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.