Banana Cookie Recipe: The Perfect Blend of Sweet and Simple
Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make cookie recipe that uses ripe bananas? Look no further! This banana cookie recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced bakers alike. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for snacking, sharing, or even gifting. Let's get started!
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe is designed for approximately 24 medium-sized cookies. You can easily double or halve the recipe depending on your needs.
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be!
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened: Make sure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adjust this to your preferred level of sweetness.
- 1 large egg: This helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: You can substitute some of this with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This is essential for the cookies to rise properly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness.
- Optional add-ins: Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), chocolate chips, raisins, or cinnamon are all great additions.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
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Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer for this step.
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Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
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Combine Wet & Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Add Optional Mix-ins: Stir in your chosen add-ins, if using.
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Scoop & Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft.
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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 the Perfect Banana Cookie:
- Use very ripe bananas: This will give your cookies the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust baking time: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Serving Suggestions:
These banana cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with a glass of milk, a scoop of ice cream, or a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great addition to a picnic or potluck.
This banana cookie recipe is a simple yet rewarding baking experience. Enjoy the process and the delicious results! Remember to share your baking creations and tag us – we'd love to see your delicious banana cookies! Happy baking!
