Banana Nut Cookies
Chewy, hearty banana nut cookies combine ripe bananas, oats, and warm spices for a wholesome treat perfect for snack time or dessert. Great for banana lovers and oat fans.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sift the flour, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon together three times to ensure even mixing.
- Cream shortening, sugar, and egg until smooth and fluffy.
- Add mashed bananas to the creamed mixture and blend well.
- Gradually add the sifted flour mixture, then fold in oats and nuts until evenly combined.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar. You can also substitute half of the shortening with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier twist. If you don’t have nutmeg, use allspice or a bit more cinnamon. Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness and texture. If you're looking for more delicious banana recipes, check out Great Banana Pudding.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these Banana Nut Cookies warm with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat. They pair wonderfully with coffee or tea for an afternoon snack. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside Hush Babies for a unique dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to three months. Reheat thawed cookies in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until warm.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Banana Nut Cookies contains roughly 228 calories, with 5g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A.
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 whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for up to half of the all-purpose flour in this recipe. This will add a nuttier flavor and increase the fiber content. Just be aware that the texture may be slightly denser.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
To make these cookies vegan, you can replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a vegan shortening. Also, ensure that the sugar you use is vegan-friendly.
What nuts work best in this cookie recipe?
Chopped walnuts or pecans are excellent choices for this recipe, as they complement the banana flavor nicely. You can also experiment with almonds or macadamia nuts for a different twist, but make sure to chop them finely for even distribution.
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).