Description
Delicious Banana Bread Cookies combine the classic flavors of banana bread with the convenience of cookies. These soft and chewy treats feature ripe bananas, cinnamon, oats, and optional walnuts or chocolate chips, making them perfect for a quick snack or dessert that everyone’s sure to love.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 1 medium banana)
Mix-ins
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined. Set this mixture aside for later.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use a mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg, Vanilla, and Banana: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until just incorporated, then fold in the mashed ripe banana to infuse the dough with moistness and natural sweetness.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Oats and Optional Mix-ins: Carefully fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats followed by the chopped walnuts and/or chocolate chips if using, distributing them evenly through the dough.
- Form Cookies: Drop spoonfuls (about 1 tablespoon each) of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating the cookies are done but still soft inside.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, helping them set properly.
Notes
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts.
- Replace chocolate chips with raisins or dried cranberries for a different flavor.
- Ensure bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
