Why Make This Recipe

Gluten Free Banana Cookies are a delicious and healthy treat that everyone can enjoy, especially those with gluten sensitivities. These cookies are not only gluten-free but also packed with the natural sweetness of bananas, making them a perfect snack for kids and adults alike. The use of oats, nuts, and chocolate chips provides a great texture and flavor, ensuring that you don’t miss out on the goodness of traditional cookies. The best part? They are simple to make and require just a few ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen!

How to Make Gluten Free Banana Cookies

Making Gluten Free Banana Cookies is easy and fun. The process involves simple steps, and you will be amazed by how quickly you can whip up a batch. Below, we outline everything you need to know for your cookie-making adventure.

Ingredients:

2 ripe bananas
1 cup gluten free flour
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Directions:

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mash the Bananas: In a mixing bowl, take your ripe bananas and mash them until they turn smooth. Overripe bananas work best because they are sweeter and easier to mash.
Combine Wet Ingredients: To the mashed bananas, add the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together well until combined. The melted coconut oil should blend smoothly with the banana mix.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the gluten free flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure to whisk the dry ingredients well to avoid lumps.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Stir just until everything is combined; do not overmix as this can make the cookies tough.
Fold in Chocolate Chips and Walnuts: Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. This step adds a delicious crunch and flavor to your cookies.
Scoop the Dough: Using a tablespoon, drop cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie as they will spread slightly during baking.
Bake the Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch for the edges of the cookies to turn golden brown.
Cool the Cookies: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Gluten Free Banana Cookies

These cookies can be enjoyed in various ways. Serve them as a snack or dessert, either warmed or at room temperature. They are perfect for lunchboxes or after-school treats. Pair them with a glass of milk or a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon pick-me-up. You could also consider serving them with yogurt or ice cream for a special dessert occasion.

How to Store Gluten Free Banana Cookies

To keep your Gluten Free Banana Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can last up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Tips to Make Gluten Free Banana Cookies

Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and moister your cookies will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots!
Don’t Skip the Coconut Oil: Using melted coconut oil not only enhances the flavor but also helps to keep your cookies moist.
Mix-In Options: Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins! You can add nuts like almonds or pecans, or even dried fruit like cranberries or raisins.
Texture Preferences: If you prefer chewier cookies, consider underbaking them slightly. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
Measuring Flour: When measuring gluten free flour, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Avoid packing it down, as this can lead to dense cookies.

Variation

To make a healthier version of these cookies, you can substitute the maple syrup with honey or skip it altogether if the bananas are very ripe. You could also add spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a seasonal flavor twist. For nut-free cookies, simply leave out the walnuts or swap them for sunflower seeds.

FAQs

Can I use regular flour instead of gluten-free flour?
- Yes, if you don’t require gluten-free cookies, you can substitute regular all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour.
What if I don’t have coconut oil?
- You can replace coconut oil with other vegetable oils like canola or melted butter.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
- Yes, this recipe is already vegan as it uses maple syrup and coconut oil, but make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free if you want to keep them strictly vegan.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
- Look for golden edges and slightly soft centers. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem a bit soft when you take them out.
Can I add protein powder to the recipe?
- Yes, you can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder. Just be aware that it may change the texture slightly, so you might need to adjust the wet ingredients accordingly.

Enjoy baking your Gluten Free Banana Cookies, and share them with family and friends for a delightful treat!

Gluten Free Banana Cookies

Author: everly
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 12 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious gluten-free banana cookies, naturally sweetened and packed with oats, nuts, and chocolate chips.

Ingredients

Scale

2 ripe bananas
1 cup gluten free flour
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mash the bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth.
Combine the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract with the mashed bananas.
Mix the gluten free flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in another bowl.
Combine the dry ingredients with the banana mixture until just mixed.
Fold in the chocolate chips and walnuts.
Scoop tablespoon-sized dollops of dough onto the baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden brown.
Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 150
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: gluten free cookies, banana cookies, healthy dessert, vegan dessert, easy cookie recipe