Description
Deliciously soft Banana Bread Cookies that combine the classic flavors of banana bread with the convenience of cookies. These treats are easy to make, packed with mashed ripe bananas, cinnamon, and oats, and optionally enhanced with walnuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and taste.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Add-ins
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar, mixing thoroughly. Then gently fold in the mashed ripe bananas to infuse the dough with moisture and flavor.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing, which could toughen the cookies.
- Add Oats and Optional Ingredients: Fold in the rolled oats and, if desired, walnuts or chocolate chips for added texture and flavor complexity.
- Shape Cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized balls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, signaling that they are done.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, helping them set perfectly.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts.
- Chocolate chips add a delightful sweetness but can be left out for a healthier option.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freezing the dough balls before baking can help maintain shape and yield thicker cookies.
