Lean banana & cinnamon cookies

Ingredients

Cookies

1 medium banana (100 grams, 3.5 ounces)

1/4 cup cane sugar (50 grams, 1.75 ounces)

1/4 cup vegetable oil (50 grams, 1.75 ounces)

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (150 grams, 5.3 ounces)

3/4 teaspoon baking powder (3 grams, 0.1 ounces)

Instructions

Step 1

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 365°F (185°C). This will ensure it's at the right temperature when your cookies are ready to bake. Tip: Preheating the oven is crucial for even baking.

Step 2

Step 2: Mash the banana in a mixing bowl until smooth. Tip: Use a fork or potato masher for best results.

Step 3

Step 3: Add cane sugar to the mashed banana and mix well. Tip: Mix until the sugar dissolves a bit for a smoother texture.

Step 4

Step 4: Pour in the vegetable oil and stir to combine. Tip: Ensure the oil is evenly incorporated for a consistent dough.

Step 5

Step 5: In a separate bowl, combine the flour with the baking powder. Sift the mixture into the wet ingredients to avoid lumps. Tip: Sifting helps in even distribution and a smoother dough.

Step 6

Step 6: Knead the mixture into a soft and smooth dough. Tip: If the dough is too sticky, you can add a tiny bit more flour.

Step 7

Step 7: Roll out the dough on a silicone mat to your desired thickness. Tip: Lightly flour the rolling pin to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Step 8: Cut out shapes using a mold or cookie cutter. Tip: Re-roll scraps and cut them to minimize waste.

Step 9

Step 9: Place cookies on a baking sheet and sprinkle a mixture of sugar and cinnamon on top if desired. Tip: For extra crunch, use coarse or turbinado sugar.

Step 10

Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 22-23 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Tip: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even baking.

Step 11

Step 11: Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before serving. Tip: Cooling helps to firm up the cookies and enhances their flavor.

Servings

Whether you are serving these cookies at a garden party, *picnic*, or a cozy family dinner, there are endless ways to elevate your cookie experience 🍪🌟. **Pair these cookies with a glass of milk** for a classic touch, or serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. For a more sophisticated presentation, place your cookies on a beautiful platter and garnish with some fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar. 🍓✨ These cookies also make for excellent gifts! Wrap them in clear bags with a cute ribbon and gift them to friends, neighbors, or coworkers. 🎁 If you're feeling adventurous, try serving them with a side of warm spiced apple cider or your favorite latte. The cozy flavors will complement each other perfectly, making it an ideal treat for autumn gatherings. 🍏☕

Equipment

Mixing Bowl

You’ll need a large mixing bowl for combining your ingredients. Make sure it’s deep enough to avoid any spills.

Silicone Mat

A silicone mat makes rolling out your dough a breeze and prevents it from sticking.

Dough Cutter

A good quality cutter ensures your cookies are all uniform in size, which helps them bake evenly.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accurate measurements are key to perfecting this simple recipe.

Variations

Want to enjoy these cookies *guilt-free* or cater to dietary preferences? We've got you covered! 🌱💚 **Gluten-Free Variation:** Replace regular flour with **gluten-free flour** to make these cookies celiac-friendly. Just ensure your baking powder is also gluten-free. **Vegan Variation:** Swap the cane sugar with **coconut sugar** or another vegan-friendly sweetener of your choice. Use **coconut oil** instead of vegetable oil to maintain that rich flavor. Discover the endless possibilities and enjoy these cookies while fitting your dietary needs! 🍪✨

Faq

Why did my dough turn out too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, it could be due to the moisture content in your bananas. Try adding a bit more flour until the dough becomes manageable.
Can I use a hand mixer?
Yes, a hand mixer can be used to combine the ingredients, especially when mixing the banana and cane sugar together for an even consistency.
How can I make my cookies fluffier?
Ensure your baking powder is fresh and accurately measured. Fresh baking powder helps the cookies rise better, making them fluffier.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly, but you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour based on your dietary needs.
How do I avoid overbaking my cookies?
Keep a close eye on your cookies in the final minutes of baking. They should be lightly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Simply double each ingredient's quantity, but remember to bake in batches if your oven space is limited.