Irresistible Chewy Banana Cookies: The “Will Bill Share” Recipe You’ll Adore
Every true banana enthusiast knows the sheer delight of a perfectly crafted banana dessert. From breads to puddings, the versatility of this humble fruit is endless. But today, we’re diving into a cookie recipe that stands head and shoulders above the rest: our incredible **Chewy Banana Cookies**. These aren’t just any cookies; they boast an unparalleled texture, a rich, comforting flavor, and an aroma that will envelop your home, making it smell like the most welcoming bakery on Earth. Get ready to experience a cookie that will redefine your expectations!
If you’re anything like us, your recipe collection likely includes a variety of banana-based treats. However, we confidently declare that these banana cookies are truly exceptional. They offer a unique blend of chewiness, sweetness, and a hint of spice, creating a delightful symphony of flavors with every bite. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they’ve quickly become a cherished favorite in our kitchen. Prepare to be amazed by their deliciousness – but don’t say we didn’t warn you, sharing might be harder than you think!
The Heartwarming Story Behind “Will Bill Share Cookies”
You might be curious about the intriguing name of this recipe: “Will Bill Share Cookies?” The story behind it is as sweet as the cookies themselves. Back in September, I reached out to my newsletter subscribers, asking them to share their most cherished Christmas cookie recipes. The response was overwhelming, and I received many wonderful submissions (a huge thank you to everyone who participated!).
Among the fantastic recipes I received, Martha from Tennessee’s “Will Bill Share Cookies” were an absolute standout. I baked a considerable number of cookies that month, but this particular banana cookie recipe truly captivated me. From the moment they started baking, my kitchen was filled with an incredible aroma. The flavor profile is simply perfect, a delightful balance of sweet and spiced notes, and to top it all off, they are incredibly easy to make. It’s a recipe that delivers on all fronts – taste, aroma, and simplicity.
Martha, a passionate baker, shared the charming origin of the name. She recounted, “I asked my son, Bill, what he desired in a cookie. He listed his favorite ingredients, and from that, this recipe was born. Bill has loved these cookies for thirteen years now. In fact, he never wanted to share them, so I often had to bake them when he was out driving his truck. Now, it’s a running joke in our family: ‘But will Bill share?'”
She playfully added that allowing me to share the recipe with the rest of the world was likely the only way Bill would ever agree to share his beloved cookies! I absolutely adore this story, and it adds an extra layer of charm to an already fantastic recipe. A heartfelt thank you to both Bill and Martha for contributing such an amazing recipe that we are thrilled to make again and again!
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try for Every Banana Lover
Beyond the delightful story, there are several key reasons why these “Will Bill Share” Banana Cookies are a staple in our dessert rotation and should be in yours too:
- Irresistible Texture: These cookies are famously chewy, offering a satisfying bite that’s neither too soft nor too crispy. The addition of quick oats contributes to this perfect consistency, making them incredibly moreish.
- Deep Banana Flavor with a Twist: The recipe utilizes mashed ripe bananas, but what truly elevates the banana flavor is the inclusion of instant banana cream pudding mix. This secret ingredient amplifies the fruit’s natural sweetness and creates a more profound, authentic banana taste.
- Perfectly Spiced: A thoughtful blend of cinnamon and nutmeg adds a warm, inviting spice profile that complements the banana beautifully, making these cookies perfect for any season, especially fall and winter.
- Sweet and Nutty Enhancements: White chocolate chips melt into creamy pockets of sweetness, while chopped pecans provide a delightful crunch and earthy flavor, balancing the overall richness.
- Surprisingly Easy to Make: Despite their gourmet taste and complex flavor, these cookies are remarkably straightforward to prepare. The instructions are clear, and even novice bakers will find success with this recipe.
- That Amazing Aroma: We can’t stress this enough – the smell alone as these cookies bake is worth the effort! It’s a warm, inviting fragrance that fills your home and instantly makes everyone eager for a taste.
Key Ingredients You Will Need for Banana Cookies
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to baking these fantastic banana cookies. For precise measurements and the full recipe, scroll down to the printable recipe card at the end of this post. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to create these delectable treats:
2020: 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS COOKIES
12 Christmas cookies you will love, PLUS bonus baking tips and TWO extra recipes you will not find on this blog! See ALL my cookbooks here!
Get the Christmas cookies cookbook! ONLY $9.97!!
How to Make Delicious Banana Cookies: Step-by-Step Instructions
These detailed step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to guide you through the process of making this recipe, ensuring perfect results every time. For your convenience, you can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and instructions at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare Your Baking Station: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line insulated baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This step is crucial for preventing sticking and ensuring even baking, leading to perfectly golden-brown cookies.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and the instant banana pudding mix powder. Make sure all ingredients are thoroughly combined and there are no lumps. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a separate, larger mixing bowl, cream together the granulated sugar and butter-flavored shortening until the mixture is light and fluffy. Then, beat in both the banana extract and vanilla extract, followed by the large egg and milk. Continue mixing until everything is well incorporated and smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix only until no streaks of flour remain.
- Fold in Banana and Oats: Gently stir in the mashed bananas and quick oats. The oats will provide that delightful chewy texture, while the bananas infuse the cookies with their natural sweetness and moisture.
- Add White Chocolate Chips and Pecans: Finally, fold in the white chocolate chips and chopped pecans. These additions provide bursts of creamy sweetness and a satisfying crunch, enhancing the overall flavor and texture of the cookies.
- Portion the Dough: Use a cookie scoop to portion out uniform cookie balls onto your prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are placed about an inch apart to allow for spreading. If you don’t have a cookie scoop, a heaping tablespoon for each cookie works just as well. Consistency in size helps ensure even baking.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The centers should still be slightly soft, which will result in that desirable chewy texture once cooled.
- Cool and Enjoy: Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them immediately to cooling racks. Allow them to cool completely before serving. This allows them to set properly and develop their full flavor and texture.
Expert Baking Tips for Perfect Banana Cookies
Achieving the perfect chewy banana cookie is simple with a few expert tips:
- Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots on the peel. These are easier to mash and provide the best banana flavor.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing develops gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough, dense cookies instead of soft and chewy ones. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Measure Flour Correctly: For baking, accuracy is key. Spoon flour into your measuring cup and then level it off with a straight edge rather than scooping directly from the bag, which can compact the flour and result in too much flour.
- Chill the Dough (Optional but Recommended): If you have time, chilling the cookie dough for 30 minutes to an hour can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much and deepen the flavors.
- Evenly Sized Cookies: Using a cookie scoop ensures that all your cookies are roughly the same size, which means they will bake evenly. No one wants burnt edges on some cookies and raw centers on others!
- Adjust Baking Time: Ovens vary! Keep an eye on your cookies during the last few minutes of baking. They are done when the edges are lightly golden, and the centers look set but still slightly soft.
- Parchment Paper is Your Friend: Always use parchment paper or silicone baking mats. They not only prevent sticking but also promote even browning and easy cleanup.
Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Cookies
For optimal freshness, store these delicious banana cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you wish to extend their shelf life, place them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for about a week. These cookies also freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. To freeze, arrange cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
While most cookie recipes tolerate a substitution of butter for shortening, we specifically designed this recipe with butter-flavored shortening for its unique contribution to texture and spread. We haven’t thoroughly tested this particular recipe with butter, but generally, butter tends to make cookies spread more and can result in a slightly crispier texture. If you choose to use butter, ensure it’s cold and cut into pieces, or be prepared for a slightly different outcome. For the best “Will Bill Share” experience, we recommend sticking to shortening.
Absolutely! While this banana cookie recipe specifically calls for quick oats to achieve a certain chewiness and uniform texture, old-fashioned (rolled) oats can certainly be used as a substitute. Keep in mind that old-fashioned oats will give the cookies a heartier, chewier texture with more noticeable oat pieces. Both options are delicious, so feel free to choose based on your preference for chewiness!
For the best flavor and sweetness, always use very ripe bananas (with brown spots). If your bananas aren’t quite ripe, you can speed up the process by baking them in their peels on a baking sheet at 300°F (150°C) for 15-30 minutes until they turn black and soft. Let them cool before mashing.
Certainly! This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to experiment with other mix-ins like dark chocolate chips, walnuts, chopped dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. Just be mindful of the total quantity of mix-ins to ensure the cookies hold their shape well.
These truly delicious banana cookies have undeniably earned a top spot among our most beloved recipes. Bursting with chewy, sweet, and perfectly spiced goodness, they embody everything a banana lover could ever desire in a dessert. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that is simply unforgettable. Be warned, though – once you taste these incredible cookies, you might find yourself facing the same dilemma as Martha’s son, Bill. You may not want to share them with anyone either! They’re that good.
Whether you’re looking for a delightful treat for your family, a crowd-pleasing dessert for a gathering, or just a comforting bake to enjoy with a cup of coffee, these “Will Bill Share” Banana Cookies are guaranteed to satisfy. Their ease of preparation combined with their phenomenal taste makes them a perfect addition to any baker’s repertoire. So, go ahead, bake a batch, and let us know if you find yourself tempted to keep them all to yourself!
Explore More Delicious Banana Recipes
Can’t get enough of that wonderful banana flavor? We’ve got you covered! Expand your banana recipe repertoire with these other fantastic treats that celebrate the versatility of this beloved fruit:
- Easy Banana Cake
- Banana Pudding Poke Cake
- Banana Muffins
- Sour Cream Banana Bread
- Banana Upside Down Muffins
- Banana Cream Pie
- Banana Fritters
- Banana Nut Bread
I absolutely love to bake, cook, and share my extensive kitchen experience and delicious recipes with all of you! Remembering to come back to the blog each day for new content can sometimes be challenging, which is why I offer a convenient newsletter. Every time a new and exciting recipe is posted, you’ll receive it directly in your inbox. Simply subscribe here and start receiving your free daily recipes, ensuring you never miss out on a new culinary adventure!
Banana Cookies
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- 3.4 oz instant banana cream pudding mix dry mix only
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup butter flavored shortening
- ½ teaspoon banana extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 cup mashed banana 2 medium bananas
- 1 ¾ cup quick oats old fashioned will work as well
- 12 ounce bag of white chocolate chips
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Things You’ll Need
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Insulated baking sheets
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Wire cooling racks
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Cookie scoop
Before You Begin
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 F. Line insulated baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
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Whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and banana pudding mix powder. Set aside.
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Cream together sugar and shortening. Beat in both extracts, egg, and milk.
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Stir in the flour mixture.
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Stir in mashed bananas and oats.
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Stir in white chocolate chips and pecans.
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Use a cookie scoop to portion out cookie balls onto baking sheets, placing them an inch apart. If you don’t have a cookie scoop, measure out a heaping tablespoon for each cookie.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned.
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Remove to cooling racks and allow to cool completely.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
2020: 12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS COOKIES
12 Christmas cookies you will love, PLUS bonus baking tips and TWO extra recipes you will not find on this blog! See ALL my cookbooks here!
Get the Christmas cookies cookbook! ONLY $9.97!!