Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Banana Bread Cookies bring together the nostalgic flavor of classic banana bread with the convenience and charm of cookies. They are soft, tender, and gently sweet, making them perfect for breakfast treats, afternoon snacks, or light desserts. What makes these cookies truly special is how well they capture the essence of banana bread in a handheld form. The ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture, while warm spices add depth and familiarity. I tested this recipe using bananas that were nearly overripe, and the flavor was noticeably richer and more aromatic. These cookies are ideal when you have leftover bananas but want something quicker than baking a loaf. They also freeze well and stay soft for days, which makes them practical for meal prep. If you enjoy comforting, bakery-style treats that feel homemade and inviting, these Banana Bread Cookies will quickly become a favorite.
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Banana Bread Cookies – Soft, Cozy, and Irresistibly Comforting
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Soft and chewy Banana Bread Cookies that capture the comforting flavor of classic banana bread in an easy-to-make cookie form, perfect for snacks or dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix mashed bananas, melted butter, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until just combined.
- Fold in chocolate chips or walnuts if using.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set and tops are lightly golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Cookies will be soft and cake-like, similar to banana bread.
- Do not overbake to keep cookies moist.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ripe bananas
Very ripe bananas are essential for strong banana flavor and natural sweetness. The softer and more speckled they are, the better the cookies will taste.
All-purpose flour
All-purpose flour provides structure and keeps the cookies tender rather than cakey.
Unsalted butter
Butter adds richness and helps create a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Brown sugar
Brown sugar contributes moisture and a subtle caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with bananas.
Granulated sugar
Granulated sugar balances sweetness and helps the cookies spread evenly.
Egg
The egg binds the ingredients together and provides structure.
Baking soda
Baking soda helps the cookies rise slightly and keeps them soft.
Ground cinnamon
Cinnamon adds warmth and enhances the banana bread flavor profile.
Salt
Salt balances sweetness and sharpens all the flavors.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla rounds out the flavor and adds gentle sweetness.
Chocolate chips
Chocolate chips add richness and contrast, making the cookies more indulgent.
Chopped walnuts
Walnuts provide crunch and a nutty depth that complements the bananas.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 175°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper. In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth. In a separate mixing bowl, cream the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Stir the mashed bananas into the wet mixture. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts.
Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking tray, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers remain soft. Allow the cookies to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 18 cookies.
Preparation time is about 15 minutes.
Baking time is 10 to 12 minutes.
Total time required is around 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For a warm texture, reheat briefly in the microwave for a few seconds.
Variations and Customizations
Banana Bread Cookies are easy to customize and adapt to personal preferences. For a healthier version, replace part of the flour with whole wheat flour. I tested this option, and the cookies remained soft with a slightly heartier texture.
You can also omit the chocolate chips and increase the walnuts for a more traditional banana bread flavor. For extra warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves. If you prefer a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with plant-based butter.
To enhance sweetness naturally, a small amount of honey or maple syrup can be added, though this will slightly soften the dough. Dried fruits such as raisins or chopped dates also work well and add pleasant bursts of sweetness. These variations allow you to tailor the cookies while preserving their comforting character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 150 |
| Protein (g) | 2 |
| Carbs (g) | 22 |
| Fat (g) | 6 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 3 |
| Fiber (g) | 1.5 |
| Sugar (g) | 11 |
| Sodium (mg) | 120 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use very ripe bananas
They provide stronger flavor and natural sweetness.
Do not overmix
Overmixing can make the cookies dense.
Watch the bake time
Slightly underbaked cookies stay softer.
Cool properly
Allow cookies to set before moving them.
Customize add-ins
Adjust nuts and chocolate to preference.
FAQs
Can I freeze Banana Bread Cookies?
Yes, they freeze well for up to two months.
Are these cookies soft or crunchy?
They are soft and tender.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free flour blend.
Do I need a mixer?
No, a whisk and spoon work well.
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but it may slightly affect texture.
Are these suitable for children?
Yes, they are mild and family-friendly.
Can I skip the nuts?
Yes, simply omit them.
Why are my cookies cakey?
Too much flour or overmixing can cause this.
Can I add oats?
Yes, rolled oats add texture.
How ripe should bananas be?
They should be very soft with dark spots.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Cookies offer the comforting flavor of banana bread in a quick and convenient cookie form. Soft, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable, they are an excellent way to use ripe bananas while creating a treat that everyone will enjoy. Whether fresh from the oven or enjoyed later, these cookies deliver warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
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