There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of baked goods filling the kitchen. Hi, I’m Marlene Quinn, and every time I bake, I’m taken back to my cozy kitchen in Mendocino, California, where the ocean mist mingles with the enticing scent of rising dough. Fun fact: my baking journey truly began with a disastrous homemade boule during an ill-fated date! I’ve come a long way since then, baking not just to impress, but because it’s my passion. Today, I’m excited to share one of my favorite recipes, Banana Bread Cookies. These cookies perfectly combine moist banana bread and delightful cookies, making them an irresistible treat for sharing with friends and family.
The Story Behind Banana Bread Cookies
Growing up, my mother often made banana bread from overly ripe bananas, and it quickly became a family favorite. As I learned the craft of baking, I cherished the idea of transforming staple ingredients into comforting baked treats. The journey from banana bread to banana bread cookies began when I wanted a quicker way to enjoy that classic flavor without the fuss of slicing and waiting for a loaf to cool.
I remember one rainy afternoon, with dark clouds hanging over Mendocino, when I decided to tweak my mom’s banana bread recipe into cookie form. The goal was to capture the essence of my childhood favorite in these easy-to-make treats. To my surprise, the cookie dough was incredibly versatile; it allowed for a variety of mix-ins, everything from chocolate chips to walnuts. That gave me the freedom to experiment with flavors, and soon, I was creating different versions that were perfect for any mood!
These banana bread cookies became a hit during my sourdough workshops, and I’ve shared them countless times, from bake-alongs to spontaneous treats during poetry open mic nights at my bakery, Marlene & Crumb. The charm of baking these cookies lies in how they evoke memories of home while being simple to make. The warmth of the kitchen, laughter with friends, and a platter of freshly baked cookies make for a delightful afternoon. If you love the classic flavors of banana bread, you’ll adore these cookies, which truly encapsulate that spirit.
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Banana Bread Cookies: 10 Deliciously Soft Treats to Warm Your Heart
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Cookies are the perfect mashup of classic banana bread flavor in soft, chewy cookie form. A nostalgic, comforting treat made with ripe bananas and warm spices.
Ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas. Mix until combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined.
6. Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
7. Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
8. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are golden and centers are just set.
9. Cool for 2–3 minutes on the pan before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze baked cookies for longer freshness. Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking for a sweet-salty twist.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: banana bread cookies, soft banana cookies, banana cookies
Ingredients That Make Them Special
To replicate the warmth and flavor of traditional banana bread in cookie form, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. Just like in sourdough, each component plays a significant role in creating a delightful cookie. The star of the show is, of course, ripe bananas. They bring the necessary moisture and sweetness, making the cookie tender and flavorful.
Next up is flour, which provides structure. For banana bread cookies, all-purpose flour works beautifully, but you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour for a different texture. Sugar is crucial too; I prefer using a mix of brown and granulated sugar. Brown sugar enhances the chewiness and adds a deep, toasty flavor, while granulated sugar contributes the right amount of sweetness.
Don’t forget about butter! It adds richness and helps achieve that lovely golden brown finish. Eggs act as a binding agent, keeping the cookies together while giving them a soft, cake-like crumb. Finally, I always throw in a dash of vanilla extract and a sprinkle of cinnamon for depth of flavor, making each bite taste like home. You can also add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts for that extra crunch!
The Baking Process
Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s dive into the baking process. Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is crucial for perfect baking. In a mixing bowl, start by creaming the softened butter and sugars together until light and fluffy. This aeration step is vital because it helps create the cookie’s tender texture.
Next, it’s time to mash those ripe bananas in a separate bowl. The more ripe they are, the better the flavor. Slowly add the mashed bananas to the butter and sugar mixture, along with eggs and vanilla. Stir until well combined. In another bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, flour, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon, then gradually incorporate them into the wet mixture.
Using a cookie scoop, drop the batter onto lined baking sheets, giving them enough space to spread. The cookies typically take about 10 to 12 minutes to bake. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn golden brown, and the cookies look slightly underbaked in the center, this ensures they stay soft and chewy. Let them cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Enjoying Your Banana Bread Cookies
Baking banana bread cookies isn’t just about enjoying them fresh from the oven; it’s also about creating memory-making moments. I love serving them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon. These cookies also make wonderful gifts. Place them in a decorative tin, and you’ve got a lovely homemade present for friends or family.
You can take these cookies to gatherings, potlucks, or even just enjoy sharing them with your kids as an after-school snack. The joy of sharing baked goods is something I’ve relished throughout my baking journey, turning every batch into a chance to connect and create memories. As you make these delightful cookies, embrace the process, and don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors as I did!
FAQ
Do I need to use ripe bananas for the best flavor?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas contribute the sweetness and moistness you want in banana bread cookies.
Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes, you can scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze it. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag and store them for up to three months. Bake them straight from the freezer, just adding a couple of minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for eggs in this recipe?
You can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or applesauce as a substitute.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Cookies are a heartfelt treat that takes you back to moments spent with loved ones and the joy of baking. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can recreate this nostalgic experience in your home. So gather your ingredients, invite your friends, and get ready to mix, laugh, and enjoy these delightful cookies!
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