Banana Bread Cookies Recipe

The Sweetest Banana Bread Cookies Recipe for Cozy Baking Days

Soft, gooey banana bread cookies combine two beloved treats in one irresistible bite.

Ripe bananas mash perfectly into a tender dough that promises comfort and sweetness.

Chocolate chips add delightful crunch to each morsel of warmth.

Every baker knows how magical these little cookies can be when mixed with care.

Sweet aromas will drift through your kitchen, inviting everyone near.

Crisp edges and chewy centers make these cookies impossible to resist.

Loving Banana Bread Cookies That Bring Comfort

  • Rescue Overripe Bananas: Transform those browning bananas into delectable cookies instead of tossing them out, saving money and reducing food waste with a creative twist.
  • Bake with Minimal Effort: Mix ingredients in two simple bowls, drop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet, and enjoy freshly baked cookies without complicated techniques or professional baking skills.
  • Kid-Friendly Cooking Adventure: Engage children in measuring, mixing, and adding chocolate chips, making this recipe a fun family activity that teaches basic cooking skills and creates sweet memories.
  • Versatile Treat for Any Moment: Perfect for afternoon snacks, school lunches, potlucks, or unexpected sweet cravings, these cookies blend comfort and convenience in one delightful bite.

Essential Ingredients Making Banana Bread Cookies Irresistible

Main Ingredients:
  • Butter: The rich, creamy base that provides moisture and flavor to the cookies.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep sweetness and helps create a soft, chewy texture.
  • Bananas: Ripe, mashed bananas contribute natural sweetness and moisture to the cookie dough.
  • Flour: The primary structural ingredient that gives the cookies their shape and texture.
Binding Ingredients:
  • Egg: Helps bind the ingredients together and provides structure to the cookies.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.
Dry Ingredients and Spices:
  • Baking Soda, Salt, Cinnamon: Essential for leavening, seasoning, and adding warm spice to the cookies.
Optional Mix-Ins:
  • Chocolate Chips, Walnuts: Provide extra texture, crunch, and flavor to the banana bread cookies.

How to Bake Soft and Sweet Banana Bread Cookies

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to 350°F. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Cookie Magic

Gather your ingredients:
  • Softened butter
  • Brown sugar
  • Ripe bananas
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Chocolate chips (optional)
  • Chopped walnuts (optional)

In a mixing bowl, blend butter and brown sugar until they become creamy and light. Mash those bananas and add them to the mixture along with the egg and vanilla.

Stir until everything looks smooth and well combined. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Want extra yumminess?

Toss in some chocolate chips or chopped walnuts.

Step 3: Shape the Cookies

Use a spoon to drop small mounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to give them room to spread.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Look for golden brown edges – that’s your signal they’re ready. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips to Keep Banana Bread Cookies Moist and Flavorful

  • Swap overripe bananas for perfectly soft, sweet cookies bursting with flavor.
  • Try mix-ins like dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit for extra texture and taste.
  • Ensure ingredients are at room temperature for smoother, more consistent dough that blends effortlessly.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container to maintain softness and prevent them from drying out.
  • For gluten-free options, replace wheat flour with a 1: 1 gluten-free baking blend to enjoy the same delicious treat.

Creative Twists to Try on Banana Bread Cookies

  • Gluten-Free Banana Bread Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free option that maintains soft texture and rich banana flavor.
  • Vegan Banana Delight Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and choose dairy-free chocolate chips to create a plant-based version.
  • Nutty Protein Power Cookies: Add protein powder to the dry ingredients and mix in extra chopped almonds or pecans for a protein-packed breakfast or post-workout snack.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Cookies: Substitute brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and reduce overall sugar content while keeping the delicious banana essence intact.

Pairings That Go Perfectly with Banana Bread Cookies

  • Pair these banana bread cookies with a smooth, rich latte or cappuccino. The warm, velvety espresso perfectly complements the soft, sweet cookie texture, creating a delightful morning or afternoon treat.
  • Serve alongside toasted almond slivers or a handful of candied pecans. These nutty additions amplify the existing walnut notes in the cookies, adding an extra layer of crunch and depth to each bite.
  • Top cookies with a light drizzle of salted caramel sauce or pair with a small scoop of caramel ice cream. The buttery, sweet caramel brings out the banana's natural sweetness and creates a luxurious dessert experience.

Storage Ideas to Keep Banana Bread Cookies Fresh

  • Refrigerate: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain freshness.
  • Freeze Dough: Scoop unbaked cookie dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for storage up to 3 months; thaw in refrigerator before baking.
  • Freeze Baked Cookies: Place completely cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container with wax paper between layers, store up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature for soft texture.
  • Reheat: Warm cookies in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to restore just-baked warmth and softness.

FAQs

  • Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they’re sweeter and easier to mash, providing more intense banana flavor and natural sweetness to the cookies.

  • Is it necessary to use brown sugar instead of white sugar?

Brown sugar adds moisture and a deeper caramel-like flavor that complements the bananas perfectly. While white sugar can work, brown sugar gives these cookies their signature rich taste and soft texture.

  • How can I tell if the cookies are done baking?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly firm center. The cookies will continue to set as they cool, so don’t overbake them. They should look slightly underdone when you first remove them from the oven.

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Banana Bread Cookies Recipe

Banana Bread Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 27 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Homemade banana bread cookies blend classic comfort with portable charm. Moist crumbs and sweet banana notes create a delightful treat perfect for sharing with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional)
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or applying a light grease coating.
  2. Create a creamy mixture by blending softened butter with brown sugar until achieving a light, airy texture. Incorporate mashed bananas, a whisked egg, and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
  3. In a separate container, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon through a gentle whisking motion to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
  4. Gradually merge the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to prevent overmixing. If desired, gently fold chocolate chips and chopped walnuts into the cookie dough.
  5. Using a spoon, portion out dollops of dough approximately 1½ tablespoons in size, positioning them roughly 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Place the cookie-laden sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges as an indicator of doneness.
  7. After removing from the oven, allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to stabilize, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to reach room temperature completely.

Notes

  • Overripe bananas work best, providing more intense flavor and natural sweetness to the cookies.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and create thicker, more structured cookies.
  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising texture.
  • Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free alternative that maintains moisture and richness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 127 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 80 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 1.2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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