Soft Banana Spice Cookies are a delightful treat that marries the sweet essence of ripe bananas with warm, comforting spices. This recipe, crafted for ease and enjoyment, is perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned kitchen enthusiasts alike. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes and a total time of 40 minutes, you can quickly whip up a batch to share and savor.
Ingredients:
The ingredients for these Soft Banana Spice Cookies are carefully selected to ensure a balance of flavors and textures:
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions:
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Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening, brown sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Fold in the mashed banana until well incorporated. Set aside.
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Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
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Mix and Chill:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.
- Gently mix in the chopped walnuts.
- Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour. Chilling helps the dough firm up and enhances the flavor.
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Preheat and Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or greasing lightly.
- Using a teaspoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake to Perfection:
- Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the tops spring back lightly when touched.
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
Recipe Tips:
- Ripe Bananas: Ensure your bananas are ripe with brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Chilling the Dough: This step is crucial as it helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in a thicker, softer cookie.
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Serving Suggestions:
These Soft Banana Spice Cookies are perfect for various occasions:
- Dessert Table: Serve alongside other desserts for a sweet ending to any meal.
- Tea or Coffee: Enjoy with a hot beverage for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Gifts: Package them in decorative bags or boxes for thoughtful homemade gifts.
Nutritional Information (per cookie):
- Calories: 103.3
- Fat: 5.3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 11.8mg
- Sodium: 51.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 12.8g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Sugar: 6.5g
- Protein: 1.6g
These Soft Banana Spice Cookies are not only delicious but also provide a comforting blend of flavors that will surely become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether enjoyed with a glass of milk or shared at a gathering, they are bound to bring smiles and satisfy cravings for something sweet yet subtly spiced. Enjoy baking and sharing these cookies as a delightful expression of love through food!
