Easy Banana Bread Cookies: Dolly Parton Cake Mix!
The beauty of transforming classic recipes lies in their adaptability and the opportunity to reimagine beloved tastes. Banana bread, a staple in many households, has roots in resourcefulness, utilizing overripe bananas to create something delicious and satisfying. This evolution into a cookie format retains that spirit, offering a convenient, portable indulgence that's perfect for lunchboxes, afternoon snacks, or a sweet ending to any meal.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowls (Large and Medium): For combining wet and dry ingredients.
- Electric Mixer (Handheld or Stand Mixer): To cream butter and cake mix, and incorporate eggs.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurement.
- Spatula: For scraping down the sides of the bowl and folding in ingredients.
- Baking Sheets: To bake the cookies evenly.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: To prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Cookie Scoop or Tablespoon: For portioning the dough.
- Wire Rack: For cooling the baked cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 box 15.25 oz Dolly Parton's Banana Cake Mix (or any banana-flavored cake mix)
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas about 2-3 medium bananas
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans optional
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips optional
- Instructions
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Step 2: Cream Butter and Cake Mix: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and the banana cake mix until well combined and fluffy. Using an electric mixer, this should take about 2-3 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
- Step 3: Incorporate Eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures that each egg is fully incorporated into the batter, contributing to the cookies' texture.
- Step 4: Add Mashed Bananas: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas until just combined. Avoid overmixing at this stage, as it can result in tougher cookies. Gently fold the bananas into the batter until they are evenly distributed.
- Step 5: Add Optional Mix-Ins (if using): If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and chocolate chips. Distribute them evenly throughout the batter. These additions will enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies.
- Step 6: Drop by Rounded Tablespoons: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. This allows the cookies to spread evenly as they bake.
- Step 7: Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. The baking time may vary depending on the oven, so it's important to keep a close eye on the cookies to prevent them from burning.
- Step 8: Cool and Enjoy: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!
- Optional Tips: For a richer flavor, use brown butter instead of softened butter. Brown the butter in a saucepan over medium heat until it turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma. Let it cool slightly before using. To make the cookies even more decadent, drizzle them with melted chocolate or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk after they have cooled completely. * If you don't have a banana cake mix, you can use a yellow cake mix and add 1 teaspoon of banana extract to the batter.
Notes
Variations
“Banana bread cookies dolly parton cake mix video” lends itself well to numerous variations, allowing for customization based on personal preferences, dietary needs, or available ingredients. Here are some possible adaptations:
- Ingredient Swaps:
- Replace walnuts or pecans with other nuts such as macadamia nuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
- Substitute chocolate chips with white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or dried cranberries.
- Use applesauce or mashed sweet potatoes in place of some of the mashed bananas for a slightly different flavor and texture.
- Regional Twists:
- Incorporate a pinch of cardamom or chai spice for an Indian-inspired flavor profile.
- Add a splash of rum extract or dark rum to the batter for a Caribbean twist.
- Include a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking to enhance the sweetness.
- Dietary Adjustments:
- For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free banana cake mix.
- To reduce sugar content, use a sugar-free cake mix and a sugar substitute for the mashed bananas.
- For a vegan option, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water per egg) and ensure the cake mix is vegan-friendly.
Serving Suggestions
“Banana bread cookies dolly parton cake mix video” offers versatile serving options, making it suitable for various occasions:
- Serve warm with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee for a comforting snack.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent dessert.
- Pack in lunchboxes for a sweet treat at school or work.
- Offer as part of a dessert buffet or cookie platter for gatherings.
- Create a cookie sandwich with a layer of cream cheese frosting or Nutella.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and flavor of “banana bread cookies dolly parton cake mix video”:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies can last up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw frozen cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question 1: Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Answer: Yes, frozen bananas work well in this recipe. Be sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. - Question 2: My cookie dough is too sticky. What should I do?
Answer: Add a tablespoon or two of flour to the dough until it reaches a more manageable consistency. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can also help. - Question 3: Can I make these cookies without a cake mix?
Answer: While this recipe is designed for ease using a cake mix, it’s possible to adapt a standard banana bread cookie recipe from scratch. Search online for “from-scratch banana bread cookie recipe.” - Question 4: The cookies are browning too quickly. What should I do?
Answer: Reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees and cover the cookies loosely with foil for the remaining baking time.