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Banana Bread Cookies: Have you ever looked at a bunch of bananas and noticed that some are becoming overripe? Instead of tossing them away, why not turn them into something special? My grandma had a unique talent for transforming overripe bananas into delicious treats. One of her best recipes was for soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that tasted like a warm hug in your mouth. Today, I’m excited to share this recipe with you, so you can experience the magic of these banana bread cookies in your own kitchen.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Banana bread cookies may sound unique, but they are a delightful treat that everyone can enjoy. Here are a few reasons why you will love this recipe:

• Easy to Make: The ingredients are simple and mostly found in your pantry. You don’t need any special equipment or techniques, making it a great recipe for bakers of all levels.
• Perfect Use for Overripe Bananas: Instead of wasting bananas that are too soft to eat, you can convert them into a delicious dessert.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies are incredibly soft and chewy. You will love how they melt in your mouth!
• A Warm Hug in Every Bite: Each bite tastes comforting and reminds you of home. They are perfect for family gatherings or cozy evenings.
• Versatile: You can add your favorite ingredients, like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits, to customize the cookies to your liking.

How to prepare Banana Bread Cookies

Now that you understand why these cookies are so special, let’s dive into how to prepare them. Below, you will find the list of ingredients you need to gather and the instructions for baking.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 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 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the cookies bake evenly.
2. Mash the banana: In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork until smooth. A few small lumps are okay, but try to make it as smooth as possible.
3. Cream the butter and sugars: In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Mix well until everything is combined.
5. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the mashed banana to the butter mixture, mixing until well combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture until just combined.
6. Fold in chocolate chips (optional): If you want to make chocolate chip banana bread cookies, fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips at this stage. You can also add nuts or dried fruits if desired.
7. Scoop and bake: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
8. Cool and enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!

How to serve Banana Bread Cookies

Serving banana bread cookies is simple and versatile. Here are a few ideas on how you can enjoy them:

• Warm from the Oven: There’s nothing like a warm cookie right out of the oven. Serve them fresh with a glass of cold milk.
• With Ice Cream: For a special treat, serve the cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It creates a delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
• Dusted with Powdered Sugar: For a touch of sweetness and presentation, dust the cookies with powdered sugar before serving.
• With Coffee or Tea: These cookies go wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them a perfect snack for your afternoon break.

How to store Banana Bread Cookies

If you happen to have leftover cookies (which is unlikely!), storing them is easy. Here’s how:

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
• Refrigeration: If you want to keep them fresh for a longer time, you can refrigerate the cookies. Just ensure they are in an airtight container to avoid drying out.
• Freezing: For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can last up to three months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.

Preparation tips for Banana Bread Cookies

To ensure that your banana bread cookies turn out perfectly every time, consider these preparation tips:

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the better. Look for bananas with brown spots; they add more flavor and sweetness.
• Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This helps achieve the right texture when creaming with sugars.
• Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
• Choose the Right Baking Sheet: If your baking sheet is dark, reduce the oven temperature by 25°F to prevent over-browning.
• Add Flavorful Mix-Ins: Don’t hesitate to get creative! Mixed nuts, dried fruits, or even a pinch of cinnamon can elevate the flavor profile.

Variation

While the classic banana bread cookies are delicious, you can easily customize them to suit your tastes. Here are some fun variations:

• Nutty Banana Bread Cookies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
• Chocolate Lovers: Double the chocolate chips or use dark chocolate chips for a richer taste.
• Spiced Banana Cookies: Incorporate spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Oatmeal Banana Cookies: Swap out some of the all-purpose flour for oats to create a chewy texture.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen bananas. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The edges of the cookies should be lightly golden, and the centers may look slightly underbaked. They will continue to cook on the baking sheet after removed from the oven.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, to make this recipe vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and replace the butter with a plant-based alternative.

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Now you have a delightful recipe to try in your kitchen! Whether you want to make a batch for your family or bring them to a gathering, these banana bread cookies are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process and savor each bite!