Introduction

As someone who loves baking but doesn’t always have the time for complex recipes, I’m always on the lookout for easy yet satisfying treats. That’s when I stumbled upon this delightful Banana Bread Cookie recipe. Imagine the soft, warm comfort of banana bread, but in cookie form—what’s not to love? I was a bit skeptical at first, wondering how a simple mix of ingredients would result in something so delicious, but after trying it, I can confidently say this recipe is a game-changer! The cookies are soft, subtly sweet, and incredibly easy to make. Plus, they only require six basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand. My family was hooked, and I’m sure yours will be too. These Banana Bread Cookies are perfect for a quick snack, dessert, or even breakfast on the go!

Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Cookies

Simple Ingredients: With just six ingredients, these cookies are incredibly easy to prepare. You don’t need fancy or hard-to-find ingredients—just some basic pantry staples.
No Mixer Required: Unlike many cookie recipes that require an electric mixer, this one can be made by hand. You just need a bowl and a spoon, making cleanup a breeze.
Banana Bread Flavor in a Cookie: If you love banana bread, you’re going to love these cookies! They capture that same comforting flavor and soft texture but in a much quicker, bite-sized form.
Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in no time. From mixing the ingredients to baking, it only takes about 20 minutes, which is perfect when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
Perfect for All Ages: These cookies are a hit with both kids and adults. They’re sweet enough to satisfy dessert cravings but not too sugary, making them a great option for a midday snack or a light treat.

Ingredients

To make these simple yet irresistible Banana Bread Cookies, gather the following ingredients:

1 ripe banana, mashed – A ripe banana is key here. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
1/2 cup sugar – This adds just the right amount of sweetness, balancing out the banana flavor.
1/4 cup melted butter – Butter adds richness and helps make these cookies soft and tender.
1 cup flour – The base for these cookies, providing structure while keeping them light.
1/4 tsp baking soda – Baking soda helps the cookies rise and gives them a soft texture.
1/4 tsp salt – A pinch of salt enhances the sweetness and balances out the flavors.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth. Add the sugar and melted butter, stirring until well combined. You can use a fork or a whisk for this step—no need for fancy equipment. Just ensure everything is smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 2: Add Dry Ingredients

To the wet mixture, add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough—stir until the ingredients are incorporated, but it’s okay if the dough looks a little lumpy.

Step 3: Scoop the Dough

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Be sure to space them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread while baking.

Step 4: Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to prevent overbaking. These cookies are meant to be soft in the center, so they should have a slight golden color around the edges.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy the soft, chewy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: Approximately 100-120 calories

Macronutrients per serving (approximate):

Carbohydrates: 18g
Sugar: 10g
Fat: 5g
Protein: 1g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 100mg

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on portion size and specific ingredients used.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Bake Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 15-20 minutes

These cookies come together quickly, making them a perfect last-minute dessert or snack when you’re in a rush.

How to Serve

These Banana Bread Cookies are versatile and can be served in various ways:

As a Snack: These cookies make for a great midday snack. They’re light, satisfying, and perfect for pairing with a cup of tea or coffee.
As a Breakfast Treat: If you’re in need of a quick breakfast on the go, these cookies are perfect. They have the same comforting taste as banana bread but are much easier to grab and eat on the run.
For Dessert: Serve them after dinner as a sweet treat. They’re not too heavy or overly sweet, making them a perfect end to a meal.
For Kids: These cookies are ideal for kids, as they’re soft and easy to eat. Plus, they’re made with natural sweetness from the banana, so they’re a healthier option compared to other sugary snacks.

Additional Tips

Use Very Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe!
Add a Dash of Cinnamon: If you want to take the flavor up a notch, add a pinch of ground cinnamon to the dough. It pairs beautifully with the banana and gives the cookies a warm, comforting flavor.
Add Mix-Ins: Feel free to throw in some chocolate chips, walnuts, or even dried fruit to give these cookies an extra special twist.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: To keep the cookies light and soft, be careful not to overmix the dough. Stir until the ingredients are just combined.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer your cookies sweeter, you can increase the sugar slightly. Start by adding an extra tablespoon of sugar and taste the dough before baking.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use unripe bananas for this recipe?

No, ripe bananas are essential for the right sweetness and texture. Choose bananas that are mostly brown or have lots of black spots.

2. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be substituted for butter, but butter adds more richness and flavor.

3. Can I use whole wheat flour?

Yes, you can use whole wheat flour instead of regular flour for a slightly denser, healthier cookie.

4. Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes! You can freeze the cookies after baking and cooling them. Just place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, and they’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.

5. Can I add chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Chocolate chips are a great addition to these cookies. Just fold them into the dough before baking.

6. How do I store these cookies?

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and fresh.

7. Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! You can use a plant-based butter substitute and ensure the sugar is vegan-friendly to make these cookies vegan.

8. Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes, gluten-free flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour, but the texture may differ slightly.

9. How many cookies does this recipe make?

This recipe yields about 12 cookies, depending on the size of the spoonfuls you drop onto the baking sheet.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to make more cookies. Just make sure to adjust the baking time if necessary.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cookies are the perfect treat when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours baking. With only six ingredients and minimal prep time, they’re a simple yet satisfying dessert that everyone will love. The subtle flavor of ripe bananas combined with a hint of sweetness makes these cookies both comforting and delicious. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack, dessert, or even breakfast, these cookies are sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them. They’re soft, chewy, and simply irresistible!