California Banana Cookies: A Taste of the Golden State in Every Bite

Photo byNaomi Madison

In California, where fresh produce abounds and people crave healthy, wholesome foods, banana cookies have found their place as a delightful treat. These cookies bring the perfect balance of natural sweetness and soft texture, offering a taste of the Golden State in every bite. Imagine a cookie that takes ripe bananas—one of California's most beloved fruits—and transforms them into something you can enjoy with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack. This is not just a recipe; it's a way to bring the essence of California into your kitchen.

The richness of bananas combined with the softness of butter and the sweetness of brown sugar makes these cookies irresistible. California is known for its dedication to fresh, simple, and wholesome ingredients, and these Banana Cookies embody that philosophy. Perfectly baked, they provide a soft and chewy texture that melts in your mouth, delivering just the right hint of banana flavor. Whether you live in the heart of Los Angeles or the cozy vineyards of Napa Valley, these cookies bring a touch of homemade comfort to your day.

Recipe: California Banana Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1 ⅔ cups (217 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (210 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• ¼ cup (56 g) mashed ripe banana
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, room temperature

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375ºF and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This dry mixture will help give the cookies their perfect rise and texture.
3. In a separate large bowl, beat the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. The brown sugar adds a deep caramel-like sweetness that pairs beautifully with bananas.
4. Add the mashed banana, vanilla extract, and egg to the butter mixture, blending until everything is well incorporated. The banana adds natural moisture and sweetness, making the cookies soft and chewy.
5. Gently stir the flour mixture into the banana mixture using a silicone spatula until the dough is well combined but not overmixed.
6. Scoop the cookie dough using a 1.5-tablespoon cookie scoop and drop onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
7. Bake the cookies for 10 minutes or until they are lightly browned around the edges. This gives them the perfect soft, yet slightly crisp texture.
8. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

The Final Touch

These Banana Cookies are the perfect representation of California’s casual, yet fresh and healthy food culture. Their subtle banana flavor, combined with a soft and chewy bite, will make them a favorite for family gatherings, picnics, or just a sunny afternoon treat. Whether you're a California local or just dreaming of the West Coast lifestyle, these cookies will give you a taste of the Golden State in a way that’s easy to make and even easier to love.

Get ready to enjoy the warmth of the California sun with every bite of these delicious Banana Cookies.

I found several great sources for your banana cookies recipe, which you can use to explore variations and tips for perfect results.

1. Simply Recipes suggests using very ripe bananas, which bring out the best sweetness and flavor. They also recommend adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts to customize the cookies based on your preferences​(Simply Recipes).
2. Baked by an Introvert emphasizes using a silicone spatula to prevent overmixing, which keeps the cookies soft and chewy. They also provide details on baking time and temperature, ensuring that the cookies come out lightly browned and delicious​(Baked By An Introvert).
3. The Kitchen Magpie offers a variation with cinnamon and nutmeg for a spiced version, and highlights the importance of watching the bottoms of the cookies to avoid over-baking​(The Kitchen Magpie).