If you love bananas, then you are in for a treat! The perfect cookie for banana lovers brings together the sweet flavor of ripe bananas and the deliciousness of a soft cookie. With a creamy glaze on top, this treat will satisfy your cravings and impress your friends and family. Banana cookies are easy to make, and they use simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry. This guide will walk you through every step of making these delightful cookies, sharing tips and variations that make them even more special.
Why Make This Recipe
Banana cookies are not just a delicious dessert; they are also a great way to use up ripe bananas. Instead of throwing away mushy bananas that you can’t eat, you can turn them into a sweet treat that everyone will love. This recipe combines the richness of butter and sugars with the unique flavor of bananas to create a soft, chewy cookie. Adding cream cheese glaze takes the taste to a new level, making these cookies perfect for gatherings, snacks, or even breakfast!
These cookies are great for any occasion. They can be served at birthday parties, family dinners, or even as a simple dessert after a weekday meal. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the sweet, fruity flavor and the soft texture. The optional nuts add a nice crunch, making every bite satisfying. When you bake these cookies, you not only create a tasty treat but also fill your home with a warm and inviting aroma.
How to Make The Perfect Cookie for Banana Lovers
Ingredients:
To create over a dozen of these delightful cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps your cookies bake evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air into the cookie dough, which helps create a nice texture.
Add the Bananas and Egg: Mix in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract. Make sure everything is well combined. The bananas will add moisture and sweetness to the dough.
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the baking soda and salt throughout the flour.
Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Optional Nuts: If you want to add some texture, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans. This will give your cookies a lovely crunch and extra flavor.
Scoop the Dough: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each scoop to allow for spreading as they bake.
Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be golden while the center is set, so keep an eye on them towards the end.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze: While the cookies are baking, it’s time to make the glaze. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Cool the Cookies: Once baked, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents them from getting soggy.
Drizzle the Glaze: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over them. It adds a creamy sweetness that makes the cookies even more delightful.
How to Serve The Perfect Cookies for Banana Lovers
These cookies are perfect for serving as a sweet snack or dessert. You can place them on a nice platter and serve them at a gathering for friends and family. They pair wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. If you want to impress your guests, you can dust the cookies with a little more powdered sugar before serving.
If you are packing these cookies for lunch or a picnic, try placing them in a container, layering them with parchment paper to keep them fresh. They also make a great treat for bake sales or potluck dinners. You can even warm them slightly in the microwave before serving for a melty, comforting experience.
How to Store The Perfect Cookies for Banana Lovers
To keep your cookies fresh, you should store them properly. Place the cooled cookies in an airtight container. They can be kept at room temperature for about 3-5 days. If you want them to last longer, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just make sure to allow them to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying, as they can become a bit firm in the fridge.
If you have leftovers, you can also freeze the cookies. To do this, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a cozy treat.
Tips to Make The Perfect Cookies for Banana Lovers
Use Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas with brown spots for the best taste.
Don’t Over Mix: When you add the dry ingredients, mix them just until combined. Over-mixing can make the cookies tough.
Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can improve the flavor and texture of your cookies. They might spread less while baking as well.
Check the Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary in temperature. It’s a good idea to check your cookies a minute or two before the baking time is up to prevent overbaking.
Experiment with Flavors: You can add chocolate chips or spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor. Customize your cookie to your liking!
Variation
If you want to switch things up, consider trying these variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough before baking for a chocolatey twist.
- Oatmeal Banana Cookies: Replace 1 cup of flour with rolled oats for a chewy texture and an added health boost.
- Banana Nut Bread Cookies: Increase the amount of walnuts or pecans to half a cup for a more nutty flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes! If you have frozen bananas, just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing. They’re perfect for banana cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it is a one-to-one ratio for best results.
How can I make the cream cheese glaze thicker?
If you want a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar, a little at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
Banana Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture and mix until just combined.
- If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scoop.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are set.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the cookies are cool, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over them.