If you love the comforting aroma and tender crumb of classic banana bread but want a quicker, handheld treat, this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer. These soft, cake-like cookies capture all the warmth and flavor of banana bread, with a delightful chew and just the right touch of sweetness. They’re perfect for using up those overripe bananas on your counter and make for a snack that feels homemade yet effortlessly impressive. Once you try this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to favorites for anytime snacking or dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the ripe banana which brings natural sweetness and moisture, to the cinnamon that adds just the right hint of spice. The combo of brown and granulated sugars creates a lovely depth of flavor, while the optional add-ins like nuts and chocolate chips take these cookies to the next level.
- 1 ripe banana (mashed): The star ingredient that adds moisture, flavor, and natural sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and a tender crumb throughout.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel undertone.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Amplifies the overall flavor and aroma.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that creates the cookie’s sturdy yet soft texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice, complementing the banana beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a delightful crunch and nutty contrast.
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips (optional): Adds gooey pockets of chocolate that everyone adores.
How to Make Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking, making cleanup a breeze. Having everything ready helps keep the baking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter together with the brown sugar and granulated sugar. Creaming until the mixture is light and fluffy is key; it aerates the dough and sets the stage for wonderfully tender cookies.
Step 3: Incorporate the Banana, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix the mashed banana into the creamed butter mixture, followed by the egg and vanilla extract. Make sure the wet ingredients are fully combined — this ensures even flavor and helps the dough come together flawlessly.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so combine just until you see no dry flour.
Step 5: Fold in Nuts and Chocolate Chips
If you’re using nuts or chocolate chips, now’s the time to fold them in. These add-ins give delightful texture and bursts of flavor that make your banana bread cookies even more special.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your parchment-lined sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn golden and the centers have set. They might look soft, but they will firm up as they cool.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting period lets the cookies firm up perfectly, so every bite is soft and yielding, just like homemade banana bread in cookie form.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of melted chocolate can elevate these Banana Bread Cookies to a dessert worthy of company. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon on top right before baking for an aromatic finish that tantalizes the senses.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making for a cozy afternoon treat. For a more indulgent dessert experience, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement their soft texture and sweet banana flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these Banana Bread Cookies into little sandwich treats by spreading cream cheese frosting or Nutella between two cookies. They also make fantastic toppings for parfaits or yogurt bowls, adding a delightful chew and sweetness that elevate any breakfast or snack.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover banana bread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This keeps them soft and flavorful without drying out. If you want to extend their life, refrigeration is an option, but bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They can be stored for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature for an easy, make-ahead treat.
Reheating
If you like your banana bread cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or heat briefly in a low-temperature oven. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and aroma that makes these cookies so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen bananas work perfectly once thawed and mashed. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid to avoid making your dough too wet.
What can I substitute for butter?
You can use an equal amount of coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute if you want a dairy-free version. Keep in mind this may slightly alter the flavor and texture but still yield delicious results.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not as written since they use all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend; just be aware it might affect the texture slightly.
Can I add other mix-ins besides nuts and chocolate chips?
Definitely! Dried fruit, shredded coconut, or even crushed toffee bits make great additions. Mix according to your favorite flavor combinations to make this recipe your own.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The edges should be a light golden color, and the centers should no longer look wet but still soft. They firm up as they cool, so it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake for perfect softness.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is a joyful spin on a beloved classic that fits perfectly into busy schedules and snack cravings alike. Once you discover how simple it is to bake these soft, flavorful cookies, you’ll want to keep a stash of ripe bananas just to make them happen. Give this recipe a try, share with loved ones, and watch your kitchen fill with the irresistible smell that feels like comfort in each bite.
Print
Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and cake-like Banana Bread Cookies, combining the sweet richness of ripe bananas with the comforting warmth of cinnamon and chopped nuts or chocolate chips. Perfect as a snack or dessert, these cookies are an ideal way to use overripe bananas and offer a quick, easy treat that’s bursting with flavor.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Add-ins (Optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, helping to create a tender texture in the cookies.
- Add Banana, Egg, and Vanilla: Mix in the mashed ripe banana, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined and smooth, adding moisture and flavor to the batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt together to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently to create a uniform dough without overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Add Nuts and Chocolate Chips: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans and mini chocolate chips if using, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Form Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set, indicating they are cooked through.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring a perfect texture before serving.
Notes
- These cookies are soft and cake-like, mimicking the texture of traditional banana bread in a handy cookie form.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Ideal for using overripe bananas, making these cookies a great way to reduce food waste.
- Optional nuts and chocolate chips add texture and extra flavor, but the cookies are delicious even without them.
