Cookies are one of those timeless treats that bring joy to every snack time, and when you infuse them with the tropical sweetness of plantains, you get a uniquely delicious twist that’s both wholesome and satisfying.
Plantain cookies combine the natural sugars and soft texture of ripe plantains with warm spices and a delightful crunch, making them perfect for those who want a gluten-free or alternative cookie option.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting afternoon snack, a quick breakfast bite, or a healthier dessert, these cookies are sure to hit the spot.
In this recipe, I’ll guide you through making these soft, chewy, and slightly caramelized plantain cookies that are bursting with flavor. They’re easy to prepare, require minimal ingredients, and are perfect for sharing with family or friends.
Plus, they offer a lovely way to use up ripe plantains that might otherwise go to waste. Let’s dive in and bake some plantain magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Plantain cookies are a fantastic alternative to traditional cookies because they bring natural sweetness without the need for excessive sugar. The ripe plantains provide moisture and a tender crumb, so you don’t need to add too much oil or butter.
This makes the cookies lighter and more nutritious.
These cookies also cater to various dietary needs — they can easily be made gluten-free by using almond or oat flour. Plus, the warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg add a comforting aroma and flavor that perfectly complements the fruity notes of plantain.
And best of all, they’re incredibly versatile — you can add nuts, chocolate chips, or even dried fruits to customize them to your liking.
Ingredients
- 2 large ripe plantains (yellow with brown spots for maximum sweetness)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- ½ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or unsalted butter)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Fork or potato masher
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Oven
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Peel the ripe plantains and mash them thoroughly in a mixing bowl using a fork or potato masher until smooth with just a few small lumps.
- Add the melted coconut oil and vanilla extract to the mashed plantains and mix well to combine.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet plantain mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- If using, fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to add texture and flavor.
- Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of the spoon or your fingers.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your delicious plantain cookies! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Tips & Variations
For a softer cookie, use very ripe plantains and avoid overbaking. If you prefer a crunchier texture, bake a couple of minutes longer.
Substitute the all-purpose flour with oat, almond, or gluten-free flour blends to cater to dietary restrictions.
Add spices like ground ginger or cloves for a holiday twist.
Mix in dried fruits such as raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates for extra sweetness and chewiness.
For a chocolate lover’s version, swirl in some cocoa powder or use vegan chocolate chips.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Cookie (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 10 g |
| Fat | 4 g |
| Protein | 1.5 g |
| Potassium | 150 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Plantain cookies are wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Pair them with a warm cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
They also make a great addition to a brunch spread or a nutritious breakfast on the go.
For a fun dessert, serve these cookies with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. They also work well crumbled over vegan yogurt or smoothie bowls for added crunch and flavor.
If you love exploring unique plant-based recipes, check out these favorites on our site:
- Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals
- Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas
- Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide
Conclusion
These plantain cookies are a delightful way to enjoy the natural sweetness and nutrition of ripe plantains in a cookie form that’s both tender and flavorful. They’re simple to make, adaptable to various dietary preferences, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick snack or a thoughtful homemade gift.
By using wholesome ingredients and minimal added sugar, these cookies strike a balance between indulgence and health. Plus, the recipe’s flexibility allows you to experiment and add your favorite mix-ins, making it a versatile staple for your baking repertoire.
Give these plantain cookies a try, and you might just find your new favorite cookie recipe that stands out from the usual chocolate chip or sugar cookie varieties!
📖 Recipe Card: Plantain Cookies
Description: Deliciously crispy and naturally sweet plantain cookies perfect for a healthy snack. Easy to make with simple ingredients and no added sugar.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 12 cookies
Ingredients
- 2 ripe plantains (about 1 cup mashed)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup coconut sugar
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Peel and mash the ripe plantains in a bowl.
- Add egg, vanilla extract, and melted coconut oil; mix well.
- In another bowl, combine almond flour, coconut sugar, shredded coconut, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until fully combined.
- Spoon dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 15 g
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