banana bread freezer cookies

These banana bread freezer cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion! They combine the delightful flavors of moist banana bread with the soft, chewy goodness of chocolate chip cookies. Not only are they delicious, but they are also incredibly simple to prepare. With just one ripe banana and no mixer required, you can whip up a batch in no time. Plus, this recipe is gluten-free, nut-free, and eggless—making it suitable for many dietary preferences!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal effort and no fancy equipment—just a whisk and a bowl!
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and chocolate chips creates a mouthwatering treat that everyone will love.
• Versatile Storage Options: These cookies can be frozen for later enjoyment, making them a great option for meal prep or unexpected guests.
• Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs, including vegan substitutes.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a snack at home or a dessert for a gathering, these cookies fit any scenario.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cookie-making process, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Cookie scoop or ice cream scoop
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess. Choose sizes that fit your needs.
• Whisk: Great for blending wet ingredients smoothly without clumping.
• Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes for even baking; reduces prep time significantly.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious banana bread cookies:

Dry Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups multipurpose gluten free flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 banana mashed (about ⅓ cup of mashed)
• 1 ¼ cups light brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup unsalted butter or vegan baking stick, melted
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ cup milk

Add-ins

• 1 ½ cups chocolate chips (reserve ½ cup for rolling)

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How to Make banana bread freezer cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the multipurpose gluten free flour, baking soda, and kosher salt until well combined. Set this mixture aside as you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Melt Butter

Place the unsalted butter (or vegan baking stick) in a heat-safe bowl. Cover it with a paper towel to prevent splatter while microwaving. Heat in increments of 11 seconds until fully melted. Allow it to cool slightly before using.

Step 3: Mash the Banana

Peel the ripe banana onto a small plate. Use the back of a fork to mash it until smooth. Set aside as you continue with the recipe.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine light brown sugar, cooled melted butter, mashed banana, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.

Step 5: Add Milk

Pour in the milk and whisk again until everything is fully emulsified. This ensures that your cookie dough will have the right texture.

Step 6: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet mixture in thirds. Stir gently using a whisk until just combined; once it gets thick, switch to using a spatula.

Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Scrape down the sides of your bowl and fold in one cup of chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 8: Chill Dough

Transfer the sticky dough into a freezer-safe bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for about 30 minutes to firm up.

Step 9: Preheat Oven

While dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 10: Scoop Cookie Dough

Remove dough from freezer. Using an ice cream scoop or large cookie scoop (around two ounces), portion out twelve dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet.

Step 11: Handle Sticky Dough

If dough sticks to your hands during this process, rinse them with water and lightly pat dry with a paper towel—this helps control stickiness when handling dough balls.

Step 12: Roll in Chocolate Chips

Pour remaining chocolate chips into a small bowl. Dip the tops of each dough ball into the chocolate chips and press down gently so they adhere well.

Step 13: Bake Cookies

Space out cookie dough balls about three to four inches apart on your lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately thirteen minutes until golden around edges.

Step 14: Reshape Cookies

Once baked, immediately reshape cookies if they spread out too much by using a spatula to push them into circular shapes on the baking sheet. Let them cool for five minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack.

Step 15: Repeat Baking Process

Repeat steps ten through fourteen with the remaining cookie dough balls stored in your freezer while waiting for previous batches to bake.

Enjoy these delightful banana bread freezer cookies warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve banana bread freezer cookies

Serving banana bread freezer cookies can be a delightful experience. These cookies are versatile and pair well with various accompaniments, making them perfect for any occasion.

With a Glass of Milk

• A classic pairing that enhances the cookie’s sweetness and richness.

Warmed Up

• Heat the cookies in the microwave for a few seconds for a gooey texture that melts in your mouth.

Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Place a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent treat.

Coffee or Tea

• Enjoy these cookies alongside your favorite hot beverage for a delightful afternoon snack.

Dessert Platter

• Create a dessert platter featuring assorted fruits, nuts, and your banana bread freezer cookies for guests to enjoy.

Topped with Nut Butter

• Spread almond or peanut butter on top of the cookie for added flavor and nutrition.

How to Perfect banana bread freezer cookies

To achieve the best results with your banana bread freezer cookies, follow these tips for perfect baking every time.

• Use ripe bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
• Chill the dough: Allowing the cookie dough to chill in the freezer helps prevent spreading during baking, ensuring soft and chewy cookies.
• Measure flour correctly: Use a spoon to fluff up your flour before scooping it into measuring cups. This prevents dense cookies.
• Don’t overbake: Keep an eye on them while baking. The edges should be lightly golden while the center remains soft.
• Resist immediate cooling: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet first. This helps them set properly and prevents breakage.
• Experiment with add-ins: Feel free to try different mix-ins like nuts or dried fruits to customize your banana bread freezer cookies.

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Best Side Dishes for banana bread freezer cookies

Pairing side dishes with banana bread freezer cookies can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options to consider.

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing option that balances out the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries alongside your cookies for a wholesome dessert.
3. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzle some warm chocolate sauce over the cookies for an extra decadent touch.
4. Whipped Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream on top or on the side for added creaminess.
5. Nutty Trail Mix: A crunchy nut mix provides a nice contrast to soft cookie textures; consider adding chocolate pieces too!
6. Tea Infused Iced Beverages: Pairing with iced tea adds a refreshing element that complements the flavors of your cookie delight.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making banana bread freezer cookies can be simple, but there are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using unripe bananas: Always use a ripe banana for maximum sweetness and moisture. Unripe bananas will not provide the same flavor or texture.
• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to sticky dough that spreads too much while baking. Ensure you freeze the dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your cookies tough. Mix just until combined for soft and chewy banana bread cookies.
• Ignoring oven temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated properly before baking. An incorrect temperature can affect the cooking time and texture of your cookies.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Use proper measuring tools for flour and other ingredients. Inaccurate measurements can lead to dense or dry cookies.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store banana bread freezer cookies in an airtight container.
• They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator without losing freshness.

Freezing banana bread freezer cookies

• To freeze uncooked dough, place it in a freezer-safe bowl covered with plastic wrap.
• Baked cookies should be placed on a parchment-lined baking sheet to freeze individually before being stored in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Frozen cookies can last up to 1 month in the freezer.

Reheating banana bread freezer cookies

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 5-7 minutes for warm, gooey cookies.
• Microwave: Heat individual cookies for about 10-15 seconds until warm; be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these banana bread freezer cookies vegan?

Yes, you can easily make these banana bread freezer cookies vegan by using dairy-free butter, non-dairy milk, and vegan chocolate chips.

How long do banana bread freezer cookies stay fresh?

When stored properly, these cookies will stay fresh for up to three days in the refrigerator or one month in the freezer.

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour in this recipe. However, ensure you adjust the liquid slightly if needed.

What should I do if my dough is too sticky?

If your dough feels overly sticky, refrigerate it for a short time longer. This will help firm it up before scooping.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Look for edges that are golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.

Final Thoughts

These banana bread freezer cookies combine the delightful flavors of traditional banana bread and classic chocolate chip cookies. They are versatile and perfect for any occasion! Feel free to customize them with nuts or different chocolate varieties to suit your taste preferences.