Have you ever found yourself torn between baking banana bread or cookies? Well, I’m thrilled to share this incredible Banana Bread Cookies recipe that perfectly combines the comforting flavors of traditional banana bread with the convenience and fun of cookies! These delightful treats capture the essence of homemade goodness in bite-sized portions that will leave everyone asking for more.
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What Makes These Banana Bread Cookies Special
These Banana Bread Cookies are truly the best of both worlds – they offer the familiar, comforting taste of banana bread but in a convenient, portable cookie form. I’ve perfected this recipe through countless test batches, and I’m excited to finally share it with you!
What you’ll love about these cookies is their incredible versatility. They’re perfect for breakfast on-the-go, a midday snack, or a sweet after-dinner treat. The natural sweetness from the ripe bananas blends beautifully with the granulated sugar, creating a balanced sweetness that isn’t overwhelming.
The texture is what makes these cookies truly special – they’re soft and chewy in the center with slightly crisp edges, just like how a perfect cookie should be. Each bite delivers that wonderful banana flavor that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry!
If you enjoy baking with fruits, you might also want to check out my Zesty Key Lime Pound Cake for another delicious treat!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
There are countless reasons to add these Banana Bread Cookies to your baking rotation:
- Simple Ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items needed!
- Quick Preparation: From start to finish in under 30 minutes
- Kid-Friendly: Children love helping make (and eat!) these cookies
- Great for Using Overripe Bananas: A perfect solution for those spotty bananas on your counter
- Customizable: Easy to add your favorite mix-ins for personalized treats
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze for future enjoyment
The aroma that fills your home while these cookies bake is absolutely incredible! It’s that warm, sweet banana scent that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “What’s baking?”
Essential Ingredients for Banana Bread Cookies
To make these delicious cookies, you’ll need:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (the spottier, the better for sweetness!)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
The star ingredient is definitely the ripe banana. For the best flavor, use bananas that are very ripe with plenty of brown spots – these will be sweeter and more flavorful than their yellow counterparts. The natural moisture from the banana helps create that wonderful soft texture we’re looking for.
Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need any special equipment to make these cookies:
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Fork or potato masher (for mashing the banana)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cooling rack
One of the many things I love about this recipe is how simple it is – no need for electric mixers or other specialized baking tools!
Delicious Add-Ins and Substitutions
While the basic recipe is absolutely delicious, you can customize these cookies in many ways:
- Chocolate chips: Add ½ cup for a delightful chocolate-banana combination
- Chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans work beautifully (½ cup)
- Cinnamon: A ½ teaspoon adds wonderful warmth
- Vanilla extract: Try adding ½ teaspoon for enhanced flavor
- Brown sugar: Substitute half the granulated sugar for a deeper molasses flavor
- Whole wheat flour: Substitute up to half the all-purpose flour for a nuttier taste
For those with dietary restrictions, you can make these cookies with plant-based butter alternatives or experiment with gluten-free flour blends. The recipe is quite forgiving and adaptable!
If you enjoy baking with creative flavors, my Lemon Cream Cheese Crescent Rolls offer another delicious option for your recipe collection.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making these Banana Bread Cookies is straightforward and enjoyable:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the wet ingredients: In a bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe banana with a fork until smooth. Add the sugar and melted butter, then mix until well combined and slightly creamy.
Add the dry ingredients: Incorporate the flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir until everything is just combined – be careful not to overmix as this can make your cookies tough.
Form the cookies: Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake to perfection: Place the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely golden brown while the centers remain soft.
Cool properly: Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
The cookies will seem slightly soft when you first take them out of the oven, but they’ll firm up as they cool while still maintaining that wonderful chewy texture inside.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile Banana Bread Cookies pair beautifully with:
- A cold glass of milk for classic cookie enjoyment
- Hot coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat
- Vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert (try making mini ice cream sandwiches!)
- Drizzled with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk
- Spread with a thin layer of cream cheese for a more decadent treat
For brunch, I love serving these alongside both sweet and savory options. They balance nicely with dishes like my Delicious Ground Beef Cabbage Stir-Fry for a complete meal with variety.
Pro Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Cookies
After making this recipe countless times, I’ve gathered some helpful tips:
- Banana ripeness matters: The riper and spottier your banana, the more flavorful your cookies will be
- Don’t overmix: Stir just until ingredients are combined to keep cookies tender
- Consistent sizing: Use a cookie scoop for uniform cookies that will bake evenly
- Watch closely: Oven temperatures vary, so start checking at the 9-minute mark
- Cooling time: Don’t skip the cooling step – it allows the cookies to set properly
- Room temperature ingredients: Let your melted butter cool slightly before mixing with the banana
If your dough seems too wet, add an additional tablespoon of flour. Conversely, if it seems too dry, add a bit more mashed banana until you reach the right consistency.
Storage Instructions
These Banana Bread Cookies stay fresh and delicious for several days when stored properly:
- Counter storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days
- Refrigerator: Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week
- Freezer: These cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months
For freezing, I recommend placing the completely cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transferring them to a freezer bag. This prevents them from sticking together. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again!
You can also freeze the cookie dough for future baking. Form the dough into balls, freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, add 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
The Perfect Banana Bread Cookie Experience
What I love most about these cookies is how they transform ordinary ingredients into something truly special. The banana adds natural moisture and sweetness while also reducing the amount of added sugar needed. It’s a win-win!
These cookies have become a staple in my household, especially when we have overripe bananas that need using. Instead of making traditional banana bread, these cookies offer the same wonderful flavor in a format that’s perfect for tucking into lunchboxes, serving at gatherings, or enjoying with your afternoon coffee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes! Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
How can I tell when the cookies are done?
The edges should be golden brown while the centers remain slightly soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
This could be due to butter that was too warm or not enough flour. Try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe doubles beautifully for larger batches.
Wrapping Up
These Banana Bread Cookies truly offer the best of both worlds – the comforting, nostalgic flavor of banana bread with the convenience and portability of cookies. They’re perfect for using up those overripe bananas and creating a treat that everyone will love.
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and experience the joy of biting into these soft, flavorful cookies. They’re simple enough for beginning bakers but delicious enough to impress even the most discerning cookie connoisseurs.
Don’t forget to leave a review if you make these cookies and share your creations on Pinterest! I’d love to see your baking successes and hear how you’ve made this recipe your own.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per cookie)
- Calories: 95
- Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 8g
Remember, these values are estimates and may vary depending on specific ingredients used and exact portion sizes.