Ah, the holidays! A time when the kitchen becomes a magical workshop, and the air is filled with the sweet aroma of baked goods. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a recipe that’s close to my heart: Banana Bread Cookies, a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, infused with the warmth and joy of Christmas. This recipe yields about 24 cookies, perfect for sharing with loved ones during the festive season.
Ingredients:
- Ripe Bananas: 2 medium-sized (They add natural sweetness and a moist texture)
- Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (softened to room temperature)
- Brown Sugar: 3/4 cup (for that rich, molasses-like flavor)
- Egg: 1 large (a binding agent)
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon (for a hint of warmth)
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (the base of our cookies)
- Baking Soda: 1/2 teaspoon (to help them rise)
- Ground Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon (for a touch of festive spice)
- Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon (it’s like Christmas in a spice!)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (to balance the sweetness)
- Rolled Oats: 1 cup (for a lovely texture)
- Chocolate Chips or Chopped Nuts (optional): 1/2 cup (for a bit of indulgence)
- Dried Cranberries or Raisins: 1/2 cup (for a festive twist)
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step helps in easy cookie removal and cleanup.
- Mash Bananas: In a large bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork. Remember, the riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This is where the magic starts!
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract. Each ingredient plays its part in creating a symphony of flavors.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Ah, the smell of spices – it’s like Christmas in a bowl!
- Mix It All Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir in the oats, and if you’re feeling indulgent, add the chocolate chips or nuts, and dried cranberries or raisins.
- Scoop Onto Baking Sheet: Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. I like to use an ice cream scoop for evenly sized cookies.
- Bake with Love: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The kitchen will now be filled with a heartwarming aroma, a blend of bananas, spices, and everything nice.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chef’s Tips:
- Banana Size Matters: If your bananas are large, use only 1 1/2 bananas to avoid overly moist dough.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A pinch of clove or ginger can add an extra festive touch.
- Texture Play: For a crunchier texture, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans.
As you bite into these Banana Bread Cookies, may they bring back fond memories of holidays past and create new ones to cherish. Each cookie, like a snowflake, is unique and special. Enjoy the process, fill your kitchen with laughter, and share these treats with those you hold dear. Happy baking and happy holidays! 🎄🍪✨