There’s something magical about the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen, and these Vegan Banana Cookies are no exception. Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, they’re the perfect treat for any time of day.
Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, these cookies transform overripe bananas into a delightful snack that satisfies sweet cravings without any guilt. Each bite is a perfect blend of comforting sweetness and a hint of cinnamon, making them utterly irresistible.
Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee or as a midday pick-me-up, these cookies are sure to bring a smile. Plus, they’re easy enough to whip up in no time, making them a go-to recipe for busy days or spontaneous gatherings.
Get ready to indulge in a batch of these delightful treats that are as good for the soul as they are for the taste buds. The recipe is just a few steps away, and trust me, your kitchen will thank you!
Ingredients
Get ready to indulge in a delightful vegan treat! Here’s a list of ingredients to recreate these delicious cookies for four people.
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed, about 1/2 cup
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped nuts, optional
Instructions
Don’t worry, it’s not too challenging to produce these delicious cookies, especially once you’ve got your ingredients laid out:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mash the banana: In a large mixing bowl, mash 1 large ripe banana until smooth and creamy.
- Add wet ingredients: Add 1/2 cup melted coconut oil (or vegan butter), 1/2 cup coconut sugar or brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the mashed banana. Mix well until fully combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Add mix-ins (optional): Fold in 1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped nuts if desired.
- Shape the cookies: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and roll into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, flattening them slightly with your fingers.
- Bake the cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may still look slightly underdone, but they will firm up as they cool.
- Cool the cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve and enjoy: Enjoy your delicious vegan banana cookies with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a drizzle of melted chocolate if desired.
Tweaks and Additions
Ready to elevate your vegan cookie experience? Here are some fantastic tweaks and additions to make your cookies even more delicious!
- Add peanut butter: Mixing in 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter with the wet ingredients adds a rich, nutty flavor and makes the cookies even more satisfying.
- Incorporate oats: Replacing 1/2 cup of the flour with rolled oats will give the cookies a chewy, hearty texture and a hint of natural sweetness.
- Use almond flour: Substituting 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour with almond flour adds a subtle nuttiness and makes the cookies softer and more tender.
- Add spices: Including 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom will enhance the warm, cozy flavor of the cookies.
- Use maple syrup or agave nectar: Replacing part of the sugar with 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or agave nectar provides extra moisture and a delicious caramel-like sweetness.
- Mix in dried fruits: Adding 1/4 cup of raisins, chopped dates, or dried cranberries gives the cookies a delightful chewy texture and fruity flavor.
- Add coconut flakes: Mixing in 1/4 cup of shredded coconut will add texture and a subtle tropical note.
- Top with cinnamon sugar: Sprinkling the cookies with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking gives them a sweet, slightly crunchy top.
- Use vegan white chocolate chips: Swapping regular chocolate chips for vegan white chocolate chips will create a sweeter, creamier flavor profile.
- Add banana chips: Adding chopped banana chips to the dough provides a fun crunch and boosts the banana flavor even more.
