Banana Bread Cookies (gluten free, vegan)

If you’re looking for a delightful treat to brighten your day, these Banana Bread Cookies (gluten free, vegan) are just what you need! They combine the comforting flavors of banana bread with the fun, chewy texture of cookies. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Plus, they’re made with simple, wholesome ingredients that everyone can enjoy!

I love this recipe because it’s quick and easy to whip up. You can have warm cookies fresh out of the oven in no time, making them a fantastic snack or dessert option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Super Easy to Make: With just six main ingredients, these cookies come together quickly—perfect for beginner bakers!
• Family-Friendly Fun: Kids will love helping mash bananas and scoop dough. It’s a great way to spend time together in the kitchen.
• Healthy Indulgence: Made without refined sugars or dairy, these cookies satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping things nutritious.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Bake a batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge for an easy snack throughout the week.
• Endless Flavor Possibilities: Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins like nuts or different spices!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome! You likely already have most of them in your pantry. Let’s take a look:

For the Cookies

• 1 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
• 1 1/4 cup overly ripe mashed bananas (about 4 medium bananas)
• 1 egg (or sub 1 flax egg)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons nut butter
• chopped nuts (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• extra 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• pinch ground cloves (optional)

Variations

One of the best things about these Banana Bread Cookies is their flexibility! You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Add More Flavor: Toss in some chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.
• Change Up the Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the maple syrup or try using mashed dates instead.
• Make Them Extra Nutty: Substitute half of the almond flour with another nut flour, like cashew or hazelnut, for a unique twist.
• Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for a warm flavor profile that pairs beautifully with bananas.

How to Make Banana Bread Cookies (gluten free, vegan)

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

First things first—preheat your oven to 350℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and prevents sticking!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, add almond flour, baking soda, sea salt, and cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients first helps distribute everything evenly throughout your cookie dough.

Step 3: Mash Those Bananas

Grab those overly ripe bananas and mash them up in a separate bowl. I find that mashing first makes it easier to measure accurately afterward. Then add it to the dry mixture!

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Stir in pure maple syrup and an egg (or flax egg). Mixing until everything is well combined is key; this ensures that every bite will be deliciously flavored.

Step 5: Scoop and Shape

Using a 1.5 tablespoon cookie scoop, place dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Gently flatten them with a fork or spoon—this helps them bake evenly and gives them that classic cookie look.

Step 6: Bake Away!

Pop those beauties into the oven for about 26-30 minutes. You want them to be set in the middle—check around the 28-minute mark for perfect results!

Step 7: Cool Down

Once baked, transfer your cookies onto a wire rack to cool down completely. Waiting patiently (if you can!) allows their flavors to develop even more.

Step 8: Store Wisely

Finally, let those scrumptious cookies reach room temperature before diving in! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days—if they last that long!

Enjoy sharing these incredible Banana Bread Cookies (gluten free, vegan) with friends and family—you’re going to love how easy they are!

Pro Tips for Making Banana Bread Cookies (gluten free, vegan)

Making these banana bread cookies is not only simple but also a delightful experience! Here are some pro tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfect every time.

• Use overly ripe bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas with brown spots – that’s when they’re at their best!
• Scoop and flatten: For even baking and a nice texture, be sure to scoop the dough using a cookie scoop and gently flatten them before placing them in the oven. This helps them spread evenly while baking.
• Add mix-ins for variety: Feel free to toss in your favorite mix-ins like chopped nuts or dried fruits. This not only adds flavor but also gives your cookies a unique twist each time you make them!
• Store properly: To keep your cookies fresh and moist, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to 5 days!
• Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to play around with different spices! A pinch of nutmeg or ginger can add an extra layer of warmth and depth to your cookies.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies (gluten free, vegan)

These banana bread cookies are not just tasty; they also look great on any serving platter! Here are some fun ideas to present them beautifully.

Garnishes

• Chopped nuts: A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or pecans on top can add a nice crunch and enhance the cookie’s rustic charm.
• Cocoa powder dusting: Lightly dusting the cookies with cocoa powder provides a lovely contrast that looks fancy yet is super easy.

Side Dishes

• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing side of mixed berries or sliced apples adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cookies.
• Dairy-free yogurt: Serve with a side of coconut or almond yogurt for a creamy complement that enhances the flavors while staying dairy-free.
• Herbal tea: Pairing these cookies with a warm cup of herbal tea brings out their comforting qualities, making it perfect for an afternoon snack.
• Nut butter spread: A small bowl of almond or cashew butter makes for a delightful dip that adds protein and richness to each bite.

Now you’re all set to enjoy your homemade banana bread cookies! Whether as a snack or dessert, they’re bound to impress everyone around you. Happy baking!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Banana Bread Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making them a fantastic snack option to have on hand throughout the week!

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• For best texture, allow them to cool completely before storing.

Freezing

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating

• To reheat, simply place the cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Alternatively, warm them in a preheated oven at 350℉ for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about these delicious Banana Bread Cookies!

Can I make Banana Bread Cookies (gluten free, vegan) without almond flour?

Yes! You can substitute almond flour with oat flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just ensure that your choice is gluten-free.

How do I store leftover Banana Bread Cookies (gluten free, vegan)?

Store your leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them as outlined above.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the Banana Bread Cookies (gluten free, vegan)?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your cookie dough by adding chopped nuts, seeds, or dried fruits. These additions will enhance both flavor and texture.

What can I use instead of an egg in Banana Bread Cookies (gluten free, vegan)?

You can replace one egg with a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making these delightful Banana Bread Cookies! They’re not only easy to prepare but also offer a comforting taste of home. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack or sharing them with loved ones, these cookies are sure to brighten your day. Happy baking!