Oh my goodness, if you love bananas, you’re going to absolutely adore these banana cookies! Seriously, they’re a game-changer. Making them is so simple, especially if you have some ripe bananas just hanging around. I mean, who doesn’t love a way to use up those overripe beauties? I remember the first time I whipped these up—my kitchen smelled like a cozy bakery, and I could hardly wait for them to cool before diving in! The combination of oats and peanut butter gives them a chewy texture that’s just divine. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be making these sweet treats again and again!
Ingredients for Banana Cookies Recipe
Gather these simple ingredients to whip up your delicious banana cookies! Trust me, you’ll love how easy it is to find them.
- 2 ripe bananas: Make sure they’re nice and spotty—this means they’re perfectly sweet and ready to be mashed!
- 1 cup of oats: I prefer old-fashioned oats for that chewy texture, but quick oats work too if that’s what you have.
- 1/2 cup of peanut butter: Creamy or crunchy, it’s your call! This adds richness and flavor to the cookies.
- 1/4 cup of honey: This natural sweetener helps bind everything together and adds a lovely sweetness. You can swap it for maple syrup if you prefer.
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract: Just a splash for that warm, comforting flavor. It makes a big difference!
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt: Don’t skip this; it enhances all the sweet flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon: This adds a cozy, warm spice that complements the bananas perfectly.
- 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (optional): If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle these in! They melt into gooey pockets of chocolate that make the cookies even more irresistible.
How to Prepare the Banana Cookies Recipe
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Preheating is super important because it helps the cookies bake evenly. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step and end up with unevenly cooked cookies!
Prepare the Banana Mixture
Now, grab those lovely ripe bananas and a mixing bowl. Use a fork to mash them up until they’re nice and smooth—some lumps are okay, though! You want to get them creamy enough so they mix well with the other ingredients. Once they’re mashed, we’re ready to add the next ingredients!
Combine Ingredients
To the mashed bananas, add in your oats, peanut butter, honey, vanilla extract, salt, and cinnamon. Now, this is where the magic happens! Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You can use a spatula or a sturdy spoon—just make sure everything is evenly mixed. It should start to look like a delicious, thick batter!
Adding Chocolate Chips
If you’re feeling a bit indulgent (and who isn’t?), now’s the time to fold in those chocolate chips. Just gently stir them in so they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture. But hey, if you want to keep things simpler or watch your sugar, feel free to skip this step. The cookies are still amazing without them!
Shape and Bake
Now, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Using a tablespoon or your hands, drop spoonfuls of the cookie mixture onto the baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one because they’ll spread slightly while baking. Pop them in the oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Yum!
Cooling the Cookies
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them firm up a bit and makes them easier to transfer. After that, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting them cool really makes a difference in texture and flavor!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your banana cookies turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some handy tips I’ve picked up along the way:
- Use super ripe bananas: The riper, the better! They’ll give your cookies that natural sweetness and moisture that makes them so delicious.
- Mix gently: When you’re combining the ingredients, be careful not to overmix. Just stir until everything is combined to keep the cookies nice and chewy.
- Experiment with nut butters: If you’re not a peanut butter fan, try almond or sunflower butter instead! They work beautifully and add a different flavor profile.
- Chill the dough: If you find your dough is too sticky, pop it in the fridge for about 15-20 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop and helps the cookies hold their shape better.
- Watch the baking time: Ovens can be tricky! Start checking your cookies around the 10-minute mark. You want them golden but not overbaked—keep an eye on them!
- Store correctly: To keep them fresh, store your cookies in an airtight container. They’ll last for a few days, but I doubt they’ll stick around that long—they’re just too good!
Variations on the Banana Cookies Recipe
Feeling adventurous? There are so many fun ways to mix up your banana cookies recipe! Here are some of my favorite variations that you can try to keep things exciting:
- Nutty Banana Cookies: Add a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and extra flavor. They pair wonderfully with the bananas!
- Spiced Up: For a little kick, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon. It’ll give your cookies a warm, spiced flavor that’s perfect for chilly days.
- Berry Good: Toss in some dried cranberries or chopped dates for a fruity twist! They add a lovely chewiness and a burst of sweetness.
- Oatmeal Raisin Twist: Replace half of the oats with quick-cooking oats and fold in a half cup of raisins. It’s a classic combination that never disappoints!
- Chocolate Lovers: Go all out with double chocolate! Mix in cocoa powder (about 2 tablespoons) with the dry ingredients and add chocolate chips for a rich, chocolatey treat.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: If you really love peanut butter, try adding a swirl of it on top of the cookies before baking. Just drop a teaspoon of peanut butter on top and use a toothpick to create a pretty design!
These variations are just the tip of the iceberg! Don’t be afraid to get creative and make the recipe your own. Happy baking!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for these delightful banana cookies! Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but this should give you a good idea:
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 3g
These cookies are not only delicious but also pack a nutritious punch, thanks to the bananas and oats! Enjoy them guilt-free, knowing they’re a wholesome treat!
FAQ About Banana Cookies Recipe
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. Frozen bananas work perfectly in this recipe and can even make your cookies a bit sweeter!
How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Keep an eye on them around the 10-minute mark. They should be golden brown at the edges but still soft in the center. They’ll firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a little soft right out of the oven!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap out the oats for certified gluten-free oats. They’ll still turn out chewy and delicious!
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
When stored in an airtight container, these banana cookies can last up to a week. But let’s be honest, they probably won’t last that long—they’re just too tasty!
Can I add nuts or seeds to the cookie dough?
Definitely! Chopped nuts or seeds like chia or flaxseed can add a nice crunch and boost the nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the measurements so your dough isn’t too dry!
Serving Suggestions
These banana cookies are so versatile, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy them! Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions that really take these cookies to the next level:
- With a Glass of Milk: You can’t go wrong with a classic! Pair your banana cookies with a cold glass of almond or regular milk. It’s a match made in heaven!
- As a Breakfast Treat: Enjoy them alongside your morning coffee or tea. They make a fantastic on-the-go breakfast option—just grab a couple and you’re set for the day!
- Sandwiched with Nut Butter: Spread a little extra peanut butter or almond butter between two cookies for a delightful sandwich. It adds an extra layer of creaminess that’s simply irresistible.
- With Fresh Fruit: Serve these cookies with a side of sliced strawberries or bananas for a refreshing twist. The juicy fruit complements the chewy cookies beautifully!
- As a Dessert with Ice Cream: For a yummy dessert, crumble a cookie over a scoop of vanilla or banana ice cream. It’s like a cozy dessert parfait that’s sure to impress!
Feel free to mix and match these ideas or come up with your own! No matter how you serve them, I promise these banana cookies will bring smiles all around. Enjoy!
For more delicious cookie recipes, check out our cookie category!
Learn more about the health benefits of bananas here.
For a fun twist on cookies, try our peanut butter cookie recipe!
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Banana Cookies Recipe: 7 Irresistible Variations to Try
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Delicious and easy banana cookies made with ripe bananas.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup of oats
- 1/2 cup of peanut butter
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/2 cup of chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas.
- Add oats, peanut butter, honey, vanilla, salt, and cinnamon to the bananas.
- Mix until well combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use ripe bananas for best flavor.
- Substitute peanut butter with almond or sunflower butter if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: banana cookies recipe