Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
If you adore the comforting flavors of banana bread but crave a fun, handheld treat, you are going to fall head over heels for this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe. Imagine tender, softly chewy cookies infused with mashed ripe bananas, hints of cinnamon, buttery richness, and melty pockets of chocolate chips. These cookies capture everything we love about classic banana bread in a delightful little package that’s perfect for snacking, sharing, or brightening any day. Once you try them, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to bake again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Banana Bread Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each basic ingredient plays a starring role in building layers of flavor and perfect texture. These pantry staples transform effortlessly into irresistible treats you’ll want to make anytime you have a few ripe bananas waiting to shine.
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour: This forms the structure of the cookies, keeping them tender yet sturdy enough to hold their shape.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise lightly and creates that classic banana bread crumb texture.
- ½ tsp cinnamon: Adds a gentle warmth and spice that complements the banana perfectly.
- ¼ tsp salt: Elevates all the sweet flavors and balances the dough.
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and keeps the cookies soft and moist.
- ⅓ cup (65g) brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and chewiness to the cookies.
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar: Lightens the sweetness and contributes to a slight crisp edge.
- ½ cup (120g) mashed ripe banana: The soul of the recipe, infusing natural sweetness, moisture, and that beloved banana flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with its sweet, aromatic touch.
- ½ cup (90g) chocolate chips (or walnuts for crunch): Adds bursts of melty chocolate or crunchy texture, depending on your preference.
- Optional Topping: Cinnamon sugar for rolling: A sprinkle of this gives your cookies a beautiful finish and extra flavor punch.
How to Make Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready to go when the dough is mixed. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple prep step sets the foundation for perfectly baked cookies.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the rising agent and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough, so every bite is consistent in flavor and texture.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate larger bowl, mix the melted butter with the brown and granulated sugars until smooth. Stir in the mashed banana and vanilla extract. The banana imparts moisture while the butter and sugars provide richness and sweetness—this is where the magic begins.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined; avoid overmixing so your cookies stay tender. Then fold in the chocolate chips or walnuts for that delightful contrast in every bite.
Step 5: Scoop and Space
Using about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie, scoop onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This prevents spreading and ensures each cookie has room to rise and bake evenly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely until the edges are set but centers remain soft. This timing yields the ideal balance of a slightly crisp exterior with a chewy, tender inside that mimics the best qualities of banana bread.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This step helps them firm up enough to handle without falling apart. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy warm for maximum gooey delight.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, roll the cookie dough balls lightly in cinnamon sugar before baking to create a glistening, flavorful crust. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate after baking also adds festive charm and rich indulgence.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a simple dessert upgrade. If serving as a snack, alongside a hot cup of coffee or a chilled glass of milk takes the experience to another level of cozy satisfaction.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these Banana Bread Cookies Recipe treats on a rustic wooden board or in a decorative tin for gift-giving or parties. Layering with parchment paper and tying bundles with twine makes them an irresistible homemade present. You can even sandwich a little cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a decadent twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Banana Bread Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and flavorful for up to 3 days—perfect for satisfying spontaneous snack cravings.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months, ready to thaw at a moment’s notice.
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked warmth, gently reheat the cookies in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. Either method brings back the soft, comforting texture that makes this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Yes, you can use melted coconut oil or vegetable oil instead of butter. Keep in mind that butter adds a unique richness and slight crispness that oil might not replicate, but the cookies will still be tasty and moist.
What type of bananas work best for this recipe?
Use ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots—they are sweeter and softer, which makes a big difference in flavor and moisture for these cookies.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend and ensure your baking soda is gluten-free. The texture might vary slightly but should still be delicious.
Is it possible to add nuts and chocolate chips together?
Definitely. Feel free to mix both walnuts and chocolate chips into the dough for even more texture and bursts of flavor in every bite.
How do I know when the cookies are perfectly baked?
Look for edges that are just set and lightly golden, while the centers should still be soft to the touch. They firm up as they cool, giving you that lovely tender texture.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe. It’s a heartwarming way to use up ripe bananas and treat yourself to something sweet and comforting, yet easy to share. Give it a try next time you want to bake something special that feels like a warm hug straight from the oven.
Print
Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Banana Bread Cookies, combining the best of classic banana bread and bite-sized cookies. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and loaded with chocolate chips, these cookies offer a soft, chewy texture with a hint of sweetness and warmth. A quick bake makes them an ideal treat for any occasion.
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 and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until evenly mixed. This ensures leavening and spice are well distributed.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, mashed ripe banana, and vanilla extract. Stir these ingredients well to create a smooth, cohesive mixture.
- Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness in the cookies.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the chocolate chips (or walnuts if preferred) evenly into the batter to ensure each cookie has a satisfying texture and flavor.
- Form Cookies on Sheet: Using a tablespoon measure (1.5 tablespoons), scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and cookies appear soft in the center. This creates a chewy texture reminiscent of banana bread.
- Cool: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, helping them to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step prevents breakage and finishes the texture.
Notes
- For a nutty variation, substitute chocolate chips with chopped walnuts or pecans.
- If you prefer a sweeter or more cinnamon-forward cookie, roll the dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and moisture.
- Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough cookies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
