Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for a warm, comforting slice of banana bread but wished it was portable—and maybe just a tad crispier on the edges—then you’ll absolutely fall in love with Banana Bread Cookies. These delightful treats combine everything you adore about classic banana bread with the irresistible appeal of a chewy, soft-baked cookie. Each bite is brimming with sweet banana flavor, kissed with cinnamon, oats, and your choice of crunchy nuts. It’s the kind of recipe that feels a little nostalgic but comes together easily, making your kitchen smell amazing in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of these Banana Bread Cookies is how easily you can create something so rich and delicious from such simple pantry staples. Every ingredient brings something special to the table—flavor, moisture, chew, or just a gorgeous golden color. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- Mashed ripe bananas (1 cup, about 2–3 bananas): The riper, the better! These add natural sweetness and unmistakable banana flavor.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Butter creates a rich, tender cookie. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Brown sugar (3/4 cup, packed): For that caramel-like sweetness and irresistible chewy texture.
- Large egg (1): This helps bind the dough and keeps the cookies soft.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Vanilla gives subtle warmth and rounds out the banana flavor beautifully.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation for tender cookies—it creates just the right structure.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): For a gentle lift that keeps the cookies soft and puffy.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Essential for balance—never skip it!
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Brings cozy spice that pairs perfectly with bananas.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): For a toasty crunch and a little nutty twist.
- Rolled oats (1/2 cup): Adds wholesome chew and heartiness to every bite.
How to Make Banana Bread Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Workspace
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This step is a lifesaver for easy cookie removal and cleanup later! It’s also a good time to assemble all your ingredients and measure them out—you’ll be amazed at how much faster everything comes together.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture looks light, fluffy, and almost like sandy clouds. This step is key—it sets the stage for perfectly soft Banana Bread Cookies by aerating your dough and blending sweetness throughout.
Step 3: Add Bananas, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, beat in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is thoroughly combined. Bananas may add some texture here, and that’s okay—you want visible banana bits for both flavor and that homey look!
Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This not only distributes the leavening and spice evenly, but ensures each cookie is laced with delicious banana bread flavor from edge to center.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until no streaks of flour remain. Over-mixing can make banana cookies tough instead of tender, so fold gently for cookie perfection.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Nuts
With a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold in the rolled oats and nuts (if using). These additions bring a bit of heartiness and crunch, making every bite extra special.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie—they do spread! Bake in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, just until the edges turn a lovely golden brown and the centers look set.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. That patience pays off with perfectly set, soft Banana Bread Cookies that are ready to eat or share!
How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies
Garnishes
While Banana Bread Cookies are pretty perfect fresh out of the oven, a few simple garnishes can elevate them to bakery-worthy status. Try a dusting of powdered sugar, a quick drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a sprinkle of flaked sea salt right after baking for a sweet-meets-savory kick. For special occasions, add a few banana chips or an extra nut on top for visual flair.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a creamy latte, or freshly brewed tea for pure comfort. For an after-dinner treat, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or arrange them with other homemade cookies for an impressive dessert platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Banana Bread Cookies in a rustic tin with a ribbon for thoughtful gifting, or sandwich two with a swirl of cream cheese frosting as a fun twist on classic whoopie pies. They also make a marvelous surprise in lunchboxes or as cozy snacks alongside a fruit salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Banana Bread Cookies soft and scrumptious by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for up to five days, making them an easy grab-and-go treat all week long. Slip a piece of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled cookies in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to three months. You can also freeze the unbaked dough in pre-portioned scoops—just bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating
To recapture that just-baked magic, warm cookies for a few seconds in the microwave or a quick minute in the oven. They’ll come out soft, fragrant, and ready to be devoured. Avoid overheating to maintain their perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for Banana Bread Cookies?
Absolutely! Let them thaw and drain off any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas are a fantastic way to make use of overripe fruit and they work just as well in this recipe.
What’s the best way to ripen bananas quickly?
Need ripe bananas in a hurry? Place your unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until the skins turn black and the fruit softens. Cool before using in your Banana Bread Cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free. The cookies may be a bit softer, but they’ll still be full of that banana bread charm.
How can I make Banana Bread Cookies extra moist?
Use very ripe bananas and be careful not to over-bake. Adding a tablespoon of plain yogurt or sour cream to the dough can give an extra boost of moisture if you love a super-soft cookie.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Definitely! Stir in up to 1/2 cup of chocolate chips along with the oats and nuts for a sweeter, even more decadent batch of Banana Bread Cookies.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about sharing kitchen favorites, and these Banana Bread Cookies are a recipe you’ll want to pass on again and again. With their cozy flavor, soft texture, and homey charm, they’re guaranteed to spark smiles and sweet memories. Go ahead—give them a try and let these cookies become your new comfort craving!
Print
Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional banana bread, perfect for a sweet treat or on-the-go snack. Soft and chewy with the flavors of ripe bananas, cinnamon, and nuts, these cookies are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
For the cookies:
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Add nuts and oats: Fold in nuts and oats.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until edges are golden and centers are set.
- Cool and enjoy: Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use very ripe bananas for best flavor.
- Add chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
