Spiced Banana Tangerine Oatmeal Cookies

by

Introduction

These Spiced Banana Tangerine Oatmeal Cookies are a delightful fusion of flavors that perfectly balance the sweetness of ripe bananas and the zesty brightness of tangerines. Packed with hearty oats and warm spices, these cookies are not only delicious but also wholesome. They make a fantastic snack or dessert, ideal for lunchboxes or cozy evenings at home. The combination of banana and tangerine brings a refreshing twist to classic oatmeal cookies, and with their soft and chewy texture, they are sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients Quantity

  • Ripe bananas: 2 large, mashed
  • Tangerine zest: 1 tablespoon
  • Tangerine juice: 2 tablespoons
  • Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), softened
  • Brown sugar: ¾ cup
  • Granulated sugar: ¼ cup
  • Egg: 1 large
  • Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon
  • All-purpose flour: 1 cup
  • Old-fashioned oats: 1 ½ cups
  • Baking soda: 1 teaspoon
  • Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
  • Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon
  • Salt: ¼ teaspoon

Optional Ingredients

  • Chopped nuts: ½ cup, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch.
  • Chocolate chips: ½ cup, for a sweet touch.
  • Dried fruit: ½ cup, such as raisins or cranberries, for extra flavor.
  • Coconut flakes: ¼ cup, for a tropical twist.

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add the Wet Ingredients: Beat in the mashed bananas, tangerine zest, tangerine juice, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. If using, fold in the optional ingredients like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.
  6. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
  7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.
  8. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Success

  • Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The browner, the better!
  • Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep the cookies soft and chewy.
  • Storage: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Recommendations

  • Serving Suggestions: These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or coffee. They also make a great addition to a dessert platter or as part of a lunchbox treat.
  • Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices, like ginger or allspice, for a unique flavor profile. You can also substitute the tangerine with orange for a different citrus twist.
  • Batching: Consider doubling the recipe and freezing half of the cookie dough for quick and easy fresh cookies on busy days.

Enjoy these delightful Spiced Banana Tangerine Oatmeal Cookies—perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own! 🍪🍌🍊

Leave a Comment