Are you craving a sweet treat that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! These Banana Cream Cookies are the perfect answer. They're soft, chewy, bursting with banana flavor, and require minimal baking experience. This recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight dessert, a fun weekend baking project, or even a delightful addition to your next potluck. Let's dive into this easy recipe for homemade happiness!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter (optional, for extra deliciousness!)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Cream together the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is easily done with an electric mixer, but you can also achieve it with a good amount of elbow grease and a sturdy whisk. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract.
Add the bananas and peanut butter (optional): Stir in the mashed bananas and, if using, the peanut butter. Mix until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Combine the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Again, avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.
Scoop and bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each cookie for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.
Cool and enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Banana Cream Cookies:
- Use very ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
- Chill the dough (optional): For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
- Adjust baking time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on your cookies and adjust the baking time as needed.
Variations:
- Chocolate chips: Add ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough for extra chocolatey goodness.
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition.
- Spices: A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds a warm, comforting flavor.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cookies for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on variations and cookie size)
This easy recipe for Banana Cream Cookies is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The soft texture, combined with the intense banana flavor, makes these cookies a delightful treat for any occasion. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade baking!