Chewy Banana Bread Cookies

There’s something enchanting about the aroma of baked goods wafting through a home, especially something as comforting as banana bread. Imagine a rainy weekend afternoon, the kind that begs you to stay indoors and wrap yourself in cozy blankets. This was my inspiration one fateful Sunday, with a large, very ripe banana sitting on my counter, taunting me with its over-ripeness. Rather than let it go to waste, I decided to craft these Chewy Banana Bread Cookies, merging the nostalgic flavors of banana bread with the irresistible texture of cookies. What resulted was an experience of sheer delight, making my kitchen a warm sanctuary filled with sweet scents and happy memories.

Recipe Timing

• Prep Duration: 10 minutes
• Active Cooking: 30 minutes
• Total Duration: 40–50 minutes (including chilling time)
• Portion Size: About 12 cookies
• Complexity: Simple

Nutritional Recipe

• Calories per portion: Approx. 150
• Protein: 2.2 grams
• Carbs: 23 grams
• Fats: 7 grams
• Fiber: 0.6 grams
• Sugars: 10 grams
• Sodium: 80 mg

Why You’ll Love This Chewy Banana Bread Cookies

These cookies are not just a meal-time snack; they are a cozy hug in cookie form. The chewiness of these cookies paired with the natural sweetness from ripe bananas brings a burst of nostalgia, reminding you of the freshly baked banana bread your grandma would make. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to whip up! With less than 15 minutes of active preparation, they offer maximum reward in flavor and texture, making them perfect for an impromptu dessert or a delightful treat for unexpected guests.

The Complete Cooking Journey

Let’s embark on this delicious journey together. From picking the ripest banana to enjoying that first warm, gooey bite, every step is filled with joy and anticipation. Picture the bright yellow banana being mashed and mixed with melted butter and sugar—the embodiment of comfort food taking shape. This is not just baking; it’s crafting memories, one cookie at a time.

Ingredients:

• 1 large very ripe banana, mashed (½ cup / 120 g)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted & cooled
• ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Optional: ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg (very subtle)

Method:

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This will create a non-stick surface ready for your cookies and also helps with easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mash & Mix

In a large bowl, whisk together the mashed banana, melted butter, and brown sugar until smooth and glossy. This will take around 3 minutes and ensures the sugar is well incorporated, helping your cookies develop the perfect sweetness.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg & Vanilla

Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract to the banana mixture until it’s fully combined and silky smooth, which should take about 2 minutes. This will enhance the flavor and add a lovely richness to your cookies.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and optional nutmeg (if using). This step, which takes around 2 minutes, is crucial to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices throughout your dough.

Step 5: Fold in Ingredients

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. The dough will be loose and sticky, which is just what we want; this will yield chewy cookies!

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Refrigerate the dough for 20–30 minutes. Chilling is vital as it controls spreading and enhances texture in the final baked cookie.

Step 7: Scoop the Cookies

Using a cookie scoop, place 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them well apart to allow for spreading as they bake. This should take around 5 minutes.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 11–13 minutes until the edges are golden and the centers are soft and slightly sunken. The aroma will be tempting, but resist the urge to dive in immediately!

Step 9: Cool & Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the pan for 10 minutes; this helps them set and wrinkle slightly as they cool. The anticipation will only add to the joy of tasting!

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

These Chewy Banana Bread Cookies are delicious on their own, but why not elevate your experience? Pair them with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a sweet afternoon treat. They also make a great addition to breakfast or brunch tables, alongside fresh fruit or yogurt.

Storage & Leftovers Guide

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to revive that fresh-baked goodness!

Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

• Ensure your banana is very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Don’t overmix the dough; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
• Using an ice cream scoop can help make uniform cookies.
• Monitor them closely while baking; they can go from perfect to overdone quickly.

Flavor Variations & Adaptations

Feel free to experiment! Add in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or oatmeal for additional texture and flavor. Swap out the cinnamon for other spices like ginger or allspice to switch things up!

Reader Questions & Solutions

1. What if my banana isn’t ripe enough?

   • Place it in a brown paper bag overnight to speed up the ripening process.

2. Can I reduce the sugar?

   • Yes, you can replace up to ¼ cup of brown sugar with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier version, though sweetness will be slightly reduced.

3. Will these cookies flatten too much?

   • Chilling the dough is essential to help them retain their shape, so don’t skip that step!

4. Can I make these vegan?

   • You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) and use a plant-based butter alternative.

5. What if my dough is too dry?

   • If the dough seems dry, you can add a tiny splash of milk or almond milk to moisten it.

Wrapping Up

Baking these Chewy Banana Bread Cookies is a simple yet rewarding experience that fills your home with warmth and love. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing them with others, they are sure to spread joy. So grab that ripe banana, preheat your oven, and let’s create something delicious together! Happy baking! 🍌🍪

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