If you adore the comforting aroma and tender crumb of classic banana bread but crave a fun, handheld twist, you are going to absolutely fall in love with this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe. These cookies capture every bit of that beloved banana flavor, combined with a soft, cakey texture and subtle hints of cinnamon, walnuts, and chocolate chips. Whether you need a sweet treat for breakfast, a snack, or a dessert that feels like a hug in cookie form, this recipe is your new go-to. It’s simplicity and delightful flavor make it impossible not to share with friends and family, and your kitchen will smell like happiness from start to finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy ingredients to make these cookies sing – just straightforward pantry staples brought together thoughtfully. Each item contributes not only flavor but texture, moisture, and that classic banana bread essence that makes these cookies truly special.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter ensures a rich and tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
- Brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and keeps the cookies moist.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with spreading during baking.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to a cakey texture.
- Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and enhances the banana flavor beautifully.
- Mashed ripe banana: The star ingredient delivering natural sweetness and moistness.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure without weighing down the cookies.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough, keeping that tender softness.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy spice that complements banana perfectly.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates all the flavors.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Add a delightful crunch and nutty contrast.
- Mini chocolate chips or raisins (optional): Sprinkle in extra bursts of sweetness and texture.
How to Make Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pans
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This sets the stage for evenly baked cookies and easy cleanup — a small step that makes your baking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture looks light and fluffy. This process traps air, contributing to the lovely texture. Then, beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract and luscious mashed banana until the batter feels perfectly combined and smooth.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. These dry ingredients create the structure, gentle rise, and subtle fragrant spices that make these cookies reminiscent of your favorite banana bread.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until you no longer see streaks of flour. Overmixing can toughen cookies, so gentle fold is the secret here. If you want to amp up the texture, now’s the perfect time to fold in chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips or raisins for little pockets of crunch and sweetness.
Step 5: Shape and Bake Your Cookies
Use a tablespoon to drop spoonfuls of dough onto your lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but soft. Resist the urge to overbake; these cookies are all about tender, cakey bliss.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for five minutes after baking. This helps them firm up enough to transfer without breaking. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely – although it’s totally acceptable to sneak a warm one along the way as your reward!
How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are amazing on their own, adding a light dusting of powdered sugar or a thin drizzle of vanilla glaze can elevate their charm and sweetness for special occasions. Toasted walnut halves on top make a beautiful and tasty finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pairing your Banana Bread Cookies Recipe with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk creates an inviting snack that feels cozy and satisfying. For an indulgent brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit or creamy yogurt for a balanced contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the cookies horizontally and sandwich them with your favorite nut butter or cream cheese frosting for a unique treat that doubles the flavor appeal. You can also crumble the cookies over ice cream or mix them into a parfait for a fun twist on dessert presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your banana bread cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to four days, perfect for quick snacks or last-minute dessert cravings during the week.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies for longer storage by placing them in a sealed freezer bag or container. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. They freeze beautifully for up to three months without losing their moist texture.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen Banana Bread Cookies Recipe at their best, thaw them overnight at room temperature and warm gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This brings back their soft, cakey goodness like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are perfect because they’re sweeter and mash easily, intensifying the banana flavor in your cookies.
What can I substitute if I don’t have walnuts or pecans?
You can use any chopped nuts you prefer, like almonds or hazelnuts, or simply omit the nuts altogether for a nut-free cookie that’s still delicious.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
With a few swaps like using non-dairy butter, a flax egg in place of the egg, and dairy-free chocolate chips, this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe can be vegan-friendly.
How do I get the cookies cakey instead of crunchy?
Using mashed banana and creaming the butter and sugars properly will give you that soft, cakey texture — make sure not to overbake as well.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing and reheating?
Yes, these cookies freeze very well and can be reheated quickly to enjoy just-baked freshness at any time.
Final Thoughts
There is something deeply comforting about the familiar flavors of banana bread, and turning that into a cookie brings even more joy to snack time or dessert. This Banana Bread Cookies Recipe blends simplicity, warmth, and nostalgia in every bite, inviting you to bake, share, and savor moments with loved ones. Give it a try—you’ll be delighted at how quickly these cookies become a favorite in your household too!
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, cake-like Banana Bread Cookies that capture the comforting flavors of classic banana bread in convenient, bite-sized form. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and studded with optional nuts and chocolate chips, these cookies are quick to prepare and bake, making them an ideal treat for anytime cravings or sharing with friends and family.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium)
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 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 or raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy, ensuring a tender cookie texture.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed ripe banana until the mixture is thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Mix wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in mix-ins: Incorporate the chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips or raisins if using, distributing them evenly through the dough.
- Shape the cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized scoops 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 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie 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 before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set perfectly.
Notes
- These cookies are soft and cakey, reminiscent of traditional banana bread but in smaller, convenient portions.
- For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with milk over the cooled cookies.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to 4 days.
