Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth. Add the granulated sugar and melted butter to the mashed banana. Mix until well combined.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
4. Shape the Cookies:
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop dollops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
5. Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the tops are set.
6. Cool and Serve:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these cookies warm or at room temperature.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet upgrade.
- Nutty Banana Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunch.
- Coconut Banana Cookies: Mix in 1/4 cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Spiced Banana Cookies: Enhance the flavor with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg.
Tips:
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
- Avoid Overmixing: Stir just until combined to maintain a soft and tender texture.
- Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
These Banana Bread Cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional banana bread, delivering all the familiar flavors in a convenient, handheld form. They’re perfect for satisfying sweet cravings and make excellent treats for sharing with friends and family.