Glazed Banana Cookies are pure comfort baked into a soft, cake-like treat that’s honestly impossible to resist. These cookies somehow taste nostalgic and brand new at the same time, thanks to the perfect pairing of ripe bananas and a sweet vanilla glaze that sets into a delicate shell. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon, sharing with friends, or just sneaking a sweet bite with your morning coffee, you’ll find these cookies become a fast favorite. They come together incredibly quickly, yet deliver the kind of crowd-pleasing flavor that makes you look like a total kitchen hero. Don’t be surprised if these Glazed Banana Cookies disappear the second you put them on the table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Glazed Banana Cookies prove that a simple list of ingredients can yield big, bold flavors. Every element here plays a special role, from texture-making mashed bananas to that irresistible vanilla glaze on top.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Gives these cookies their rich, moist crumb and helps create a soft, cake-like texture.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the dough and helps with that classic cookie tenderness.
- Large egg (1): Binds all the ingredients together for a perfectly cohesive bite.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon for cookies, 1/2 teaspoon for glaze): Adds warmth and depth to both the cookies and the glaze, tying the flavors together.
- Mashed ripe bananas (1 cup, about 2 bananas): The star ingredient, providing flavor, sweetness, and keeping things extra moist.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): The structural backbone that keeps everything together while still being pillowy soft.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Gives the cookies a gentle lift for that signature soft bite.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder to keep the texture fluffy and light.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances every other flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Provides cozy warmth and a whisper of spice, perfect for bananas.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups, for glaze): The basis for an ultra-smooth, super-sweet glaze that sets beautifully.
- Milk (2 tablespoons, for glaze): Thins the glaze just enough for the perfect drizzle.
How to Make Glazed Banana Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Equipment
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This makes sure your Glazed Banana Cookies won’t stick and clean-up will be a breeze. Trust me, you’ll want to be ready to get these beauties in the oven as soon as your dough is mixed!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture looks pale and fluffy. This step incorporates air, for that dreamy, cake-like texture Glazed Banana Cookies are known for.
Step 3: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Bananas
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat again, then fold in your mashed ripe bananas. You’ll notice the batter turning lusciously smooth and fragrant at this stage. Those bananas are what make these cookies so delightfully moist.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This blend ensures you get even leavening and that gentle spice running through every bite.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mix into the wet ingredients, stirring just until everything is combined. Don’t overmix—this is the key to tender, plush cookies. The dough will be soft and a bit sticky, which is exactly right.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to let them spread and puff perfectly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are just set. The smell will be incredible!
Step 7: Cool Completely
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool fully. This step is key for the glaze—too warm, and it’ll run right off; too cold, and it might not stick.
Step 8: Whisk and Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze generously over your cooled Glazed Banana Cookies, then let the glaze set up before serving. That glossy finish looks gorgeous and adds the sweetest little crackle to every bite!
How to Serve Glazed Banana Cookies
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts, a few extra banana slices, or even a tiny dusting of cinnamon over the freshly glazed cookies for decoration. These little extras make your Glazed Banana Cookies look and taste bakery-special.
Side Dishes
These cookies are perfect with a cup of hot coffee or a frosty glass of milk. For an elegant dessert, serve them alongside fresh seasonal berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the glaze ties everything together beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack a handful of Glazed Banana Cookies into a clear cellophane bag tied with ribbon for a sweet homemade gift, or arrange them on a rustic wooden platter for a family-style dessert. They also make a delightful addition to a brunch spread!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Glazed Banana Cookies soft and lovely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for three to four days. Add a slice of bread to the container to help retain extra moisture if you’d like them to stay super pillowy.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully! Freeze the baked (unglazed) cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to two months. Thaw and glaze just before serving for that perfect finish.
Reheating
If you like your cookies slightly warm (who doesn’t?), pop a cookie in the microwave for about 5 to 8 seconds. It’ll taste just-baked and the banana aroma will fill your kitchen all over again.
FAQs
Can I add mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts?
Absolutely! Feel free to stir in up to 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips. They both pair beautifully with the banana and add a fun twist to your Glazed Banana Cookies.
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, just thaw and drain any excess liquid from your frozen bananas before mashing. They’ll lend extra sweetness and moistness to the cookies.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
Look for the edges to turn lightly golden and the centers to set but still remain soft. Every oven is different, so keep an eye on them from the 10-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
Is the glaze absolutely necessary?
The cookies are delicious on their own, but the sweet vanilla glaze truly elevates them. It adds a gorgeous finish and a little sugary snap that makes Glazed Banana Cookies extra-special.
Can I double this recipe?
Definitely! Simply double the ingredients and bake in batches. These cookies are always a hit, so more is usually better, especially for gatherings or gifting.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a treat that’s as comforting as it is crowd-pleasing, make these Glazed Banana Cookies part of your regular baking rotation. They’re simple, nostalgic, and overflowing with flavor. You’ll love sharing them—if you can resist keeping them all to yourself!
Print
Glazed Banana 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
These Glazed Banana Cookies are soft, cake-like treats bursting with banana flavor and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. They are easy to make and perfect for a delicious dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla, followed by the mashed bananas.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Cool and glaze: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies and let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips to the dough.
- These cookies have a soft, cake-like texture and stay moist for days. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
