why make this recipe
Soft Banana Bread Cookies are a delicious treat that combines the rich flavor of banana bread with the chewy texture of cookies. These cookies are perfect for using up overripe bananas sitting on your counter. Easy to make and delightful to eat, they are great for lunchboxes, as an afternoon snack, or even as a dessert. The addition of chocolate chips and pecans adds a delightful crunch and sweetness, making them a favorite for both kids and adults.
how to make Soft Banana Bread Cookies
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (unsalted)
- 2 bananas – ripe
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Directions
Brown the butter: In a pan on medium heat, add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Keep cooking until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty smell. You will see some foamy bubbles and toasted milk solids at the bottom. Pour the browned butter into a heat-proof bowl or jar to cool slightly.
Preheat the oven: Once the butter has cooled, preheat your oven to 325ºF. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mash the bananas: In a large bowl, add the ripe bananas and mash them completely with a fork or potato masher.
Mix wet ingredients: Add the browned butter, both the brown and white sugars, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix until it is fluffy and combined.
Add dry ingredients: In the same bowl, add the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix everything together gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in extras: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 1.5 inches apart.
Bake the cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-18 minutes, or until the edges start to brown.
Cool and enjoy: Once baked, let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy your delicious Soft Banana Bread Cookies!
how to serve Soft Banana Bread Cookies
Serve Soft Banana Bread Cookies warm, straight from the oven, or at room temperature. They pair perfectly with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. For a special touch, you can drizzle a little chocolate or peanut butter over the top before serving.
how to store Soft Banana Bread Cookies
Keep your Soft Banana Bread Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag, separating layers with parchment paper, for up to three months.
tips to make Soft Banana Bread Cookies
- Use overripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
- Don’t overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, just mix until they come together to keep your cookies soft and chewy.
- Adjust chocolate: If you prefer nuts or want to try different add-ins, feel free to customize the recipe based on your taste!
variation
For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding in some dried fruits like cranberries or raisins instead of chocolate chips. You can also substitute walnuts for pecans or add a pinch of nutmeg for extra flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just thaw them and mash them before adding to the mix.What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar. For extra depth of flavor, add a teaspoon of molasses to the mixture.Are these cookies gluten-free?
To make them gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check that all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Soft Banana Bread Cookies
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft Banana Bread Cookies are a delicious treat that combines the rich flavor of banana bread with the chewy texture of cookies, perfect for using up overripe bananas.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter (unsalted)
- 2 ripe bananas
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- In a pan on medium heat, add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Keep cooking until it turns golden brown and gives off a nutty smell. Pour into a bowl to cool slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 325ºF and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
- In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas completely.
- Add the browned butter, both sugars, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix until fluffy.
- In the same bowl, add flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix gently until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 1.5 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-18 minutes, or until edges start to brown.
- Let the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
Serve warm or at room temperature. Pairs well with milk or coffee. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American