This simple and delicious recipe for fluffy banana cookies is perfect for kids and adults alike. It’s easy to make and a great treat for any time of the day. Enjoy these sweet, soft cookies that are full of flavor!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup melted butter
1 large egg
1 cup quick oats

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
Stir in the melted butter, egg, and oats until fully incorporated.
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden on the edges.
Allow to cool before serving.

Nutrients

Calories: 140 per cookie
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 3g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 15g

Why Banana Cookies?

Bananas are one of the most popular and accessible fruits worldwide, known for their convenience and nutritional value. Not only do they add natural sweetness to any recipe, but they also provide essential nutrients like potassium, fiber, and vitamins B6 and C. When you incorporate bananas into your baking, you create a healthier alternative to traditional cookies that might be loaded with artificial sugars and preservatives.

The unique combination of ripe bananas and oats in this recipe brings a soft, chewy texture that is distinct from other cookies. These banana cookies are not just delicious, but also a great way to sneak some extra fruit into your diet. The best part is that these cookies are perfect for both kids and adults. They are a fantastic snack for lunchboxes, school events, or as an after-school treat.

The Benefits of Using Bananas in Baking

Bananas are an excellent ingredient in baking because they are naturally sweet, making them an ideal substitute for refined sugars in many recipes. In this banana cookie recipe, the natural sugars from the bananas add a delightful flavor, reducing the need for excess sugar. This makes the cookies a more nutritious option for those looking to reduce their intake of processed sugars while still enjoying a delicious treat.

Bananas are also packed with potassium, a mineral that is essential for heart health and maintaining proper muscle and nerve function. They also provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer. Additionally, bananas contain antioxidants, such as dopamine and catechins, which may help protect the body from oxidative stress and support overall health.

By using ripe bananas in your cookies, you’re not only adding a delicious flavor but also boosting the nutritional profile of your treat. Bananas provide the perfect balance of natural sweetness and moisture, creating a soft, fluffy texture that’s hard to beat.

How to Make the Best Fluffy Banana Cookies

When making banana cookies, there are a few key tips to keep in mind to ensure the best results. These tips can help you achieve that light, fluffy texture that makes these cookies stand out from other traditional baked goods.

Use Ripe Bananas: The key to achieving the right flavor and texture in your banana cookies is using ripe bananas. As bananas ripen, their starches turn into sugars, making them naturally sweeter and easier to mash. Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect for baking, as they are softer and more flavorful.
Don’t Overmix the Dough: When mixing the dough for these cookies, it’s important not to overmix. Overmixing can result in dense, heavy cookies. Gently stir the ingredients until everything is combined, ensuring the cookies remain light and fluffy.
Chill the Dough: If you have the time, it’s a good idea to chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough firm up and results in better cookie shape and texture. Chilled dough also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
Baking Time and Temperature: It’s essential to bake these cookies at the right temperature to ensure they cook through without becoming too dry. Baking at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 12 minutes will give you golden, soft cookies with a slightly chewy texture.
Add-ins and Variations: While the basic recipe is delicious on its own, you can easily customize these banana cookies with different add-ins. Consider adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon to give your cookies a personalized touch. You can even swap the oats for other grains or use gluten-free flour to make the recipe more accommodating to different dietary needs.

What Makes These Banana Cookies Special?

These banana cookies are not only a tasty treat but also a healthier alternative to many other cookie recipes. By swapping out some of the sugar for the natural sweetness of bananas and incorporating oats for added fiber, these cookies offer a more nutritious option. Whether you’re trying to make a healthier dessert or just want to try something new, these cookies are a great choice.

The flavor of these cookies is rich yet subtle, thanks to the ripe bananas, and the oats add a bit of texture, making each bite satisfying. They have a soft, pillowy texture that’s different from the usual crisp or crunchy cookies. With each bite, you’re not just enjoying a snack, but nourishing your body with natural ingredients.

Creative Ways to Serve Banana Cookies

These banana cookies are perfect on their own, but they can also be served in various creative ways to make them even more enjoyable.

Sandwich Cookies: You can turn these banana cookies into a fun sandwich by adding a layer of cream cheese frosting, peanut butter, or Nutella between two cookies. This makes for an extra indulgent treat that’s perfect for special occasions or a family dessert.
Serve with a Glass of Milk: Banana cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk. The creamy, nutty flavor of the cookies is enhanced when combined with the richness of milk, making for a comforting and satisfying snack.
Add to a Dessert Platter: If you’re hosting a party or a gathering, these banana cookies make a great addition to any dessert platter. You can pair them with other treats like fruit tarts, brownies, or cupcakes for a delicious variety of sweets.
Top with Ice Cream: For an even more indulgent treat, serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, soft cookie and the cold ice cream creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Nutritional Value of Banana Cookies

When baking at home, you have full control over the ingredients, which means you can make more nutritious choices. Banana cookies are an excellent way to sneak in some healthy ingredients like oats and bananas, which provide fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. The natural sugars in bananas can replace refined sugars, giving you a sweet treat without the excess empty calories.

For anyone who is conscious about their sugar or calorie intake, these cookies provide a healthier alternative to store-bought cookies, which often contain added preservatives, artificial sugars, and unhealthy fats. Making banana cookies from scratch allows you to enjoy a tasty dessert while still feeling good about the ingredients you’re using.

Conclusion

Banana cookies are a versatile, delicious, and healthier alternative to traditional cookies. Whether you’re looking for a new snack to try, a fun way to use up ripe bananas, or simply want to bake something that’s both tasty and nutritious, this recipe is a perfect choice. By incorporating ripe bananas and oats, you not only create a cookie that’s soft and fluffy but also one that’s packed with nutrients like potassium and fiber. These cookies are easy to make, customizable with add-ins, and can be served in various creative ways to suit any occasion.

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