If you’re looking for a sweet treat to brighten your day, these banana cookies are the answer! Combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with rich chocolate chips, this recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, these cookies will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is around 12-15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cookie) contains approximately:
– Calories: 120
– Total Fat: 5g
– Carbohydrates: 18g
– Protein: 1g
– Sugar: 8g
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the mashed bananas and mix until well combined.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently.
- Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute brown sugar with white sugar for a lighter taste. Additionally, use almond flour for a gluten-free option or replace chocolate chips with dried fruits or nuts for a different flavor profile.
Serving and Pairings
These banana cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea. They can also be enjoyed alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious dessert.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using unripe bananas can result in less sweetness.
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies.
- Baking at too high a temperature can burn the edges.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately may affect consistency.
- Skipping the cooling step can make the cookies too soft to handle.
Helpful Tips
- Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes for thicker cookies.
- Add chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Experiment with spices like cinnamon for added flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas can be used. Just thaw them completely and mash them well before adding to the mixture.
How can I make these cookies healthier?
You can reduce the sugar and use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour to make them healthier.
What is the best way to store banana cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
Can I add other flavors to the cookies?
Absolutely! Consider adding spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist.
Are these cookies suitable for kids?
Yes, banana cookies are a great snack for kids, packed with natural sweetness and flavor!
Conclusion
Banana cookies are a delightful way to use ripe bananas, providing a sweet treat that is both easy to make and delicious. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies will surely satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.
Banana Cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas mashed
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup butter softened
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the mashed bananas and mix until well combined.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently.
- Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.