Banana Cookies (Soft & Chewy!)

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Slice the butter into pieces and place it in a skillet over medium heat. Heat for about 5 minutes until it melts, turns foamy, and then becomes golden brown in color and smells nutty. Immediately remove from the heat and transfer to a bowl. Transfer to the freezer for 15 minutes to cool (you can also do this in advance and cool it to room temperature).

In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Add the cooled browned butter to the bowl of a stand mixer. Add the sugar and mix on High speed for 1 minute, until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract, and beat on High speed for 1 minute. Add the mashed banana and mix just until incorporated, scraping once. Pour in the bowl of dry ingredients and mix on Low speed until just combined.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place ¼ cup granulated sugar on a plate. Roll the dough in 1 ½ tablespoon balls, using a cookie scoop if possible, then roll the ball into the plate of sugar. Repeat to make 2 trays of 12 cookies (24 to 26 total).

Add the trays to the oven and bake 12 to 13 minutes, until puffed, reversing the trays at the 7 minute mark (the cookies will settle into the crinkles when the cool.) Allow to cool on the pan 5 minutes before removing to a baking rack.

Store at room temperature for about 1 week, refrigerated for 2 weeks (bring to room temperature before serving), or frozen for 3 months (un-iced cookies freeze best).