Banana Peel Cookies with Oven Baking

1.Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2.Prepare the banana peels by thoroughly washing them to remove any dirt or residue. Finely chop the peels into small pieces.

3.In a medium bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy using a hand mixer or whisk.

4.Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until well combined.

5.In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.

6.Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

7.Fold in the chopped banana peels and, if using, the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips.

8.If the dough feels too dry, add milk one tablespoon at a time until the dough holds together but is not sticky.

9.Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

10.Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of a spoon or your fingers to ensure even baking.

11.Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the cookies are set.

12.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.

13.Serve the cookies once cooled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.