Banana Chocolate Sandwich Cookies

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Gather all your ingredients to ensure you have everything needed.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups (156g) all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter at room temperature with 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar and 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar until creamy and smooth. This should take about 3 minutes on medium speed.
4. Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon (5ml) vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and beat until fully incorporated.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure tender cookies.
6. Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using a cookie scoop for consistency, and place them about 2 inches apart on baking sheets lined with parchment paper.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are set and the cookies are just barely firm to the touch.
8. While the cookies are baking, prepare the banana filling. In a small bowl, mash 1 ripe banana (approximately 100g) until smooth.
9. In another bowl, beat 1/4 cup (57g) unsalted butter at room temperature with the mashed banana, 1 cup (125g) powdered sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) vanilla extract until creamy and smooth.
10. Once the cookies have cooled completely, spread approximately 1 tablespoon of banana filling on the flat side of half the cookies. Top with the remaining cookies to create sandwiches.
11. For the best taste, allow the cookies to rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving, so the flavors meld together beautifully.
12. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Enjoy your delicious Banana Chocolate Sandwich Cookies!