Ingredients:

1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 medium-sized bananas)

1 teaspoon lemon juice

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
1 cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Prepare Bananas:
In a small bowl, mix mashed bananas with lemon juice. Set aside.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
4. Cream Butter and Sugars:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
5. Add Wet Ingredients:
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
6. Incorporate Bananas:
Gradually add the banana mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing well.
7. Add Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
8. Optional: Add Nuts and Chocolate Chips:
If desired, fold in chopped nuts and chocolate chips into the cookie batter.
9. Drop Cookies:
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
10. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
11. Cool:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
12. Enjoy:
Once cooled, enjoy your delicious Banana Bread Cookies!
These cookies capture the flavors of classic banana bread in a convenient and delightful cookie form.