If you adore the comforting warmth of banana bread but crave something more portable and snack-friendly, this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer. These soft, cake-like cookies capture all the cozy flavors of classic banana bread—ripe banana, cinnamon spice, and buttery richness—with a delightful twist of texture from walnuts or chocolate chips. Perfect for sharing with friends, packing in lunchboxes, or simply enjoying with a cup of tea, these cookies bring the best of banana bread into a bite-sized treat that’s easy to love and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity and the thoughtful selection of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role: from the ripe banana providing natural sweetness and moisture to the combination of leavening agents that ensure the perfect soft, tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich flavor and creates a tender texture.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the cookie’s structure.
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings a subtle molasses note and extra moisture.
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed (about 1/2 cup): The star ingredient adding natural sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable banana flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances flavor depth and sweetness.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies soft.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps cookies rise and stay airy.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for the perfect lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that complements the banana beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor complexity.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Offers crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft cookie.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional): Brings melty pockets of chocolate for extra indulgence.
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 and promote even baking. This setup ensures your cookies bake perfectly without the fuss of extra cleanup.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for incorporating air, which helps your cookies have an invitingly tender texture.
Step 3: Add Banana, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, mix in the mashed ripe banana, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. The mashed banana not only flavors the dough but also infuses moisture, making these cookies wonderfully soft and chewy.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Properly mixing these dry components helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly, giving consistent texture and flavor throughout each cookie.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and cakey rather than dense.
Step 6: Fold in Optional Extras
If you’re using chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips, fold them into the dough now. These add-ins provide delightful bursts of flavor and texture that make each cookie unique and heavenly.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft. This timing achieves the perfect balance of soft inside with just a touch of crispness outside.
Step 8: Cool Cookies
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This resting time helps them firm up just enough while retaining their classic banana bread softness.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these Banana Bread Cookies Recipe treats are delicious on their own, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a simple cream cheese glaze can elevate their appearance and flavor. Toasted walnut halves on top before baking also add an inviting crunch and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or cold milk for a satisfying snack or dessert experience. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside creates a decadent dessert ideal for special occasions or weekend indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Banana Bread Cookies Recipe alongside fresh fruit slices like strawberries or apple wedges to add a refreshing contrast. These cookies also work beautifully in a dessert platter paired with assorted nuts and dried fruit for sharing at gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store your Banana Bread Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and soft for up to three days, making them perfect to bake in advance for a quick treat anytime.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies around longer, freeze them in a sealed container with parchment layers to prevent sticking. They freeze beautifully for up to two months and thaw quickly at room temperature or in the microwave.
Reheating
To enjoy the warmth and softness of freshly baked cookies, reheat them gently in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a low oven. This will revive the soft texture and intensify the comforting banana aroma.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect because they’re sweeter and mash easily, enhancing the flavor and moisture of your cookies.
What if I don’t have walnuts or pecans? Can I omit them?
Yes, you can simply leave out the nuts. The cookies will still be deliciously soft and flavorful. Alternatively, consider adding other mix-ins like dried cranberries or raisins for a different twist.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not as written, since they use all-purpose flour. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend to suit your dietary needs, keeping in mind that the texture might be slightly different.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
You can try substituting the butter with plant-based margarine and the egg with a flax or chia egg to create a vegan-friendly version, although the texture might vary a bit from the original.
How do I prevent my Banana Bread Cookies Recipe from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened and not melted, and chill the dough briefly before baking if you find the cookies spreading too thin. Also, spacing them properly on the baking sheet helps them keep their shape.
Final Thoughts
If you love the nostalgic flavor of banana bread but want a quick and easy treat that fits perfectly in your hand, this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is a must-try. With its simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have homemade comfort baked up in under half an hour. I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of these tender, flavorful cookies—grab your mixing bowl and start baking today!
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
Delightfully soft and cake-like, these Banana Bread Cookies combine the comforting flavors of classic banana bread with the convenience of a cookie. Perfect for a quick snack or a sweet treat, they offer a tender texture enriched with mashed ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and optional chunks of nuts or chocolate chips for added indulgence.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Banana, Egg, and Vanilla: Mix in the mashed ripe banana, followed by the egg and vanilla extract, blending thoroughly until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and spice.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, folding gently and stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
- Add Optional Mix-ins: Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips if using, distributing them evenly throughout the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Scoop Dough: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading as they bake.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers appear set but still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely for the best texture.
Notes
- These cookies have a soft, cake-like texture reminiscent of banana bread, making them a delightful twist on traditional cookies.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed container; thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Enhance the indulgence by adding a glaze or cream cheese frosting on top, perfect for special occasions or extra sweetness.
