Banana Bread Cookies: A Sweet Twist on a Classic
Are you a fan of banana bread? Do you love the comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ripe bananas? Then you'll absolutely adore these Banana Bread Cookies! This recipe takes all the deliciousness of classic banana bread and transforms it into bite-sized, perfectly chewy cookies. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth or sharing with friends and family!
Why This Recipe is the Best
This recipe stands out because it strikes the perfect balance between moistness and chewiness. We've perfected the ratio of banana to flour to ensure a cookie that's not too dry and not too gooey – just right! Plus, the addition of warm spices adds a layer of depth that elevates these cookies beyond the ordinary.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium bananas)
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
- Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Bananas & Nuts (optional): Stir in the mashed bananas and chopped nuts (if using).
- Scoop & Bake: Drop by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Success:
- Use ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Let the cookies cool completely: This allows them to set and prevents them from becoming crumbly.
- Store in an airtight container: These cookies are best enjoyed within 3-4 days, stored at room temperature in an airtight container.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
- Spiced Banana Bread Cookies: Increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a more intense spice flavor.
- Mini Banana Bread Cookies: Use a smaller cookie scoop to make mini cookies.
This Banana Bread Cookies recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen. The irresistible combination of banana bread flavors in a convenient cookie form makes them perfect for any occasion – from casual snacks to festive gatherings. Enjoy!
