Introduction
Transforming simple, wholesome ingredients into delightful treats is easier than you think! These Fluffy Banana Bread Cookies pack all the comforting goodness of classic banana bread into bite-sized, perfectly portioned cookies. They’re naturally sweetened, bursting with flavor, and a guilt-free indulgence perfect for any time of day. Let’s bake up some wellness!
Why This Works
These cookies are a winner because they cleverly combine the moist texture and irresistible banana flavor of banana bread with the convenient portability of a cookie. They’re also naturally sweetened, reducing refined sugar, and easy to customize to your liking. This recipe blends ease, deliciousness, and health into one perfectly baked treat.
Key Ingredients
🍌 3 ripe bananas, mashed
🥚 1 large egg
🍯 1/4 cup honey
🥛 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
🥄 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
🌾 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
🧂 1 teaspoon baking soda
🧂 1/2 teaspoon salt
🌰 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, mash the bananas until smooth. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be!
3️⃣ Add the egg, honey, milk, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Mix well to combine.
4️⃣ In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, baking soda, and salt.
5️⃣ Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
6️⃣ Stir in the chopped walnuts (if using).
7️⃣ Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie.
8️⃣ Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
9️⃣ Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Handy Tips
- Use a cookie scoop for perfectly sized cookies every time!
- For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of applesauce to the batter.
- If you don’t have walnuts, try pecans, chopped dates, or even chocolate chips (dark chocolate is a healthier option).
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures even cooking and prevents burning. Keep a close eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking, as ovens can vary. Slightly underbaked cookies will be softer; slightly overbaked will be crispier. Experiment to find your preferred texture.
Crunch Factor
These cookies offer a delightful balance of soft, fluffy banana bread-like interiors with slightly crisp edges. The optional nuts add a wonderful textural contrast and a satisfying crunch.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For extra banana flavor, add a teaspoon of banana extract along with the vanilla.
- To make these cookies even healthier, substitute half of the whole wheat flour with oat flour.
- Freeze the cookie dough before baking for perfectly portioned treats whenever you crave them.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
Gift Packaging Ideas
These cookies make a thoughtful and delicious gift! Package them in a pretty tin or cellophane bag tied with a ribbon. Include a small card with the recipe so your friends and family can enjoy them too!
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spiced Banana Bread Cookies: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the dry ingredients.
🌟 Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies: Stir in 1/2 cup of dark chocolate chips along with the nuts (if using).
🌟 Oatmeal Banana Bread Cookies: Substitute 1/2 cup of the whole wheat flour with rolled oats.
🌟 Lemon-Banana Bread Cookies: Add the zest of one lemon and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the batter.
Troubleshooting
- Cookies are too dry: Your bananas may not have been ripe enough. Next time, use very ripe bananas for optimal moisture.
- Cookies are too flat: The baking soda may have been old—check the expiration date. Or perhaps you over-mixed the dough.
- Cookies are burnt: Reduce the baking temperature by 25°F (15°C) and check them more frequently.
FAQ
Q: Can I use other types of flour? A: You can experiment with other flours, but whole wheat flour provides the best texture and nutritional value for these cookies.
Q: How can I make these cookies vegan? A: Use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg, and choose a plant-based milk.
Q: Can I add other fruits? A: Yes! Consider adding blueberries, cranberries, or chopped apples.
Q: How many cookies does this recipe make? A: Approximately 12-15 cookies, depending on the size.
Q: Can I make these cookies ahead of time? A: Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before baking.
Conclusion
These Fluffy Banana Bread Cookies are a delightful and healthy treat that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without sacrificing your wellness goals. Enjoy baking these and share the deliciousness with your friends and family! Happy baking!
Fuel Your Day the Sweet Way: Healthy Banana Bread Cookies
Delicious and nutritious banana bread cookies that are perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180u00b0C (350u00b0F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the mashed bananas, honey (or maple syrup), melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, combine the rolled oats, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips or walnuts if using.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown and set.
- Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips
- For extra sweetness, add a few more chocolate chips or a sprinkle of brown sugar on top before baking.
- To make these cookies vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.