4.06 from 18 votes

Banana Bread Snickerdoodle Cookies

By: Drizzle

Servings: 20

Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 10 minutes mins

Total: 20 minutes mins

2sp/1pp each

Ingredients 

• ▢ 1 1/4 cup flour
• ▢ 1/2 tsp baking soda
• ▢ 1/2 tsp baking powder
• ▢ 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• ▢ 2 Tbsp melted butter
• ▢ 1/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce
• ▢ 3 Tbsp sugar
• ▢ 1 banana, mashed
• ▢ 1 egg
• ▢ 1 tsp vanilla
• ▢ For your topping
• ▢ 1/2 Tbsp sugar
• ▢ 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• ▢ 1/4 tsp all spice

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Instructions 

• Preheat oven to 375F, line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.
• In a bowl whisk together your egg and sugar, mix in your mashed banana, apple sauce, melted butter and vanilla.
• Stir in your flour, baking soda and powder and nutmeg.
• Drop by large spoonfuls onto parchment paper.
• In a small bowl or a ziplock bag mix your 1/2 Tbsp sugar with 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/4 tsp all spice. Sprinkle over your 20 cookies and bake in oven for 10 minutes.
• Makes 20 cookies at 2 smart points or 1 point plus each, keep in sealed container and best stored in fridge.
• Nutritional info per cookie (not incl banana) Calories 52…Fat 1.5g..Saturated fat 0.8g…Carbs 8.5g…Fiber 0.2g…Sugar 2.5g… Protein 1.1g

Additional Info

Course: Baking

Tried this recipe?Mention @drizzlemeskinny or tag #drizzlemeskinny!

Why You’ll Love These Banana Snickerdoodle Cookies

These banana snickerdoodle cookies aren’t just another recipe; they’re a revelation for anyone who loves a sweet treat but wants to keep things on the healthier side. Here’s why they’re sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire:

• Healthier Indulgence: With only 2 Smart Points per cookie (or 1 Point Plus), these cookies allow you to enjoy a delicious dessert without derailing your health goals. They are significantly lower in fat and sugar compared to traditional snickerdoodles, making them a fantastic Weight Watchers-friendly option.
• Naturally Sweet and Moist: The secret ingredient is ripe mashed banana, which provides natural sweetness and incredible moisture. This reduces the need for excessive added sugar and fat, resulting in a cookie that’s wonderfully soft and chewy.
• Classic Snickerdoodle Charm: Don’t let the “healthy” label fool you; these cookies still deliver all the beloved characteristics of a classic snickerdoodle. The signature cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice coating gives them that distinct warm, comforting flavor and aroma that snickerdoodle enthusiasts crave.
• Quick and Easy to Make: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a bake time of another 10 minutes, you can have a fresh batch of these delectable cookies ready in no time. They are perfect for last-minute cravings or an impromptu get-together.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will adore these cookies. The banana flavor is subtle, complementing the spices perfectly, making them a universally appealing treat.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether you need a quick breakfast on the go, a satisfying afternoon snack, or a light dessert after dinner, these banana snickerdoodles fit the bill.

The Magic of Bananas in Baking

Using bananas in baking is a brilliant way to enhance both the flavor and nutritional profile of your treats. When bananas ripen, their starches convert to sugars, making them incredibly sweet. This natural sweetness allows you to reduce the amount of refined sugar in recipes. Beyond sweetness, mashed bananas act as a fantastic binding agent and provide significant moisture. This means you can often cut down on butter or oil, leading to a lower-fat product that still maintains a wonderfully tender crumb.

For this banana snickerdoodle recipe, a ripe banana ensures that each cookie is not just moist and soft, but also imbued with a subtle, comforting banana bread-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the warm snickerdoodle spices. It’s a simple ingredient swap that makes a huge difference in creating a healthier, yet equally satisfying, cookie.

Tips for Baking Perfect Banana Snickerdoodle Cookies

Achieving the perfect texture and flavor for your banana snickerdoodles is easy with a few simple tips:

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana (even spotted or fully brown ones!), the sweeter it will be, and the easier it will be to mash. This is key for both flavor and moisture.
• Measure Flour Correctly: For soft cookies, it’s essential not to use too much flour. Spoon your flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife, rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can compact the flour and lead to dry cookies.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tougher cookies.
• Portion Evenly: For uniform baking and consistent size (and thus, consistent Smart Points!), use a cookie scoop to drop equal spoonfuls of dough onto your parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies bake quickly, usually in about 10 minutes. They should be set around the edges but still appear slightly soft in the center. They will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies.
• Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper prevents sticking and makes for easy cleanup. It also helps the cookies bake more evenly.
• Cool on a Rack: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and prevents them from breaking.

Customizing Your Banana Snickerdoodles

While these banana snickerdoodle cookies are fantastic as is, there’s always room for a little customization to suit your personal preferences:

• Add-ins: For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider folding in a handful of mini chocolate chips (dark chocolate works wonderfully), chopped walnuts, or pecans. Remember that adding these will slightly alter the Smart Point value per cookie, so adjust accordingly if tracking.
• Spice It Up: If you’re a fan of bolder flavors, you can slightly increase the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice in the dough. A pinch of ground ginger or cardamom could also add an interesting twist.
• A Touch of Glaze: For those who enjoy a bit more sweetness, a very light drizzle of a simple powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a tiny bit of milk or lemon juice) can elevate these cookies into an even more decadent treat. Again, be mindful of the added sugar if tracking points.
• Flour Variations: While all-purpose flour works perfectly, you could experiment with whole wheat pastry flour for a slightly more wholesome cookie with increased fiber, without compromising too much on texture.

Storage and Shelf Life

To keep your banana snickerdoodle cookies fresh and delicious, proper storage is key:

• Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. The banana content helps keep them moist.
• Refrigeration: For longer freshness, especially due to the banana, it’s best to store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can be enjoyed cold or brought to room temperature before serving.
• Freezing: These cookies freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave for a quick treat.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile banana snickerdoodles can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Alongside your morning coffee or tea.
• As a satisfying snack during the day.
• A light and sweet dessert after any meal.
• Pack them in lunchboxes for a wholesome treat.
• Warm them slightly and pair with a small scoop of low-fat vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

We hope you enjoy baking and savoring these wonderful Banana Snickerdoodle Cookies as much as we do. They truly prove that healthy eating doesn’t mean compromising on flavor or fun. Happy baking!