If you’ve ever wondered how to turn those perfectly ripe bananas into a cozy treat that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, this Banana Drop Cookies Recipe is your answer. These soft, cake-like cookies are bursting with warm spices and just the right hint of sweetness, making them a perfect snack or dessert for any time of day. Whether you’re baking for one or sharing with friends, this recipe guarantees comfort and joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to the wonderful flavor and texture in this Banana Drop Cookies Recipe. Each ingredient plays its part, whether it’s the mashed bananas adding natural moisture, the spices bringing depth, or the optional mix-ins creating delightful surprises.
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas: Use bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor and softness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies without overpowering the banana taste.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet aroma.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that holds the cookies perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acidic bananas to tenderize the dough.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice notes that complement the bananas beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle depth and aromatic touch.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Provides a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional): Adds melty bursts of chocolate for added indulgence.
How to Make Banana Drop Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies won’t stick and come off easily once baked. This small step makes clean-up a breeze and keeps your cookies looking picture perfect.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creaming process is crucial because it helps create a tender texture by incorporating air into the dough.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg until fully mixed. Then add the mashed bananas and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is well combined. The ripe bananas bring moisture and natural sweetness that makes this Banana Drop Cookies Recipe so special.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a separate bowl. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies soft and tender. Now is the perfect moment to fold in those optional walnuts and chocolate chips if you want a little extra texture and flavor pop.
Step 6: Drop and Bake
Using a tablespoon measure, drop scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookie edges turn a lovely light golden color and the centers are set but still soft. Let them cool on the sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
How to Serve Banana Drop Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Although these cookies are perfect on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can add a pretty finishing touch. For a fresh twist, try serving with a sprinkle of crushed nuts or a few banana slices on the side to echo the cookie’s star ingredient.
Side Dishes
Banana Drop Cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a cozy cup of coffee or tea. They’re also fantastic alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy, no-fuss dessert that feels just a little indulgent.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re bringing these cookies to a gathering, arrange them beautifully on a tiered dessert stand or wrap them in parchment paper tied with twine for a charming homemade gift. Another fun idea is to sandwich two cookies together with a layer of cream cheese frosting or peanut butter for a decadent treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Banana Drop Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps their soft texture intact and the flavors vibrant without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies for longer storage. Place cooled cookies on a baking sheet so they don’t stick together, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, ready to be enjoyed whenever a banana cookie craving hits.
Reheating
To warm frozen or stored cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or heat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This restores their soft, cake-like texture and brings back that freshly baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas in this Banana Drop Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, very ripe bananas with brown spots are ideal because they offer more natural sweetness and moisture, enhancing the cookies’ softness and flavor.
What can I substitute for walnuts if I have a nut allergy?
If you want to avoid nuts, you can simply omit them or swap in ingredients like raisins, shredded coconut, or even extra mini chocolate chips for added texture without sacrificing taste.
How soft are these Banana Drop Cookies?
These cookies are soft and cake-like, not crunchy or crispy. The mashed bananas keep them moist and tender, making each bite a comforting delight.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, try substituting the butter with a plant-based margarine and using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg. The texture will still be deliciously soft.
Do I have to use mini chocolate chips?
Nope! The mini chocolate chips are optional. You can leave them out or replace them with other mix-ins like white chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even toffee bits depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something truly heartwarming about these Banana Drop Cookies Recipe cookies that makes you want to bake them again and again. They’re unbelievably soft, packed with flavor, and so easy to whip up even on a busy day. So go ahead, grab those ripe bananas, and get baking – your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Banana Drop Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully soft and cake-like Banana Drop Cookies made with ripe bananas, aromatic spices, and optional walnuts or mini chocolate chips. These easy-to-make American-style cookies are perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, featuring a tender texture and rich banana flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Optional Add-ins
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, creating a good base for your cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Incorporate the egg, mashed ripe bananas, and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture, beating until the ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Add-ins: If using, fold in the chopped walnuts and mini chocolate chips evenly into the cookie dough for texture and extra flavor.
- Drop Cookie Dough: Using a tablespoon measure, drop scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers have set, ensuring they remain soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- These cookies have a soft, cake-like texture thanks to the mashed bananas.
- You can omit the nuts and chocolate chips or substitute them with raisins or shredded coconut for variation.
- Using very ripe bananas with brown spots will intensify the banana flavor for a richer taste.
