Banana Cookies

This Banana Cookies recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort. Using ripe bananas and brown sugar, these cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with flavor. They make a great snack for kids, a delightful dessert for gatherings, or a simple treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee. Whip up a batch of these homemade delights any day of the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you can have fresh cookies ready in no time.
• Deliciously Chewy: The combination of brown sugar and ripe bananas gives these cookies a moist and chewy texture.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in.
• Healthy Twist: Made with ripe bananas, these cookies offer natural sweetness without added sugars.
• Kid-Friendly: A fun baking activity that kids will love to help with!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make your cookie-making experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Silicone spatula
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
• Silicone spatula: Perfect for folding in dry ingredients gently, ensuring even mixing.
• Baking sheets: Provide a sturdy base for your cookies to bake evenly.

Ingredients

This Banana Cookies recipe combines ripe bananas, brown sugar, and a few simple ingredients for a tasty and easy-to-make dessert.

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ⅔ cups (217 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup (210 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup (56 g) mashed ripe banana
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, room temperature

How to Make Banana Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375ºF. While it warms up, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix well so that all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and light brown sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air into the dough.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Add the mashed banana, vanilla extract, and room temperature egg to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until everything is well blended.

Step 5: Combine Mixtures

Using your silicone spatula, gently stir the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Scoop Cookies onto Baking Sheets

Using a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Make sure they are spaced about 2 inches apart.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Bake in your preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until they are lightly browned on the edges.

Step 8: Cool Down

Allow cookies to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy these delightful Banana Cookies, perfect for sharing or indulging yourself!

How to Serve Banana Cookies

Serving Banana Cookies is a delightful experience, and there are many ways to enjoy them. These cookies are versatile and can be paired with various accompaniments for a special treat.

Pair with Milk

• A chilled glass of milk complements the sweetness of the cookies perfectly, making it a classic choice that kids and adults love.

Add a Scoop of Ice Cream

• Top your warm Banana Cookies with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience.

Serve with Fresh Fruit

• Fresh slices of bananas or berries add a refreshing touch that balances the richness of the cookies.

Drizzle with Honey

• A light drizzle of honey over the cookies enhances their flavor and adds extra sweetness.

Enjoy with Coffee or Tea

• Pairing these cookies with coffee or tea creates a cozy atmosphere, making them perfect for afternoon snacks.

How to Perfect Banana Cookies

To ensure your Banana Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.

• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into your measuring cup and level it off for accurate measurements, avoiding dense cookies.

• Don’t overmix: Mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies.

• Chill the dough (optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

• Watch your baking time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should be lightly browned but not overcooked.

Best Side Dishes for Banana Cookies

Banana Cookies make a wonderful treat on their own, but pairing them with side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a creamy contrast to the chewy cookies.
2. Chocolate Fondue: Dip cookie pieces into warm chocolate for an extra decadent bite.
3. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Nut Butter Spread: A smear of almond or peanut butter on top provides a nutty flavor that complements the banana.
5. Cheese Plate: Serve alongside mild cheeses like brie or cream cheese for a savory twist.
6. Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream can elevate the cookie’s texture when served as a topping.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Banana Cookies turn out perfectly. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the ripeness test: Using bananas that are not ripe enough will lead to cookies that lack flavor and moisture. Always choose very ripe bananas with brown spots for the best results.

• Ignoring temperature: Failing to bring butter and egg to room temperature can result in uneven mixing. Make sure your butter is softened and your egg is at room temperature before starting.

• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies instead of chewy ones. Mix just until combined for a softer texture in your Banana Cookies.

• Not measuring flour correctly: Using too much flour can make cookies dry. Use a spoon to fluff the flour before scooping it into a measuring cup for accuracy.

• Baking on unprepared sheets: Baking directly on ungreased sheets may cause sticking. Always line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container: Keep your Banana Cookies fresh by using an airtight container.
• Duration: They will last about 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Layer with parchment paper: If stacking, place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing Banana Cookies

• Use freezer-safe containers: Choose containers or bags designed for freezer use.
• Duration: You can freeze them for up to 3 months without losing quality.
• Label and date: Make sure to label your containers with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Banana Cookies

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for about 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat as they can become tough.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 2-3 minutes, allowing them to warm through without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Banana Cookies:

Can I use frozen bananas in my Banana Cookies?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

How do I make my Banana Cookies healthier?

Consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or using less brown sugar. You can also add oats or nuts for extra nutrition.

What should I do if my Banana Cookies are too dry?

If your cookies come out dry, try adding a bit more mashed banana or an extra tablespoon of butter next time.

Can I add chocolate chips to my Banana Cookies?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips pair wonderfully with banana flavors. Fold in about 1 cup of chocolate chips into the dough before baking.

How do I store leftover Banana Cookies?

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

These Banana Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With their chewy texture and rich banana flavor, they make the perfect snack or dessert. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even spices like cinnamon for an extra twist. Try making them today and enjoy a delightful treat!