All Recipes, Desserts

Easy Banana Cookies Recipe

0 comments

If you are looking for a delightful treat that combines convenience with incredible flavor, look no further than these scrumptious banana cookies. This easy-to-follow recipe showcases ripe bananas transformed into soft, chewy cookies that everyone will love. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity; with just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these delicious banana cookies in no time. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack any time of the day, they are sure to become a family favorite. Plus, if you’re someone who loves to bake but doesn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for you. By using leftover ripe bananas, you reduce waste while creating something delightful. Whether enjoyed warm straight from the oven or cooled with a cup of tea or coffee, these cookies offer a comforting taste of home. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make your own batch!

Why You’ll Love This Banana Cookies

    • Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create this delightful dish without stress.
    • Flavorful and Versatile: The combination of ingredients delivers outstanding flavor. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting the spices to suit your palate.
    • Healthy Option: Made with ripe bananas and oats, these cookies provide natural sweetness and nutrients, making them a healthier dessert choice.
    • Perfect for Leftovers: This recipe is an excellent way to use overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste.

Recipe preparation

Ingredients for Banana Cookies

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

    • Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas that are very ripe; they should be brown with spots for maximum sweetness.
    • All-Purpose Flour: Standard flour works best for achieving the right texture in these cookies.
    • Baking Soda: This ingredient helps the cookies rise and gives them a light texture.
    • Oats: Rolled oats add chewiness and fiber; they also enhance the overall flavor.
    • Sugar: Granulated sugar provides sweetness; consider using brown sugar for depth of flavor.
    • Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over the saltiness in your dough.
    • Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie’s structure.
    • Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Banana Cookies

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare Bananas

In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth. Aim for about one cup of mashed bananas.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract into the bowl with mashed bananas. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and oats. Gradually add this mixture to your wet ingredients until just combined.

Step 5: Scoop Dough

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each cookie as they will spread while baking.

Step 6: Bake Cookies

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown around the edges. Allow them to cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack.

Transfer to plates and enjoy these warm banana cookies with friends or family!

Serving and storing

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

    • Check Ripeness: Always use very ripe bananas as they provide natural sweetness that enhances flavor.
    • Cooling Time: Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet before moving them; this helps maintain their shape.
    • Add-ins Galore: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture!
    • Storage Tips: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature; they stay fresh longer this way.

With these guidelines followed carefully, you’re all set to enjoy delicious homemade banana cookies! Enjoy baking!

How to Serve banana cookies

This banana cookies is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy sweetness that perfectly complements the soft texture of the cookies.

Coffee or Tea: The warm flavors of coffee or tea balance the sweetness of the cookies, making for a delightful afternoon treat.

Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad provides a light and refreshing contrast, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over the cookies creates a decadent dessert that satisfies any sweet tooth.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Tips and tricks

Make Ahead and Storage

  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the banana cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix all ingredients, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you are ready to bake.
  • Storing: Store leftover banana cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: To reheat frozen cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake them for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through, ensuring they maintain their soft texture.

Suggestions for banana cookies

Clear mistakes to avoid when making banana cookies

One common mistake people make when baking banana cookies is using overripe bananas. While it’s true that bananas should be ripe to achieve the desired sweetness and flavor, using bananas that are too far gone can lead to a mushy texture. The perfect banana for baking should be heavily speckled but not completely brown. Choose bananas that still hold their shape during mixing; this will help ensure your cookies have a delightful balance of moisture and structure. Additionally, remember to mash the bananas thoroughly, as chunky pieces can disrupt the cookie’s texture, affecting how they bake.

Using incorrect measurements

Another frequent error in banana cookie recipes is mismeasuring ingredients. Baking is an exact science, and even minor discrepancies can lead to disaster. For instance, too much flour can make your cookies dry and crumbly, while too little sugar can result in blandness. Always use the spoon-and-level method for dry ingredients: spoon flour into a measuring cup and level it off with a knife instead of scooping directly from the bag. This method ensures accuracy and consistency, leading to perfectly baked banana cookies every time.

Not letting the dough chill

Failing to chill the cookie dough is a mistake that many novice bakers overlook. Chilling allows the fats in the dough to solidify, which helps prevent spreading during baking. If you skip this step, you might end up with flat, greasy cookies instead of soft, chewy ones. Aim to refrigerate your banana cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking. This simple step enhances flavor development too; letting the dough rest allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully.

Overbaking your cookies

Overbaking is another common pitfall when it comes to banana cookies. It’s tempting to leave them in longer for a golden finish; however, this can yield dry and hard results. To avoid this mistake, keep an eye on your cookies as they approach the end of their baking time—usually around 10-12 minutes at 350°F (175°C). They should appear slightly underbaked in the center when you remove them from the oven since they will continue cooking on the baking sheet afterward. Trust your instincts and start checking early!

FAQs

FAQs for banana cookies

What are some variations for banana cookies?

When it comes to making banana cookies, there are countless variations you can try! For instance, consider adding chocolate chips or nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra texture and flavor. You could also incorporate spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. Sometimes people enhance their banana cookie recipe by adding oats for a chewy texture or even coconut flakes for a tropical twist. Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins according to your taste preferences; these adaptations can make your banana cookies unique and exciting.

Can I freeze banana cookie dough?

Yes! Freezing banana cookie dough is an excellent option if you’re looking to save time in future baking sessions. After preparing your dough but before shaping it into cookies, scoop out portions onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them into airtight containers or freezer bags, separating layers with parchment paper if needed. When you’re ready to bake some fresh treats, simply preheat your oven and bake them straight from frozen—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.

How do I know when my banana cookies are done?

Determining when your banana cookies are finished baking requires a keen eye! Look for visual cues such as a slight golden browning around the edges while maintaining a soft center appearance. Another great technique is using a toothpick; insert it into the center of one cookie—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached, they’re good to go! Remember that underbaking slightly will yield softer cookies once cooled on the baking sheet; this is ideal for achieving that perfect chewy texture everyone loves.

Can I substitute ingredients in my banana cookie recipe?

Absolutely! Substituting ingredients is often necessary based on dietary needs or personal preferences when making banana cookies. For instance, if you need gluten-free options, you can replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or oat flour—just keep in mind these alternatives may change texture slightly. Additionally, if you’re vegan or dairy-free, consider substituting eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water or using applesauce as an egg replacement. You can also swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar or honey depending on your sweetening preference without compromising taste!

Conclusion

In summary, creating delicious banana cookies involves avoiding common pitfalls such as improper ingredient measurements and neglecting chilling times. By carefully selecting the right bananas and not overbaking your treats, you’ll achieve optimal flavor and texture every time you bake these delightful snacks! Don’t shy away from experimenting with variations or substitutes that suit your dietary needs while still enjoying those sweet flavors inherent in classic banana recipes. With these tips in mind, you’ll impress friends and family alike with perfectly baked banana cookies that everyone will love!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Easy Banana Cookies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Makes about 12 cookies 1x

Description

Banana Cookies are the perfect treat for anyone craving a sweet, chewy snack that’s easy to make and guilt-free. This recipe transforms ripe bananas into delightful cookies that are not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy them for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert. Their soft texture and natural sweetness will win over even the pickiest eaters. With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have these scrumptious banana cookies ready in no time. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover bananas!


Ingredients

Scale

2 ripe bananas, mashed

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.

3. Mix in melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until combined.

4. In another bowl, whisk together flour and baking soda; then add to wet mixture along with oats.

5. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared sheet.

6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until golden around the edges.

Notes

For added flavor, mix in chocolate chips or nuts.
Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 120
  • Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 2g

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star