If you love the flavors of a classic banana split, you’re going to adore these Banana Split Cookies! These delightful treats are packed with all the essential elements of the beloved dessert—bananas, chocolate, cherries, and even a touch of whipped cream flavor. These cookies are perfect for a fun summer snack or any time you want a burst of fruity, creamy goodness in a cookie form.
Ingredients:
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium ripe banana, mashed
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped maraschino cherries (drained and patted dry)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Drizzle (Optional):
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted
- 2-3 tablespoons chopped nuts (for topping)
- Whipped cream (optional for serving)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Egg, Banana, and Vanilla:
- Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed banana, stirring until combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Add Chocolate Chips and Cherries:
- Fold in the mini chocolate chips, chopped cherries, and optional nuts until evenly distributed.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Add the Drizzle (Optional):
- Once the cookies have cooled, drizzle the melted chocolate over the top and sprinkle with chopped nuts if desired.
- Serve:
- For an extra touch of indulgence, serve the cookies with a dollop of whipped cream on the side to recreate the full banana split experience!
Helpful Tips:
- Draining the Cherries: Make sure the maraschino cherries are well-drained and patted dry with paper towels to avoid adding too much moisture to the dough.
- Ripeness of the Banana: Use a ripe, spotty banana for the best flavor and texture in your cookies.
- Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to a week.
Substitutions/Variations:
- Ice Cream-Inspired: Add a tablespoon of freeze-dried strawberries for an extra fruity touch.
- Nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts or pecans, you can swap them for chopped peanuts, which would mimic the nuts in a traditional banana split.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a more vibrant look, try white chocolate drizzle instead of semi-sweet chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I freeze the cookie dough? Yes, the cookie dough can be scooped into balls and frozen on a tray. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, bake from frozen and just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
- Can I use fresh bananas? Fresh, ripe bananas are best for this recipe. Overripe bananas will give the cookies a more pronounced banana flavor.
Storage Instructions:
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: You can also store them in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well. Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
More Relevant Recipes:
- Banana Nut Bread Cookies: If you love bananas and nuts, this is another delicious cookie recipe to try.
- Cherry Chocolate Chunk Cookies: For a cherry and chocolate lover’s dream cookie, try this variation with dark chocolate.
- Banana Split Cake: A fun cake version of the classic dessert that’s perfect for celebrations.
These Banana Split Cookies bring all the fun and flavor of the classic dessert into a handheld treat! Whether enjoyed with a scoop of ice cream or on their own, they’re sure to be a hit.