Banana Bread Cookies: The Perfect Mashup of Flavors
Banana bread and cookies are both beloved comfort foods, each offering a distinct texture and flavor. But what if you could combine the best of both worlds into one irresistible treat? Banana bread cookies offer the soft, moist texture of banana bread with the portable, easy-to-eat nature of cookies. These cookies are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a dessert.
In this article, we’ll walk you through a basic recipe for banana bread cookies, explore advanced techniques to elevate them, discuss storage and shelf life, and provide suggestions for making these cookies fit a variety of dietary needs. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced one, this guide will help you perfect your banana bread cookies.
For more information on different banana-based treats, check out our Banana Bread Recipe and Banana Muffins Recipe for other delicious ways to use ripe bananas!
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
Creating banana bread cookies doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s a simple recipe that brings together the comforting flavors of banana bread with the fun of a cookie. The result? A sweet, chewy, and satisfying treat that your whole family will enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this aside.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. You can do this with an electric mixer or by hand.
- Add the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir until well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.
- Gently fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips, if desired.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Advanced Techniques
While the basic banana bread cookie recipe is easy to follow, there are several ways you can enhance your cookies to take them to the next level. Here are some advanced techniques to help you get the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance.
1. Ripeness of Bananas
The bananas you use play a critical role in the final taste and texture of the cookies. Overripe bananas (those with lots of brown spots) will yield a stronger banana flavor and create softer, more moist cookies. If your bananas aren’t overripe yet, simply place them in a paper bag for a couple of days to help speed up the ripening process.
2. Chilling the Dough
Chilling your banana bread cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking. It also allows the flavors to meld together more thoroughly. This step is particularly helpful if you plan on using mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, as it prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
3. Using Brown Sugar and White Sugar
Many banana bread recipes call for brown sugar because it enhances the flavor of the banana. In this banana bread cookie recipe, you can combine both brown sugar and a small amount of white sugar to give the cookies a balance of moisture and crispiness. White sugar adds a slight crispiness to the edges while brown sugar keeps the cookies chewy and flavorful.
4. Add-ins and Variations
Feel free to experiment with different add-ins to create a more personalized cookie. Try mixing in dried fruit like cranberries or raisins, or add spices like nutmeg or allspice for a more complex flavor. If you’re a fan of coconut, shredded coconut makes an excellent addition as well. Don’t hesitate to get creative with your mix-ins for a truly one-of-a-kind cookie!
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Knowing how to properly store your banana bread cookies will ensure they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here are some helpful storage tips.
Storage:
Once your cookies have cooled completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. This will keep them soft and chewy. If you prefer firmer cookies, you can store them in a container without a lid, allowing the moisture to escape.
Shelf Life:
When stored properly at room temperature, banana bread cookies can last for 4-5 days. If you have a large batch and want to keep them longer, you can freeze them.
Freezing:
To freeze banana bread cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Then, transfer the cookies to a zip-top bag or airtight container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up.
Maintaining Freshness:
To keep your cookies fresh, you can also place a slice of bread in the storage container. The bread will absorb excess moisture, helping to maintain the cookies’ soft texture.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Not everyone can enjoy banana bread cookies as they are originally written, but that doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy a delicious variation. Here are some substitutions you can make to suit different dietary needs.
Gluten-Free:
For a gluten-free version of these cookies, swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that the flour blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to ensure proper texture.
Dairy-Free:
To make these cookies dairy-free, simply replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Ensure the chocolate chips you use are dairy-free as well.
Egg-Free:
If you need to avoid eggs, you can replace the egg with a flaxseed or chia seed egg substitute. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseeds with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes, and then add it to the dough as you would an egg.
Low-Sugar:
For those who are watching their sugar intake, reduce the amount of brown sugar and use a sugar substitute such as stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
FAQs About The Recipe
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes! Frozen bananas work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them before mashing and using them in the dough. They will give the cookies a slightly stronger banana flavor.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! You can double or even triple the recipe if you’re making cookies for a crowd. Just make sure to adjust your baking time accordingly if you’re using multiple baking sheets.
Why are my cookies flat?
If your cookies turn out flat, it could be because the dough was too warm when placed on the baking sheet, or the baking soda may have been old and not as effective. Make sure the dough is chilled before baking, and check the freshness of your leavening agents.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes, you can! By substituting the butter with coconut oil, the egg with a flax egg, and ensuring your chocolate chips are dairy-free, you can easily make this recipe vegan.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Banana bread cookies are a delightful twist on two classic comfort foods. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, these cookies provide the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. With a simple recipe and plenty of opportunities to make personalized variations, this treat is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Feel free to experiment with different mix-ins, adapt the recipe to suit dietary needs, and don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family. After all, banana bread and cookies are best enjoyed together!