There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked banana bread cookies wafting through your kitchen. Picture the golden-brown edges, the soft, chewy center, and those delightful chocolate chips melting into the dough like they were always meant to be there. This is not just any cookie; it’s a hug in a bite, perfect for those chilly evenings when you want to snuggle up with a warm treat.
I remember the first time I dared to bake these banana bread cookies. My kitchen turned into a comedy show as I attempted to mash bananas without making a complete mess. Spoiler alert: I failed spectacularly! But the laughter and deliciousness that came out of it made every bit of chaos worth it. These cookies are ideal for sharing during family gatherings or simply enjoying with a cup of coffee on lazy afternoons. Trust me, one bite will transport you to cookie heaven.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The banana bread cookies are simple to make, requiring only basic ingredients found in your pantry
- Their unique flavor profile combines sweet bananas with rich chocolate chips for ultimate satisfaction
- Visually, they’re golden and inviting, perfect for impressing guests at any occasion
- These cookies are versatile enough to be enjoyed as breakfast or dessert, making them a year-round favorite
I once brought these delightful treats to a potluck dinner and watched my friends’ faces light up with joy. One friend even declared them “life-changing” while devouring three in a row!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ripe Bananas: Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and easy mashing; they’ll lend moisture and flavor.
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All-Purpose Flour: This forms the base of your cookie dough; sift it for lightness.
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Granulated Sugar: A little sweetness goes a long way; adjust to taste if you prefer less sugar.
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Brown Sugar: Adds depth and moisture; dark brown works best for richer flavor.
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Baking Soda: This is your leavening agent; ensure it’s fresh for optimal rising.
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Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
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Unsalted Butter: Softened butter provides richness; let it sit at room temperature before using.
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Eggs: Bind everything together; use large eggs for consistent results.
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Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips add heavenly pockets of melty goodness.
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Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract brings warmth and enhances all other flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking from start to finish.
Mash Those Bananas!: In a large bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth. They should be about as mushy as an overripe avocado—totally manageable!
Cream Butter and Sugars Together: In another bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds airiness that makes your cookies delightful.
Add Eggs and Vanilla Extract: Beat in the eggs one at a time along with the vanilla extract. The mixture should look glossy and inviting—like something you’d want to dive into.
Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet Mixture : Gradually mix in your dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, and salt—with the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want soft cookies here!
Add Chocolate Chips : Fold in those glorious chocolate chips gently using a spatula. You want them evenly distributed without breaking them apart—because nobody wants sad little chocolate bits.
Scoop onto Baking Sheet : Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto lined baking sheets. Leave space between each blob because these beauties will spread!
Bake Until Golden Brown : Bake in your preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until golden brown around the edges but still soft in the center. The aroma will drive you wild!
Let them cool slightly on the pan before transferring them to wire racks—they can be quite delicate while hot! And there you have it: banana bread cookies that will bring smiles all around.
So there you go! With just some simple ingredients and steps, you’ve created an irresistible treat that combines comfort food nostalgia with modern-day cookie love! Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- Banana bread cookies are an irresistible twist on the classic banana bread
- These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with banana flavor
- They make a perfect snack or dessert, and they freeze well too—great for when you need a quick sweet fix
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mashing ripe bananas first to release their natural sweetness. Next, mix the wet ingredients before blending them into the dry ingredients. This sequence ensures even distribution of flavors and perfect texture in your banana bread cookies.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits. You can also swap out regular flour for whole wheat flour for added nutrition or use gluten-free flour if preferred. Personalizing these cookies will make them your own!
Storing & Reheating
Store banana bread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. To enjoy them warm, simply pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. They’ll taste freshly baked every time!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly chewy banana bread cookies, ensure your bananas are overly ripe; this adds natural sweetness and moisture
- Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent dense cookies
- Finally, let them cool completely before storing to maintain their texture and flavor
Sometimes I think about that one family gathering where my aunt brought her famous banana bread cookies. Everyone fought over the last cookie like it was gold—those memories always inspire me to whip up a batch!
FAQ
Can I freeze banana bread cookies?
Yes, you can freeze them for up to three months in an airtight container.
How do I know when my cookies are done?
Cookies are done when edges turn golden brown but centers remain soft.
Can I use regular flour instead of whole wheat?
Absolutely! Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly in this recipe as well.
Banana Bread Cookies
Banana Bread Cookies are the perfect blend of soft, chewy texture and rich banana flavor, enhanced with decadent chocolate chips. These delightful treats are quick to prepare and make for a comforting dessert or snack. With their mouthwatering aroma wafting through your kitchen, they’ll have everyone clamoring for more. Ideal for sharing at gatherings or enjoying with coffee, these cookies promise a taste of cookie heaven in every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.
- In another bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, and salt until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips gently using a spatula.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto lined baking sheets, leaving space between each one.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown but centers remain soft.
- Cool slightly on the pan before transferring to wire racks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (30g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
