of cookies to avoid sticking. You can keep them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, move to the fridge. This can help them stay fresh for a week.
How to Reheat Banana Bread Cookies
If your cookies lose some softness, you can reheat them. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the cookies on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5 minutes. This will bring back their warm, gooey texture. You can also use the microwave. Heat for about 10 seconds for a quick warm-up.
Shelf Life and Freezing Tips
Banana bread cookies last about a week in the fridge. If you want to freeze them, first cool them completely. Place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them as needed for that fresh-baked taste.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas. Just thaw them first. Drain any extra liquid. The bananas should be soft and easy to mash. They work great in banana bread cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for golden edges. The centers should feel set but soft. You can also insert a toothpick. If it comes out clean, the cookies are done. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe. Just use twice the ingredients. Make sure to mix the dough in a large bowl. You can bake the cookies in batches if needed. Enjoy making more of these tasty treats!
In this post, we explored how to make delicious banana bread cookies. We covered essential ingredients, optional add-ins, and helpful substitutions. You learned step-by-step instructions to mix and bake these treats. I shared tips to achieve the perfect texture and avoid common mistakes. We also discussed variations for vegan or gluten-free options. Finally, we detailed how to store and reheat your cookies. Remember, baking is fun, so experiment! Enjoy these tasty cookies and share them with friends!
