If you adore the cozy flavors of banana bread but want to shake things up a little, you are going to fall head over heels for this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe. Imagine all the warmth, sweetness, and just-right spicing of your favorite banana bread, baked into perfectly sized cookies that are irresistibly soft with a slight crisp at the edges. These cookies bring a delightful blend of textures, enhanced by melty chocolate chips or crunchy walnuts, making them an absolute crowd-pleaser. They are quick to whip up and satisfy that banana bread craving in a fun, portable way that’s perfect for sharing or sneaking a sweet treat any time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is carefully chosen to create that classic balance of buttery sweetness, comforting spices, and moist banana flavor. The list is simple but packs a punch when combined, ensuring a glorious texture and taste with every bite.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The foundation providing structure and a tender crumb.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft texture.
- ½ tsp cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic spice that complements the banana beautifully.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted: Gives richness and moisture while keeping the cookies tender.
- ⅓ cup brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and chewiness.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Provides a slight crispness to the cookie edges.
- ½ cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium): The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and moistness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely fragrance that elevates the flavor.
- ½ cup chocolate chips (or walnuts): For melty richness or crunchy contrast, depending on your preference.
- Optional Cinnamon sugar for rolling: A little extra sparkle and spice on the outside.
How to Make Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup, giving your cookies a perfect bottom crust without sticking or burning.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This step evenly distributes your leavening and spices so each cookie bakes up with the same delightful flavor and texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, mashed banana, and vanilla extract. Mixing these ingredients first allows that luscious banana flavor and buttery richness to shine through in every bite of your Banana Bread Cookies Recipe.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until everything is incorporated. Over-mixing can make cookies tough, so stop as soon as you see flour streaks disappear. Then gently fold in the chocolate chips or walnuts to distribute that indulgent texture throughout each cookie.
Step 5: Scoop and Space
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing each mound roughly 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to spread and develop those perfectly tender edges while staying soft and moist in the center.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake your Banana Bread Cookies Recipe in the oven for 10-12 minutes. You’ll want to look for edges that are set and just turning golden while the centers remain soft. This baking time creates a sublime chewy interior that melts in your mouth, making each bite pure joy.
Step 7: Cool Before Enjoying
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes after removing them from the oven. This brief rest lets them firm up slightly, so they transfer to a wire rack without breaking apart. Soon after, you’ll have a batch of warm, aromatic Banana Bread Cookies ready to devour or share!
How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to elevate these treats even further, consider rolling the dough in a cinnamon sugar mixture before baking for an extra burst of sweetness and spice on the outside. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top right after baking can also create a wonderful flavor contrast that feels gourmet yet effortless.
Side Dishes
Pair these Banana Bread Cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or a soothing tea for a complete and satisfying snack experience. They also work beautifully alongside a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick and decadent dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or gifting, arrange the cookies in a rustic basket lined with a pretty cloth napkin. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a smear of cream cheese frosting or Nutella for an irresistible twist that impresses without extra fuss.
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 delightful for up to 4 days, making them a perfect make-ahead treat to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully. Just arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
Warm up frozen or refrigerated Banana Bread Cookies Recipe by popping them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or reheating them briefly in a 300°F oven. This revives their fresh-baked softness and brings back those irresistible aromas.
FAQs
Can I substitute the chocolate chips with nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts or pecans are fantastic options if you prefer a nutty crunch. They complement the banana and cinnamon flavors beautifully while adding a lovely texture contrast.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
For best results, always use ripe bananas that are heavily speckled or even starting to brown. They offer maximum sweetness and moisture. If you need to speed up ripening, place bananas in a brown paper bag for a day or two.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for the right texture.
Why does the recipe use both brown and granulated sugar?
Brown sugar brings moisture and chewiness with its molasses content, while granulated sugar helps create crisp edges. The mix ensures the cookies have both a tender center and a slightly crisp exterior.
Is it okay to chill the dough before baking?
Chilling the dough is not necessary but can help if your kitchen is warm or if you want thicker cookies. It allows the dough to firm up, which limits spreading during baking.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is a delightful twist on a beloved classic that’s perfect for snacking, sharing, or gifting. Its simplicity, combined with rich, comforting flavors, means it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for banana treats. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for these warm, soft cookies whenever you crave a sweet, nostalgic pick-me-up!
Print
Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Banana Bread Cookies combine the moist, rich flavor of classic banana bread with the convenient bite-sized form of a cookie. Soft in the center with slightly crisp edges and bursts of chocolate chips, they make a perfect treat for snack time or dessert. Enhanced with cinnamon and vanilla, these cookies are easy to prepare and bake in just about 10-12 minutes.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup (65g) brown sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120g) mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium banana)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Add-ins
- ½ cup (90g) chocolate chips (or walnuts for crunch)
Optional Topping
- Cinnamon sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with both brown and granulated sugars until smooth. Stir in the mashed ripe banana and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. Then carefully fold in the chocolate chips or walnuts to distribute evenly.
- Scoop the Dough: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion 1.5 tablespoons of cookie dough per cookie. Place each on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft, giving you that classic chewy cookie texture.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts for chocolate chips to add crunch instead of sweetness.
- For a healthier alternative, try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Make sure bananas are very ripe for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- If desired, roll the cookie dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking for an extra touch of flavor.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
