Banana Bread Cookies

Banana Bread Cookies

If you love the comforting flavor of classic banana bread but crave a handheld sweet snack, then Banana Bread Cookies are about to become your go-to treat. These cookies capture that same rich taste of ripe bananas, warm spices, and a tender, moist texture, all baked into an easy-to-eat cookie form. Whether you’re after a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a cozy dessert for guests, Banana Bread Cookies hit all the right notes with their soft chewiness and delightful aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Classic Comfort: Brings the nostalgic flavor of banana bread into a fun, portable cookie shape perfect for any time of day.
  • Soft and Chewy Texture: A perfect balance between tender crumb and chewy bite that feels like a hug in cookie form.
  • Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples plus ripe bananas, it’s an easy recipe anyone can whip up quickly.
  • Versatility: You can customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or even swap ingredients to fit dietary needs.
  • Great for Sharing: These cookies are crowd-pleasers, ideal for school lunches, office snacks, or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create these delicious Banana Bread Cookies, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that work harmoniously to deliver flavor, texture, and that charming golden color every bite deserves.

  • Ripe Bananas: The star of the show, providing natural sweetness and moisture to keep cookies soft.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure while keeping the cookies tender.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to be soft without turning cakey.
  • Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to mimic classic banana bread spices.
  • Brown Sugar: Brings extra moisture and a rich caramel note to enhance flavor.
  • Butter or Oil: Keeps the cookies soft and helps with the tender crumb.
  • Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the cookies together.
  • Vanilla Extract: Amplifies the sweetness and aroma for a more well-rounded taste.
  • Optional Add-ins: Walnuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for a personalized twist.

Variations for Banana Bread Cookies

One of the best parts about Banana Bread Cookies is how easily the recipe adapts to what you love or what you have in your kitchen. Feel free to try these tasty variations to keep your cookie game fresh and exciting!

  • Nutty Delight: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and extra flavor.
  • Choco-Lover’s Version: Stir in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for melty bites of sweetness.
  • Gluten-Free Twist: Use a gluten-free flour blend to cater to dietary restrictions without losing texture.
  • Vegan Adaptation: Substitute the egg with flaxseed or chia seed gel and use coconut oil instead of butter.
  • Spiced Up: Add nutmeg or a pinch of ginger for a more complex spice profile.
Why Banana Bread Cookies Are Your New Favorite Treat

How to Make Banana Bread Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Bananas

Mash ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth but still slightly chunky for texture. These will lend natural sweetness and moisture to your cookies.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add softened butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and combine until creamy and well incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to evenly distribute these elements before adding to wet ingredients.

Step 4: Mix the Batter

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.

Step 5: Add Optional Mix-ins

This is the time to fold in any nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor as desired.

Step 6: Shape and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet spaced apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges turn golden brown but centers remain soft.

Pro Tips for Making Banana Bread Cookies

  • Perfect Banana Ripeness: Use bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
  • Don’t Overmix: Gently fold ingredients together to maintain a tender cookie texture.
  • Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Softened butter and eggs blend more easily for even batter consistency.
  • Watch Baking Time: Remove cookies when edges look set but centers still slightly soft for the perfect chewy bite.
  • Customize with Mix-ins: Adding nuts or chocolate can add delightful texture and variation.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate over the cookies to elevate presentation and add a touch of elegance.

Side Dishes

Pair Banana Bread Cookies with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or a glass of cold milk for a wonderfully cozy snack experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cookies in a layered jar or gift box lined with parchment paper for a charming gift. They also make fun DIY cookie sandwiches with a smear of cream cheese or peanut butter in the middle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store Banana Bread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and delicious.

Freezing

Freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a low oven to refresh their soft texture and enhance flavor.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for Banana Bread Cookies?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas with brown spots are actually ideal because they are sweeter and soften the dough, making the cookies more flavorful and moist.

Are Banana Bread Cookies gluten-free?

Traditional Banana Bread Cookies use all-purpose flour, but you can easily substitute a gluten-free flour blend to make them gluten-free without sacrificing texture.

How long do Banana Bread Cookies keep fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies stay fresh and chewy for about 3 days at room temperature.

Can I make Banana Bread Cookies vegan?

Yes! Replace the egg with a flax or chia seed egg substitute and use a plant-based butter or oil instead of dairy butter to make a vegan-friendly version.

What can I add to Banana Bread Cookies for extra flavor?

You can add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit, or spices like nutmeg and ginger to customize your cookies and introduce new layers of taste.

Final Thoughts

Banana Bread Cookies bring together the best of two beloved treats into a simple, delicious snack that’s perfect any time of day. Whether you keep them classic or get creative with mix-ins, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Give them a try and enjoy that warm, banana bread charm every single bite!

Related Posts

Print

Banana Bread Cookies

Banana Bread Cookies combine the comforting flavors of classic banana bread into a soft, chewy, and portable cookie form. Made with ripe bananas, warm spices, and simple pantry staples, these cookies are perfect for a mid-afternoon snack or cozy dessert. They’re easy to customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or dietary adaptations, making them a favorite treat for all occasions.

  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: About 18 cookies 1x
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2 to 3 ripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup softened butter or oil (coconut oil for vegan version)
  • 1 large egg (or flaxseed/chia seed gel for vegan version)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • ½ cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, etc.)
  • Pinch of nutmeg or ginger (for extra spice)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Bananas: Mash ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth but still slightly chunky for texture. These will lend natural sweetness and moisture to your cookies.
  2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: Add softened butter, brown sugar, egg, and vanilla extract to the mashed bananas and combine until creamy and well incorporated.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute these elements before adding to wet ingredients.
  4. Mix the Batter: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
  5. Add Optional Mix-ins: Fold in any desired nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit, or spices for added texture and flavor.
  6. Shape and Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet with spacing. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges turn golden brown but centers remain soft.

Notes

  • Use bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and flavor.
  • Gently fold ingredients together to avoid overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
  • Use room temperature butter and eggs for better blending and even batter consistency.
  • Remove cookies when edges are set but centers are still slightly soft for the best chewy texture.
  • Customize with nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit to add variety and extra flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: banana, banana bread cookies, soft cookies, chewy cookies, gluten-free cookies, vegan adaptation, quick baking, sweet snack, portable dessert

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating