Banana Bread Cookies

If you love the comforting, warm flavors of banana bread, but you’re looking for something a little quicker and easier to make, then you’ve just hit the jackpot! These Banana Bread Cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with that deliciously sweet, banana-infused goodness. They’re the perfect treat when you’re craving banana bread but don’t want to spend the time waiting for a loaf to bake. Each bite is like a mini piece of banana bread in cookie form—trust me, they’re as irresistible as they sound.

Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Cookies

These cookies have all the flavor of your favorite banana bread, but in a fun and portable cookie form! Here’s why you’re going to fall head over heels for these little treats:

Quick and Easy

You don’t have to wait for your banana bread to bake for an hour! These cookies come together in just 20 minutes, making them the perfect last-minute snack or dessert. Plus, you don’t need any fancy equipment—just a mixing bowl and a spoon, and you’re good to go!

Soft and Chewy

The texture of these cookies is just like banana bread—soft, chewy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. They’re the perfect balance of sweet and comforting without being too dense.

Flavorful and Customizable

Banana bread flavor in a cookie, yes please! These cookies are filled with mashed bananas, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla for a flavor that reminds you of a warm, cozy kitchen. And if you’re feeling fancy, feel free to add in your favorite mix-ins—chocolate chips, walnuts, or even a sprinkle of oats would all work wonderfully!

Perfect for Overripe Bananas

Got bananas sitting on your counter that are starting to turn brown? Perfect! This recipe is a great way to use up those overripe bananas and turn them into something delicious.

Great for Sharing

These cookies are an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a picnic, or just because you’re craving a sweet treat, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone who takes a bite.

Ingredients

You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need for these banana bread cookies:

• Bananas: Overripe bananas are best for this recipe—they’re sweet and full of flavor!
• Butter: Gives the cookies a rich, comforting taste and chewy texture.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of molasses flavor and sweetness that complements the bananas perfectly.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and gives the cookies structure.
• Flour: All-purpose flour gives these cookies the right texture and helps them hold their shape.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and become nice and soft.
• Cinnamon: A warm, aromatic spice that enhances the banana flavor.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and sweetness.
• Salt: Just a pinch to balance out the sweetness.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your cookies don’t stick.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

In a large bowl, mash your bananas until smooth. You want them to be really soft and squishy for the best texture in your cookies.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add the melted butter, brown sugar, and egg to the mashed bananas. Mix until everything is well combined. Stir in the vanilla extract for that extra boost of flavor.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

To the wet ingredients, add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can make the cookies tough.

Step 5: Scoop and Shape

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart. These cookies don’t spread a lot, so no need to worry about them running into each other.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on the edges and set in the middle. The cookies should be soft and chewy when you take them out of the oven, so don’t worry if they’re a little puffed up.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy!

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy them warm, or save some for later!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 120-140 kcal (depending on size)
Total Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total Carbohydrates: 18g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 1g

Note: The nutritional values will vary depending on portion size and any modifications you make to the recipe.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
Total Time: 22-25 minutes

How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies

These Banana Bread Cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more special:

With a Glass of Milk

There’s something magical about dunking these cookies into a cold glass of milk. The rich, banana flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy milk!

With a Scoop of Ice Cream

For a dessert upgrade, serve these cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It’s like a banana bread sundae!

As a Snack

They’re the perfect on-the-go snack, especially if you’re headed out the door in a rush. Throw a couple in a container, and you’ve got yourself a tasty treat for later.

With Nut Butter

Spread a little almond butter or peanut butter on top for an extra layer of creamy deliciousness. It adds a fun twist to the classic banana flavor.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to help you get the most out of these Banana Bread Cookies:

Use Overripe Bananas

The best bananas for this recipe are those that are soft, brown, and spotty. They’re naturally sweeter and will give your cookies that perfect banana flavor.

Don’t Overmix the Dough

Be gentle when mixing the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Overmixing can cause the cookies to become dense instead of light and chewy.

Add Mix-ins

If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or even shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture.

Storage Tips

Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want them to last longer, freeze them for up to 2 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen bananas?
A1: Yes! Frozen bananas work great in this recipe. Just thaw them first and mash them up before using.

Q2: Can I substitute the brown sugar?
A2: You can use white sugar, but brown sugar gives these cookies a richer flavor. If you prefer, you can also try coconut sugar for a healthier twist.

Q3: Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
A3: Yes! You can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter for a dairy-free version.

Q4: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A4: The cookies should be golden brown around the edges and set in the middle. A little puffiness is fine, but you don’t want them to be too soft in the center.

Q5: Can I make the dough ahead of time?
A5: Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking. Just scoop it onto the baking sheet and bake when you’re ready.

Q6: How should I store leftovers?
A6: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days, or freeze them for longer storage.

Q7: Can I add chocolate chips?
A7: Yes! Feel free to add a handful of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolatey twist on banana bread cookies.

Q8: How long do these cookies last?
A8: These cookies will last for 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They’re best when fresh, but they still taste great after a couple of days.

Q9: Can I use a mixer instead of mixing by hand?
A9: You can, but be careful not to overmix the dough. A hand mixer on low speed works best if you’re using one.

Q10: Can I freeze these cookies?
A10: Yes! Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Conclusion

These Banana Bread Cookies are the perfect way to enjoy the flavor of banana bread in a quicker, more convenient form. They’re easy to make, incredibly soft and chewy, and packed with that irresistible banana flavor. Whether you’re baking for yourself or sharing with friends, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face. So, next time you’ve got a bunch of overripe bananas sitting on your counter, you’ll know exactly what to do! Enjoy every bite!

Print