Mint Chocolate Banana Cookies
Highlighted under: Golden Crust & Sweet Cravings
Deliciously soft and chewy cookies packed with mint chocolate chips and ripe bananas.
These Mint Chocolate Banana Cookies are the perfect blend of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. The combination of mint and chocolate adds a refreshing twist to the classic banana cookie.
Why You'll Love These Cookies
- Fresh mint flavor that complements the sweetness of bananas
- Soft and chewy texture with a delightful chocolatey bite
- Easy to make and perfect for sharing with friends and family
The Perfect Combination of Flavors
Mint and chocolate are a classic combination, and when paired with ripe bananas, they create a symphony of flavors that are both refreshing and satisfying. The fresh mint flavor adds a unique twist to the traditional chocolate chip cookie, elevating it to something truly special. As the cookies bake, the aroma of mint mingles with the sweetness of the bananas, creating an inviting scent that will have everyone eagerly waiting for the cookies to come out of the oven.
The natural sweetness of ripe bananas not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds moisture to the cookies, ensuring they remain soft and chewy. This makes them an ideal treat for those who prefer cookies that are not overly sweet but still satisfy a craving for something indulgent. Each bite delivers a delightful balance of minty freshness and rich chocolate, making these cookies perfect for any occasion.
Baking Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with your Mint Chocolate Banana Cookies, make sure to use ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas that are speckled with brown spots for optimal sweetness. Additionally, if you find yourself with overripe bananas, this recipe is a great way to use them up instead of letting them go to waste.
When measuring flour, it's crucial to avoid packing it into the measuring cup, which can lead to dry cookies. Instead, spoon the flour into the cup and level it off with a knife for accuracy. This simple step ensures that your cookies achieve the perfect texture. Lastly, remember to let the cookies cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack, as this helps maintain their shape and prevents them from breaking.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
These Mint Chocolate Banana Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. If you want to keep them fresh for a longer period, consider freezing them. Simply place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be enjoyed straight from the freezer or thawed for a few minutes at room temperature before serving.
For an extra special treat, consider pairing these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or mint chocolate chip ice cream. The combination of warm cookies and cold ice cream is heavenly and perfect for gatherings or special occasions. You can also drizzle some melted chocolate or a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candies on top for a festive touch. Whether enjoyed at home or shared with friends, these cookies are sure to delight everyone!
Ingredients
Cookie Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mint chocolate chips
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature for the best results.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in the mashed bananas, egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until well combined.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Add the Mint Chocolate Chips
Fold in the mint chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Cool and Enjoy
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Enjoy your cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea!
Nutritional Benefits
These cookies not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also offer some nutritional benefits thanks to the bananas. Bananas are a great source of potassium, vitamin C, and dietary fiber, making them a healthy addition to your treats. The combination of ingredients in these cookies provides a balance of macronutrients, offering a small energy boost from the natural sugars and healthy fats.
While cookies are typically seen as an indulgent dessert, incorporating fruits like bananas allows you to enjoy a guilt-free treat. The mint chocolate chips add an element of fun, making these cookies a delightful option for both kids and adults. Enjoying them in moderation can contribute to a balanced diet while still satisfying your cravings.
Customizing Your Cookies
While this recipe is delicious as is, there’s also plenty of room for customization. If you want to add a nutty flavor, consider folding in some chopped walnuts or pecans along with the mint chocolate chips. This will add texture and a delightful crunch to your cookies. Alternatively, you can experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate or white chocolate, to find your perfect flavor combination.
For those who love a bit of spice, adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the cookies’ flavor profile even further. You might also try substituting some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition. The versatility of this recipe allows you to make it your own while still enjoying the original mint chocolate banana goodness!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, frozen bananas work well! Just thaw them and mash before using.
→ How do I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
→ Can I replace the mint chocolate chips?
Absolutely! You can use regular chocolate chips or even nuts if you prefer.
→ Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Mint Chocolate Banana Cookies
Deliciously soft and chewy cookies packed with mint chocolate chips and ripe bananas.
Created by: Sandra
Recipe Type: Golden Crust & Sweet Cravings
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
Cookie Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup mint chocolate chips
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Add in the mashed bananas, egg, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract, mixing until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the mint chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Using a cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 1g