Banana Cookies Recipe
If you are looking for a delightful treat that is both comforting and easy to make, this Banana Cookies Recipe is just what you need. These cookies combine the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a tender, chewy texture, creating a snack that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for an afternoon pick-me-up or a casual get-together, these banana cookies are bound to become a fast favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Banana Cookies Recipe comes from its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in adding to the cookies’ moistness, flavor, and perfect texture.
- 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and base for your cookies.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch: Helps create a tender, soft cookie by adding a delicate texture.
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder: A leavening agent that ensures your cookies rise just right.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Balances acidity and aids in browning for that perfect color.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness beautifully.
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed: Adds rich sweetness and moisture thanks to its molasses content.
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened: Creates a creamy texture and brings in a subtle buttery flavor.
- ¼ cup mashed ripe banana: The star ingredient — infuses natural sweetness and moisture with a lovely fruity note.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor depth and gives a warm aroma.
- 1 large egg, room temperature: Binds ingredients together and helps provide structure.
How to Make Banana Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies will bake evenly and won’t stick to the tray, which is crucial for perfect cookies.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these ahead guarantees each cookie will rise properly and have the ideal texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Add Banana Mix
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the light brown sugar until light and fluffy — this step is so satisfying and sets the stage for a light texture. Then, fold in the mashed banana, vanilla extract, and egg, mixing thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Use a silicone spatula to gently fold the flour mixture into the banana mixture. Be careful not to over-mix! Stir just enough so everything is combined, which keeps the cookies tender and soft.
Step 5: Portion the Dough Onto Baking Sheets
Using a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop or spoon, drop dollops of dough about two inches apart on the parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Giving them space allows the cookies to spread perfectly without crowding.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your banana cookies for about 10 minutes or until they turn lightly golden on the edges. Remove the baking sheets and let the cookies rest on the sheet for five minutes — this helps them set before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Banana Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To take these cookies to the next level, garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking can add a satisfying crunch.
Side Dishes
Banana cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon break. You can also serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a dollop of vanilla yogurt for a balanced snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your banana cookies on a rustic wooden board or a pretty plate with a scattering of banana slices and mint leaves for a charming presentation. For parties, stack the cookies with layers of whipped cream and sliced bananas to create a cookie trifle that’s sure to wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your banana cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh for up to 4 days. Placing a piece of bread in the container can help keep them soft by adding moisture.
Freezing
If you want to save these treats for later, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months and are perfect for quick snacks.
Reheating
To enjoy warm cookies, reheat them in the oven at 300ºF for about 5 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and enhances their banana flavor perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually ideal because they are sweeter and mash easily, adding excellent moisture and flavor to your cookies.
Can I substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?
You can swap in whole wheat flour, but it might make the cookies slightly denser. For a lighter texture, use a mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?
Yes! Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and swap the egg with a flax egg or applesauce. The texture might vary slightly, but they’ll still be delicious.
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even dried fruit will bring delightful texture and extra bursts of flavor to your Banana Cookies Recipe.
How long do these banana cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, they remain soft and fresh for about 4 days at room temperature.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Banana Cookies Recipe enough — it’s an easy, delicious way to turn simple ingredients into a treat that feels both comforting and special. Once you try baking these, I bet you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and again, sharing it with loved ones and making your kitchen smell irresistibly wonderful.
Print
Banana Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings (approximately 24 cookies) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Cookies are soft, chewy, and subtly sweet treats made with ripe bananas and brown sugar. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert, they combine the natural moisture of bananas with a classic cookie texture, baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the packed light brown sugar until the mixture is light in color and fluffy in texture, which helps to create a tender cookie crumb.
- Add Banana, Vanilla, and Egg: Mix the mashed ripe banana, vanilla extract, and room temperature egg into the butter and sugar mixture until fully combined, which adds moisture and flavor to the cookie dough.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually stir the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients using a silicone spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Portion the Cookies: Use a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the cookies turn lightly browned around the edges, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set and enhances the texture.
Notes
- Ensure the banana is ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Use room temperature egg and softened butter for better mixing results.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender and soft.
- You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
