Banana Jumbos

Prep: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves: 24 Cuisine: American

Banana Jumbos are soft, moist cookies bursting with ripe banana flavor, complemented by crunchy nuts. Perfect for banana lovers and quick snacking, appealing to all ages.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1/2 cup soft butter
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped nuts

Instructions

  1. Mix shortening, sugar, and butter until well combined.
  2. Add eggs, buttermilk, mashed bananas, and vanilla; mix until smooth.
  3. Sift dry ingredients (flour, soda, salt) and stir into the batter.
  4. Fold in chopped nuts.
  5. Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
  6. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto well-greased cookie sheets.
  7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, consider using half all-purpose flour and half whole wheat flour. If you don't have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for a few minutes. You can also substitute the nuts with chocolate chips or dried fruit for a different flavor profile. Chilling the dough helps to prevent spreading during baking.

Serving Suggestions

These Banana Jumbos make a delightful treat for breakfast or as an afternoon snack. Serve them warm with a dollop of Mom And Dad'S Vanilla Ice Cream for a delicious dessert. They also pair wonderfully with coffee or tea. For a festive touch, consider serving alongside Berry-Berry Fruit Salad for a colorful spread.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Banana Jumbos in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warm.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Banana Jumbos contains roughly 241 calories, with 4g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 11g fat.

241 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.8g 8% DV
Total Fat 11g 14% DV
Carbs 29.3g 11% DV
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 0.9g 2% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 312.2mg 14% DV
Potassium 87.2mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 13.8mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 5.6mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 1.8mg 2% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 23.8mg 2% DV
Iron 1.5mg 9% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work well! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This will help ensure your dough maintains the right consistency.

How can I make these cookies healthier?

To make a healthier version, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup and replace half of the shortening with applesauce or a ripe avocado. You can also add oats for added fiber.

What if I don't have shortening?

If you don't have shortening, you can substitute it with an equal amount of unsalted butter or coconut oil. This will slightly alter the texture but will still yield delicious cookies.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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