Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep & Preheat
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Cream Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, beat butter and both sugars until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and mashed banana. Mix until smooth.
4. Combine & Fold
Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips (and oats if using).
5. Scoop & Bake
Scoop 1.5 tbsp dough per cookie onto baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still soft. Cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Pro Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Cookies
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Use extra-ripe bananas: The spottier, the better—sweeter and more flavorful.
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Don’t overbake: Cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
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Chill the dough: 30 minutes of chill time makes for thicker, puffier cookies.
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Add a pinch of espresso powder: It deepens the banana flavor (trust me!).
What to Serve With These Cookies
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A hot cup of coffee or chai latte in the morning.
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Vanilla ice cream—turn them into ice cream cookie sandwiches!
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A glass of cold milk for the ultimate nostalgic pairing.
Storage Instructions
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temp.
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Dough: Freeze cookie dough balls and bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes.
FAQ
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. These freeze beautifully, so bake extra!
Do these taste more like banana bread or cookies?
The texture is cookie-like (soft & chewy) but with the unmistakable flavor of banana bread. Best of both worlds!
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Cookies are proof that sometimes the best recipes are born from reimagining the classics. They’re quick, cozy, and endlessly versatile—perfect for breakfast on the go, school snacks, or a late-night bite.
