Soft and Chewy Banana Nut Cookies

Introduction: The Perfect Soft and Chewy Banana Nut Cookie

Banana nut cookies are a delightful twist on the traditional cookie recipe, bringing together the sweetness of ripe bananas and the crunch of toasted nuts into each bite. If you’re a fan of both cookies and banana bread, this recipe will be your new favorite! Not only are these cookies soft and chewy, but they also have a perfect balance of flavors, thanks to the rich banana flavor paired with the nuttiness of the nuts. Whether you’re looking for a sweet treat for breakfast, dessert, or just a snack, these banana nut cookies are sure to impress.

This soft and chewy banana nut cookie recipe is easy to follow, uses simple ingredients, and yields perfect results every time. The banana gives the cookies their tender texture, while the nuts add a delicious crunch. Perfectly baked with a slightly golden edge, these cookies are a great way to use overripe bananas and turn them into something extraordinary.

Why You’ll Love Banana Nut Cookies

There’s so much to love about these soft and chewy banana nut cookies. First, they’re incredibly easy to make. All you need is a few ripe bananas, a handful of pantry staples, and your favorite nuts to create a batch of irresistible cookies. The natural sweetness from the bananas allows you to reduce the sugar content, making these cookies just the right amount of sweet without being overwhelming.

Another reason to love this recipe is the combination of flavors and textures. The ripe bananas add a subtle, comforting sweetness, while the chopped nuts, whether you prefer walnuts or pecans, give each bite a delightful crunch. The cookies are soft in the center, with slightly crisp edges, creating the perfect balance.

Finally, banana nut cookies are incredibly versatile. You can customize them by adding chocolate chips, oats, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor. This recipe is not only easy to make but also easy to personalize to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

For these delicious soft and chewy banana nut cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas (the riper, the better for sweetness and flavor)
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon of baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon of salt
• ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (optional)
• ¼ cup of unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup of brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or your favorite variety)
• ½ cup of rolled oats (optional)
• ½ cup of chocolate chips (optional, for an extra treat)

Necessary Tools for Banana Nut Cookies

Before you start baking, gather the following tools:

• Mixing bowls (large and medium-sized)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• A hand mixer or stand mixer (optional, but it helps to cream the butter and sugar)
• Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats (to prevent sticking)
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon (for evenly sized cookies)
• Cooling rack (optional, but it helps the cookies cool down faster)

Ingredient Swaps and Additions

Feel free to get creative with your banana nut cookies! Here are some ingredient swaps and additions to customize the flavor and texture:

• Flour: For a gluten-free version, you can swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Sweeteners: If you prefer a healthier option, you can replace the brown sugar with coconut sugar or honey. You could also reduce the sugar content by using less sugar if your bananas are extra ripe.
• Nuts: Walnuts and pecans are classic choices for banana nut cookies, but you can try using almonds, macadamia nuts, or even hazelnuts.
• Chocolate Chips: For an indulgent treat, feel free to mix in chocolate chips. Dark or milk chocolate chips both pair well with the banana flavor.
• Oats: Adding oats will give your cookies more texture and fiber. They also make the cookies more filling and add a chewy bite.
• Cinnamon: If you’re a fan of warm spices, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg for extra depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
2. Mash the bananas: In a medium-sized bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; the texture of the bananas will add moisture to the cookies.
3. Cream the butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the egg and vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and mix until fully combined.
5. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Add the mashed bananas: Stir in the mashed bananas until evenly incorporated into the dough.
7. Add the nuts (and optional ingredients): Gently fold in your chopped nuts, oats, and chocolate chips if using. Make sure the mix-ins are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
8. Scoop the dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
9. Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The centers will still be soft, but the cookies will firm up as they cool.
10. Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for Success

• Use overripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots are perfect for baking.
• Don’t overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing the dough can result in dense cookies.
• Watch the baking time: Keep an eye on the cookies as they bake. They should have golden edges but remain soft in the center.
• Cooling time: Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack to allow them to set and hold their shape.

These soft and chewy banana nut cookies are the perfect treat, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the crunch of toasted nuts, creating a delightful flavor in every bite.

Serving Suggestions of Banana Nut Cookies

These soft and chewy banana nut cookies are perfect for any occasion! Serve them fresh from the oven with a glass of milk or enjoy them as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea. They make a great addition to a dessert table, holiday treats, or as a fun baking project to do with kids.

For a festive twist, you can drizzle melted chocolate on top of the cooled cookies or serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Storing and Reheating

These cookies stay fresh for up to a week when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’d like to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen cookies will keep for up to three months. Simply thaw at room temperature or warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds for that freshly-baked taste.

Nutritional Information

Each cookie (based on 24 cookies per batch):

• Calories: 160
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 80mg

FAQs – Banana Nut Cookies

1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just make sure to thaw them before using them in the recipe.
2. Can I skip the nuts? Yes, if you’re not a fan of nuts, you can skip them or replace them with chocolate chips or dried fruit.
3. Can I make these cookies without eggs? Yes, you can use an egg substitute such as a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) or a commercial egg replacer.
4. Can I add other mix-ins to the cookies? Absolutely! Feel free to add raisins, chocolate chips, or even coconut flakes to the dough.
5. How can I make these cookies healthier? You can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour, coconut sugar instead of brown sugar, and add oats for extra fiber.

Conclusion

These soft and chewy banana nut cookies are a comforting, delicious treat that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. With just the right balance of banana sweetness and nutty crunch, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply looking for a fun snack to enjoy, these cookies will not disappoint. Give them a try today and discover how a few simple ingredients can create a mouthwatering treat that everyone will love.

These chewy red velvet crinkle cookies are a vibrant, decadent treat, with a rich red color and a deliciously soft center, making them a perfect choice for any celebration or special occasion.