Banana Caramel Pecan Cookies
Banana Caramel Pecan Cookies are a delightful treat that combine the rich flavors of ripe bananas with the sweet, gooey goodness of caramel and the satisfying crunch of pecans. These cookies evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth as they fill your kitchen with their inviting aroma. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser that your family and friends will love. In this step-by-step recipe, you’ll learn how simple it is to whip up this comforting dessert that perfectly balances sweetness and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Banana Caramel Pecan Cookies. Firstly, the recipe boasts a delightful mix of minimal ingredients that are easy to find, making preparation simple and efficient. With just a few steps, you’ll have a batch of cookies that are not only easy to bake but also quick to come together—ideal for those last-minute cravings! These cookies are a fantastic blend of chewy and crunchy textures, making every bite satisfying. Plus, they’re versatile enough to serve at parties, bake sales, or just for an everyday treat at home.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to create your delicious Banana Caramel Pecan Cookies:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas: These are the foundation of your cookies, adding a natural sweetness and moistness.
- 1 cup brown sugar: This will give your cookies that deep, caramel-like flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Butter adds richness and helps create a tender cookie.
- 1 large egg: It binds the ingredients together for a perfect cookie structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This aromatic addition elevates the cookie’s flavor profile.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base for your cookies that provides structure.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the cookies rise, ensuring a fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch for enhancing the flavors.
- 1 cup chopped pecans: The crunchy element that provides satisfying bites throughout.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: These sweet morsels melt beautifully, adding a luscious chocolate flavor.
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce: This syrupy delight creates a sweet center for each cookie, making them irresistibly decadent.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so that it reaches the ideal temperature for baking.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy. The mixture should be light and airy, as this creates a tender texture in the cookies.
- Mix in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. The bananas will create a natural sweetness and moisture, while the vanilla contributes to the overall flavor.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent throughout the dough, ensuring proper rise.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid over-mixing, as this can lead to dense cookies.
- Fold in the pecans and chocolate chips. The nuts will provide a crunchy contrast to the soft cookie, and the chocolate will melt deliciously in every bite.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave enough space between the cookies, as they will spread during baking.
- Make a thumbprint in the center of each cookie and fill it with caramel sauce. This step creates a delectable gooey center that contrasts with the cookie’s soft texture.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary.
- Allow to cool before serving. Letting the cookies set for a few minutes enhances their flavor and makes them easier to handle.
Tips & Tricks
- Banana Ripeness: Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness. The more speckles, the better!
- Texture Variation: Consider toasting the pecans before adding them to the dough for an enhanced flavor profile.
- Chocolate Options: Swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or butterscotch chips to change things up.
- Caramel Swirl: For a more visually appealing cookie, swirl the caramel into the cookie dough before baking instead of just in the center.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Banana Caramel Pecan Cookies are delicious on their own, but they can be paired with so many delightful options. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. They also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making them a great choice for afternoon snacks or dessert after a cozy family dinner. For special occasions, a side of fresh fruit can balance the sweetness of the cookies beautifully.
Nutritional Information
Each Banana Caramel Pecan Cookie contains approximately 120 calories, with a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are rich in essential nutrients from bananas and pecans. While indulging in these sweet treats, keep in mind the importance of moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Storing Tips & Variations
To keep your Banana Caramel Pecan Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage; just make sure to place parchment paper between each cookie to prevent sticking. To reheat, pop them in the oven for a few minutes or microwave for a tender, gooey middle.
For variations, try adding coconut flakes or using different nuts instead of pecans. Experiment with different flavored chocolate chips too, like dark chocolate or mint, to add a unique twist to this classic recipe.
Conclusion
We invite you to try your hand at making these delicious Banana Caramel Pecan Cookies. We can assure you that they will quickly become a favorite in your household. The combination of rich, sweet flavors and textures makes for a delightful treat that’s perfect for sharing. After making them, don’t forget to share your experience and perhaps even your own personal twists on the recipe!
FAQs
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Can I use frozen bananas?
- Yes, frozen bananas work well! Just thaw them before mashing to ensure proper moisture balance.
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How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
- The cookies should be golden brown around the edges while still looking slightly doughy in the middle. They will firm up as they cool.
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Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
- Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
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What if I don’t have brown sugar?
- You can use granulated sugar instead but note that the cookies will have a different flavor profile and might be less chewy.
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Can I omit the caramel sauce?
- Yes, you can. While the caramel adds a delicious gooey center, these cookies are still fantastic even without it!
Banana Caramel Pecan Cookies
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful cookies combining ripe bananas, caramel, and crunchy pecans for a sweet treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the butter and brown sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the pecans and chocolate chips.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Make a thumbprint in the center of each cookie and fill it with caramel sauce.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the cookies are golden brown.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness. Consider toasting the pecans for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
