Easy Kids’ Recipe: Fluffy Banana Cookies Everyone Will Love
Bake soft and fluffy banana cookies with your kids—fun, simple, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Looking for a delicious, fuss-free cookie recipe that’s perfect for baking with kids? These fluffy banana cookies are soft, lightly sweet, and filled with the irresistible flavor of ripe bananas. Whether you’re planning an afternoon activity with little ones or just want a simple treat that uses up those overripe bananas, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. From pantry staples to creative add-ins, discover everything you need to know about making, customizing, and storing these fun cookies.
Why Try These Fluffy Banana Cookies?
- Kid-friendly steps: Simple mixing and measuring make this recipe perfect for young bakers.
- Minimal ingredients: Uses common pantry items—no specialty shopping required.
- Soft and cake-like: Bananas make these cookies moist and fluffy instead of dense.
- Customizable: Add nuts, spices, or even chocolate chips—make it your own!
- Great for lunchboxes: Perfect size and texture for packing as a snack or dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed (adjust more or less to taste)
- ½ cup white sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
Note: You can swap or add ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs. See our variations below for inspiration!
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls (one large, one small)
- Fork or potato masher (for bananas)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Wire rack (for cooling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Mash the bananas: In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until mostly smooth. A few small lumps are fine and add texture.
- Mix wet ingredients: Add the melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas. Stir well until the mixture is thoroughly combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix together: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently just until incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps your cookies tender and fluffy.
- Optional add-ins: Gently fold in chopped walnuts (or any mix-ins you like).
- Scoop and shape: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between cookies for spreading.
- Bake: Bake for 10–14 minutes, or until the cookies are set and the bottoms are lightly golden. Cookies made with banana often won’t brown much on the top.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Expert Tips for Best Results
- Use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the sweetest flavor and best texture.
- Don’t overmix after adding flour—gentle folding keeps cookies light and fluffy.
- For extra fluffiness, beat the mixture by hand for a few seconds to incorporate a bit of air before scooping onto the baking sheet.
- Cookies will be soft and tender right out of the oven but will firm up slightly as they cool.
Creative Twists and Variations
- Chocolate chip banana cookies: Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the batter for a classic upgrade.
- Banana oat cookies: Replace ½ cup flour with quick oats for chewy texture and wholesome flavor.
- Nut-free option: Omit nuts if allergies are a concern, or swap for sunflower seeds.
- Spiced banana cookies: Stir in ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for a cozy touch.
- Dairy-free: Use melted coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy warm with a glass of milk for a comforting snack.
- Pack in lunchboxes for a sweet but not-too-sugary treat.
- Top with a swirl of peanut butter or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a special finish.
- Sandwich two cookies with cream cheese frosting for a fun dessert.
Storing and Freezing Your Banana Cookies
- Room temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place a piece of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
- Refrigerator: For slightly longer storage, refrigerate cookies for up to 5 days. Let them come to room temperature before serving for best texture.
- Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Nutrition Snapshot
| Per Cookie (approx.) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 |
| Fat | 2.5 g |
| Sugar | 4.5 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fiber | 0.4 g |
Nutrition values are approximate and will vary with size, additions, and brands used.
Banana Cookie Troubleshooting Guide
- Cookies too flat? Check baking soda and baking powder freshness—expired leaveners won’t give enough lift.
- Too dense? Ensure you’re not overmixing; also, add a touch more banana next time.
- Sticky after cooling? Banana cookies are moist; allow them to cool on a wire rack and store with parchment between layers.
FAQ: Fluffy Banana Cookies
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Check ingredient labels to avoid any hidden gluten.
Q: What’s the best way to mash bananas for cookies?
A: Use a fork or potato masher for best results. Mash until mostly smooth but with a few small lumps for extra texture and flavor bursts.
Q: Can I use frozen bananas?
A: Absolutely. Thaw the bananas and drain excess liquid before mashing. This keeps your cookies fluffy, not soggy.
Q: How do I know when banana cookies are done?
A: They’re done when set at the edges and lightly golden underneath. The tops won’t brown much due to banana content—don’t overbake or they’ll be dry.
Q: Are these cookies very sweet?
A: No, they are lightly sweetened to let the banana flavor shine. Adjust sugar up or down to taste, or add sweet mix-ins like chocolate chips if you prefer.
More Banana Baking Inspiration
- Try adding a handful of mini marshmallows for banana s’mores cookies.
- Roll scoops of dough in cinnamon sugar before baking for a snickerdoodle twist.
- Use cookie cutters to shape dough before baking for extra kid appeal (cookies will spread, so choose simple shapes).
Final Thoughts: Bake, Share, Enjoy!
With simple steps, basic ingredients, and endless ways to customize, these fluffy banana cookies make a perfect project for baking with kids or satisfying a banana bread craving in cookie form. Fresh from the oven or packed for later, they’re sure to bring smiles to faces of all ages. Try your own twist on this classic recipe and let the whole family vote on their favorite add-ins!
References
- https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/258838/easy-kids-recipe-for-fluffy-banana-cookies/
- https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/11395/banana-cookies/
- https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/15892/banana-oatmeal-cookie/
- https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/9615/healthy-banana-cookies/
- https://www.allrecipes.com/best-banana-cookie-recipes-8619601
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