Banana Cookies, oh, how we love them! There is nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen, especially when those cookies are our family recipe for Banana Cookies. These aren’t just any cookies; they’re little bites of comfort, a warm hug in every mouthful, reminding us of simpler times in our kitchens back in Queens.
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These cookies are from a cherished recipe from Maria's mother, who always seemed to have a use for overripe bananas. Nothing went to waste in her kitchen, and that spirit lives on in Nonna's Dishes. We think you'll agree, these Banana Cookies have a place on your table too!
Why You Will Love This Banana Cookies Recipe
Oh, darlings, you’re going to fall head over heels for this banana cookies recipe. First off, the comfort factor is off the charts! These cookies are like a warm blanket on a chilly day, each bite filled with the sweet and comforting flavor of banana bread, but in cookie form. Plus, they’re so incredibly easy to whip up – even Lucia, who claims she can barely boil water (which we all know isn’t true!), can make these with ease.
What makes this banana cookies recipe truly special is the touch of nutmeg. It adds a subtle warmth that complements the banana perfectly, elevating these cookies from simple to sublime. And did we mention they’re ready in under 30 minutes? That’s right, from craving to cookie in less time than it takes to watch an episode of your favorite Italian drama!
Plus, remember that time we tried to make heart shaped chocolate chip cookies and ended up with blobs? These are much more forgiving and always turn out perfectly.
Ingredients Needed for This Banana Cookies Recipe
Alright, grab your aprons, darlings, and let’s gather the ingredients for the best banana cookies imaginable:
- For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, but highly recommended!)
How to Make This Banana Cookies Recipe
Get ready to bake some magic, loves! Follow these simple steps for a cookie that will truly delight:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. We like to use a stand mixer for this, but a hand mixer works just as well.
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Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Don't overmix – just until everything is incorporated.
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Add the mashed bananas to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth. Make sure your bananas are really ripe for the best flavor!
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
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Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans, if using. These add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor to the cookies.
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Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
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Bake for 1012 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Keep a close eye on them – ovens can vary, and you don’t want them to burn!
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. And try not to eat them all at once!
How to Serve This Banana Cookies Recipe
These banana cookies are delightful all on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate the experience:
- Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
- Pair them with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Drizzle them with caramel sauce or chocolate syrup for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Spread a thin layer of cream cheese frosting on top for a decadent indulgence.
- Enjoy them with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic combination.
While you are in the baking mood, check out our recipe for Strawberry Jam Cookies.
How to Store This Banana Cookies Recipe
To keep your banana cookies fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:
- Refrigeration: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To thaw frozen cookies, let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes.
Tips to Make This Banana Cookies Recipe
Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure baking success:
- For the best flavor, use overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful the cookies will be.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies that bake evenly. Or you can enjoy them in a variety of sizes!
- If you don’t have walnuts or pecans on hand, you can substitute with chocolate chips, raisins, or any other nuts you like.
- Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Softened butter creams together with the sugar more easily, creating a light and fluffy dough.
Helpful Notes for This Banana Cookies Recipe
A few extra notes to help you along your way:
- If you want to make these cookies glutenfree, you can substitute the allpurpose flour with a glutenfree blend. Just be sure to add a binder like xanthan gum to help hold the cookies together.
- If you don’t have vanilla extract, you can use almond extract for a slightly different flavor. Just be sure to use it sparingly, as it can be quite strong.
- We recommend using a stand mixer or hand mixer to cream together the butter and sugar, but you can also do it by hand with a wooden spoon. Just be prepared for a bit of a workout!
Follow us on Pinterest for more delicious recipes and baking tips!
Variation of This Banana Cookies Recipe
Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few variations to try:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist.
- Peanut Butter Banana Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of peanut butter to the wet ingredients for a nutty flavor.
- Spiced Banana Cookies: Add 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves or allspice to the dry ingredients for a warm, spicy flavor.
- Banana Nutella Cookies: Swirl a spoonful of Nutella into each cookie before baking for a hazelnutty treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes banana cookies so good?
Banana cookies are popular because they are moist, flavorful, and offer a unique twist on traditional cookies. The banana adds natural sweetness and a soft texture, making them a delightful treat.
How do you keep banana cookies from being too cakey?
To prevent banana cookies from becoming too cakey, avoid overmixing the batter and ensure the oven temperature is accurate. Using slightly less flour can also help achieve a chewier texture.
Can I freeze banana cookie dough?
Yes, you can freeze banana cookie dough. Simply portion the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
There you have it, loves! Our cherished banana cookies recipe, ready for you to bake and enjoy. These little bites of comfort are perfect for any occasion, and we know they'll bring a little warmth and happiness to your home. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of Banana Cookies fill your kitchen. And please, let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
Banana Cookies: Easiest Recipe Ever! (Just 5 Ingredients)
Soft and chewy banana cookies packed with banana flavor and a hint of spice. Perfect for using up ripe bananas
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Cuisine: ItalianAmerican
Nutrition:
Protein: 2g
Carbs: 18g
Fat: 5g
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the mashed bananas to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans, if using.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 1012 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best flavor, use overripe bananas.
- Don’t overmix the dough.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
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