If you adore the comforting flavor of banana bread but are craving something with a crisp twist, then this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need to try next. These cookies capture all the warm, spiced goodness of traditional banana bread, with a delightful chewy texture and just the right amount of sweet. Every bite melts in your mouth with hints of cinnamon, ripe bananas, and optional mix-ins like walnuts or chocolate chips that make each cookie uniquely satisfying. Whether you want a snack to brighten your afternoon or a crowd-pleasing treat for gatherings, these cookies bring the best of banana bread to a whole new level.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting ready to bake these treats couldn’t be easier because the ingredients are straightforward and each one plays a crucial role in building the perfect cookie. From the creamy butter that ensures richness to the ripe bananas that infuse moisture and natural sweetness, every component is essential for that classic banana bread flavor and a satisfying texture.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure and that perfect cookie base for a tender crumb.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and chewy.
- Cinnamon: Adds warm spice that harmonizes beautifully with banana.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Contributes richness and moisture essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with a slightly crisp edge.
- Light brown sugar: Brings a subtle molasses note that deepens the cookie’s flavor.
- Large egg: Binds all ingredients and gives the cookie its chewy center.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses a fragrant sweetness that amplifies the other flavors.
- Mashed ripe bananas: The star of the show, lending natural sweetness and moistness.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Adds texture and a hearty bite to every cookie.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): Provides crunch and a nutty flavor contrast.
- Chocolate chips (optional): Adds pockets of melty sweetness for a treat twist.
How to Make Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Then, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. This blend of dry ingredients ensures your cookies will have just the right rise and flavor balance.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender but sturdy texture and that irresistible light sweetness.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly, then fold in the mashed bananas. The bananas add moisture and depth of sweetness that makes these cookies so special—this is what transforms them from basic cookies to banana bread magic.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into your wet mixture until just combined. Over-mixing can make the cookies tough, so aim for gentle folding that brings everything together without losing fluffiness.
Step 5: Fold in Oats and Optional Add-ins
Stir in the rolled oats, and if you like, add walnuts or chocolate chips. The oats lend a chewy texture that balances the softness, while nuts or chips add delicious surprises in every bite.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them around 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate golden color. Avoid over-baking to keep the centers wonderfully soft.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps them set perfectly without crumbling apart, so you get that ideal texture in every bite.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, try garnishing your Banana Bread Cookies Recipe with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate. These simple additions elevate the appearance and add a subtle burst of sweetness that makes them feel even more special.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or a creamy glass of milk. The warmth of the drink complements the soft, spiced cookies and enhances every comforting note in the recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Banana Bread Cookies Recipe the star of a cookie platter by arranging them with fresh fruit slices, nuts, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a smear of cream cheese frosting for a fun twist that feels indulgent yet fresh.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These Banana Bread Cookies store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. The taste and texture hold up well, so feel free to bake a big batch to enjoy throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep them longer, freeze the cooled cookies in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw them at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven to refresh their softness.
Reheating
To bring the cookies back to that just-baked feeling, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes or microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds. This quick step revives their chewy texture and makes them taste extra fresh.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually perfect because they’re sweeter and mash easily, adding excellent flavor and moisture to your cookies.
What can I substitute for walnuts in the recipe?
If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have allergies, you can omit them or replace with pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a similar crunch and nutty flavor.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent my Banana Bread Cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly before baking if your kitchen is warm. Also, spacing the cookies properly helps keep their shape.
Can I add other mix-ins besides chocolate chips and walnuts?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with dried fruit like cranberries or raisins, shredded coconut, or even crushed pretzels for a fun sweet-salty combo.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about transforming classic banana bread into delightful little cookies, and this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe does just that with ease and delicious results. Next time you want a cozy, comforting snack that feels both familiar and fresh, give these cookies a whirl—you just might find yourself reaching for them more often than your usual banana bread!
Print
Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Cookies combine the classic flavors of banana bread and the delightful texture of cookies in one easy-to-make treat. Soft, chewy, and packed with oats, cinnamon, and optional walnuts or chocolate chips, they are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 1 medium banana)
Add-ins
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick while baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with both granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract followed by the mashed ripe bananas, which add moisture and natural sweetness.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to prevent overmixing which can toughen cookies.
- Fold in Oats and Add-ins: Fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats along with optional chopped walnuts and chocolate chips, if using, to add texture and flavor variety.
- Form Cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, helping them set and avoid breakage.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
- For a richer flavor, use browned butter instead of softened butter.
- Make sure bananas are ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adjust baking time slightly if using different sized scoops to avoid under or overbaking.
