Perfect Banana Bread Cookies Recipe: Soft and Chewy Treat
Banana bread cookies are a wonderful treat that everyone in America loves to eat for a snack. They are very soft and chewy just like a brownie, but they have the sweet taste of fresh yellow bananas that you might grow in your own big yard.
These cookies are much better than a regular loaf of bread because they cook very fast in your oven. You can use your brown bananas to make a dessert that smells like a dream come true. It is a very easy recipe for kids to make with their parents.
You will feel so happy when you take the first bite of this sweet treat with your best friends. If you enjoy baking from scratch, then you should also try these Cozy Coffee Cake Cookies.
Why These Cookies are a Hit in American Kitchens
Most people in the United States love the taste of banana bread because it reminds them of home. These cookies take that classic flavor and put it into a small snack that you can carry in your hand. They are perfect for school lunches or a picnic.
The texture is what makes them a total star for your family. They are puffy and light but they still have a little bit of chewiness. You do not need a fork or a plate to enjoy these. You can just grab one and go play outside in the bright sunshine.
The Secret Magic of Using Very Brown Bananas
The best part of this recipe is that you must use bananas that have lots of dark brown spots on the skin. These bananas are much sweeter and softer than the bright yellow ones. They mash up into a smooth paste that makes the dough very moist.
Most people in America keep a few bananas on the counter just for this reason. When the fruit gets too soft to eat plain, it is the perfect time to start your baking.
The Best Chocolate for Your Banana Treats
Many kids in America love to add chocolate chips to their banana treats. You can stir in half a cup of semi sweet chips before you bake the cookies. The chocolate melts into the banana dough to create a very rich and decadent experience.
You can also use white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips for a different flavor. This is a fun way to change the recipe and make it your own. Chocolate and banana together are a classic pair that everyone enjoys eating for a fun snack.
The Simple Ingredients You Will Need
- 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1 large fresh egg at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose white flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
Exactly How To Make It Step By Step
Step 1: Mash the Bananas Until Very Smooth
First you need to peel your ripe bananas and put them in a medium bowl. Use a large fork to mash them until they look like a thick and lumpy soup. You want to make sure there are no huge chunks left so the cookies have an even and soft texture.
This part is very fun for children to help with because it is very messy. Mashing the fruit releases all the sweet juices that will make your cookies taste amazing. Set the bowl aside for a minute while you get the rest of the items ready now.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl you should whisk your softened butter and both of the sugars together. Stir them until the mix looks smooth and very fluffy. This is the base of your cookie and it provides all the rich flavor that your family will love most.
Add the large egg and the vanilla extract to the bowl and stir again. You want the batter to look like a thick syrup before you add the fruit. The smell of the vanilla and sugar together is very cozy and will make you feel very hungry.
Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients Carefully
In a separate bowl you should whisk the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Add the cinnamon and the salt to the dry mix. Slowly add the dry flour into the wet bowl with a big spoon. Stir it until you do not see any white flour spots.
Do not mix the batter too much once the flour is inside the bowl. Just stir it until it is just combined. If you mix it too long, the cookies will be hard like a rock. You want them to stay very soft and chewy for everyone in your family.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips and Scoop
Now it is time to add your chocolate chips to the thick batter. Use a spatula to fold them in so they are spread out everywhere. If you like a little bit of crunch, you can also add some chopped walnuts.
Use a cookie scoop to make even balls of dough on your pan. Place them two inches apart so they have room to grow. This ensures that every cookie is the same size and cooks at the same rate. It makes the pan look very professional and neat.
Step 5: Bake Until Light Golden Brown
Put your pan in the oven at 350 degrees for about ten to twelve minutes. You will know they are done when the edges look a very light brown color. The centers should still look soft and puffy. Do not let them stay in the oven for too long.
Let the cookies sit on the hot pan for five minutes after you take them out. This helps the bottoms get firm so they do not break when you move them. Move them to a wire rack to cool down completely before you store them in a jar or a box.
Fun Ways To Serve Your Banana Bread Cookies
- Serve a warm cookie with a big glass of cold milk for a classic snack.
- Place two cookies together with vanilla frosting to make a sandwich.
- Crumble a cookie over a bowl of Greek yogurt for a sweet breakfast.
- Pack them in a bright lunch box for a happy surprise at school.
- Enjoy a cookie with a hot cup of coffee on a rainy Sunday morning.
- Top with a little bit of peanut butter for a very salty and sweet taste.
Helpful Tips For Success
- Always use bananas that are very dark and soft for the best sweetness.
- Measure your flour with a spoon so you do not use way too much of it.
- Use a nonstick pan or parchment paper so the cookies slide off easy.
- Make sure your butter is soft but not melted for the best fluffy dough.
- Let the dough chill in the fridge for ten minutes if it feels too sticky.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg if you want a deeper and warmer spice scent now.
How To Store Your Sweet Leftovers Correctly
You can keep your banana bread cookies on the kitchen counter for up to three days. Make sure the container has a tight lid so the air does not make them dry. They will stay soft and yummy for a long time if you protect them from the air.
If you want them to last a week, you can put them in the refrigerator. This makes them extra fudgy and cold, which is very delicious. You can even freeze them for two months if you wrap them tightly in plastic to keep them safe and very fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my bananas are ripe enough?
You should look for skins that are mostly brown or have many black spots. If the banana is still yellow, it will not be sweet enough for this recipe. A very soft banana is the best choice for making chewy and sweet cookie treats at home.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, you can add half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. This adds a great crunch that goes very well with the soft fruit. Most people in America love the taste of nuts in their banana bread and it works very well here too.
Why are my cookies too flat and thin?
This usually happens if your butter was too melted or if the oven was not hot enough. Make sure your butter is just soft to the touch. You can also try chilling the dough in the fridge for thirty minutes before you bake to keep them puffy.
Can I make these without an egg?
You can use a flax egg or extra applesauce if you want to make these without a real egg. It will change the texture a little bit but they will still be very yummy. The egg helps the cookies stay together so they do not crumble apart.
What is the best way to reheat them?
You can put a cookie in the microwave for ten seconds to make it warm and soft. This makes the chocolate chips melt and the banana smell come back. It is the best way to enjoy a leftover treat on a busy Monday morning for your breakfast.
A Bright Future For Your Baking Adventure
Baking these banana bread cookies is a wonderful way to find joy in your kitchen. It is a simple recipe that turns old fruit into a masterpiece. You will feel so proud when you see the beautiful golden cookies sitting on your counter today.
We hope you enjoy every single bite of this chewy treat with your family. It is a great way to try new things and share love through food. Thank you for visiting us to learn this recipe. We wish you many happy days of baking in your home now.
