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Here’s a detailed, recipe with step-by-step directions.
Banana Bread–Style Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare oven and baking tray
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mash the bananas
In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine and add texture.
Step 3: Cream butter and sugars
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter with brown sugar and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 4: Add wet ingredients
Mix in:
- the mashed bananas
- egg
- vanilla extract
Stir until fully combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled—that’s normal.
Step 5: Combine dry ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together:
- flour
- baking soda
- baking powder
- salt
- cinnamon
- nutmeg (if using)
Step 6: Make the dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Mix just until combined. Do not overmix; the dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if using.
Step 7: Scoop the cookies
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
These cookies spread slightly but remain thick and soft.
Step 8: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until:
- the edges are lightly golden
- the centers look set but still soft
Step 9: Cool
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Texture and Flavor
- Soft and slightly cakey (like banana bread)
- Moist from the bananas
- Warmly spiced with cinnamon
- Lightly crisp edges with tender centers
Tips for Best Results
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor
- If the dough feels too wet, chill it for 20–30 minutes before baking
- Don’t overbake—they should stay soft
- Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for deeper spice flavor
Optional Glaze (for a bakery-style finish)
Mix:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
Drizzle over cooled cookies for extra sweetness.
Banana bread–style cookies are a comforting twist on a classic—quick to make, easy to share, and perfect with tea or coffee when you want something soft and homemade.