Introduction
Banana Cookies are a soft, flavorful treat, perfect for dessert, snacks, or casual occasions like family gatherings, lunchboxes, or coffee breaks. This delightful recipe, featuring ripe bananas in a tender, cake-like cookie, delivers sweet, comforting flavors with a hint of warmth from cinnamon. Presented on a white ceramic platter, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with melted chocolate, this Banana Cookies recipe offers a vibrant, inviting aesthetic that elevates any spread. This recipe provides a simple baking method with accessible ingredients, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home bakers seeking a crowd-pleasing treat that brings cozy, nostalgic charm to any moment.
Ingredients
For the Banana Cookies:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (optional, for texture)
For Serving:
- Optional: Powdered sugar, melted chocolate drizzle
- Suggested Accompaniments: Fresh fruit, ice cream
- Suggested Pairings: Coffee, tea
- Suggested Aesthetic: Serve on a white ceramic platter
- Suggested Equipment: Baking sheets, parchment paper, mixing bowls, fork, electric mixer (optional), spatula, measuring cups/spoons
Step-by-Step Process
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use a fork or electric mixer to cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes). Add egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined. Stir in mashed bananas until smooth. Taste a small spoonful of the wet mixture and adjust with a bit more sugar or vanilla for a balanced, sweet flavor.
- Combine and Add Oats: Add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring with a spatula until just combined (avoid overmixing). Fold in rolled oats if using for added texture.
- Shape and Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon for even baking. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are set.
- Serve: Let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Arrange on a white ceramic platter, optionally dusting with powdered sugar or drizzling with melted chocolate. Serve warm or at room temperature with fresh fruit or ice cream and coffee or tea.
Tips for Better Banana Cookies
- Use very ripe bananas (with brown spots) for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Taste and adjust the batter before baking to balance the sweetness and banana flavor.
- Avoid overmixing the dough to keep cookies soft and cake-like.
- Check doneness by ensuring edges are golden; centers should be soft but not doughy.
- Present on a white ceramic platter to highlight the golden cookies and garnishes.
- Make ahead: Prepare dough up to 1 day in advance; refrigerate and bake when ready.
- Cool cookies slightly before serving to enhance texture.
- Enhance aesthetic: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate for a vibrant, inviting pop.
Variations and Customization
- Gluten-Free Banana Cookies: Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and confirm oats are gluten-free.
- Low-Sugar Banana Cookies: Reduce granulated sugar to 1/4 cup and use a sugar-free sweetener.
- Vegan Banana Cookies: Replace butter with coconut oil, egg with 1/4 cup applesauce, and use vegan chocolate for drizzling.
- Banana Nut Cookies: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies: Fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips with the oats for extra sweetness.
- Spiced Banana Cookies: Add 1/4 tsp nutmeg or cloves for deeper warmth.
- Banana Oatmeal Raisin Cookies: Replace oats with 1/2 cup raisins for a chewy twist.
- Frosted Banana Cookies: Spread with a simple cream cheese frosting (4 oz cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tsp vanilla) after cooling.
Storage and Serving Tips
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days; reheat in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds for a warm texture.
- Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature or reheat as needed.
- Serve warm or at room temperature for the best soft texture and flavor.
- Use as a dessert, snack, or lunchbox treat for family gatherings or casual occasions.
- Pair with coffee or tea to complement the sweet, banana-forward flavors.
- Present on a white ceramic platter with garnishes for a vibrant, cozy charm.
Nutritional Information
Based on 24 servings (1 cookie each):
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 90mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 15g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Vitamin A: 3% Daily Value
- Vitamin C: 4% Daily Value
- Calcium: 2% Daily Value
- Iron: 4% Daily Value
Note: Values vary by ingredient brands and substitutions (low-sugar options reduce carbs). Low in calories; moderate in sugars due to bananas and sugar.
Conclusion
This Banana Cookies recipe delivers a soft, flavorful treat perfect for dessert or snacks. It transforms simple ingredients into a comforting favorite. Its straightforward preparation and vibrant presentation make it a go-to. The sweet banana and tender texture delight with every bite. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its crowd-pleasing, nostalgic charm.
Banana Cookies Recipe: Soft and Flavorful
Banana Cookies with a soft, flavorful taste.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp kosher salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas about 2 medium
- ½ cup rolled oats optional
- Optional: Powdered sugar melted chocolate drizzle
- Suggested Pairings: Coffee fresh fruit
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F; line baking sheets with parchment.
- Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cream butter, sugars; add egg, vanilla, and bananas; taste and adjust.
- Combine dry and wet ingredients; fold in oats.
- Drop tablespoon-sized dough onto sheets; bake 10–12 min.
- Serve on a white ceramic platter with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for sweetness.
- Store at room temp for 3 days, fridge for 5 days, or freeze for 3 months.
- Try a vegan or chocolate chip variation.
- Pair with ice cream.
