If you’ve ever wished you could capture the warm, comforting flavors of classic banana bread in a convenient, handheld treat, this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. These cookies are a delightful twist that bring together the rich aroma of ripe bananas, a hint of cinnamon spice, and melty pockets of chocolate chips, all baked into soft, chewy bites. Perfect for when you want a quick snack or to impress guests with something familiar yet exciting, this recipe marries simplicity with irresistible taste in every batch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of these Banana Bread Cookies Recipe lies in the simplicity and careful selection of ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, from creating that tender texture to balancing sweetness and adding bursts of flavor that make every bite so delightful.
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour: The base for structure, this flour keeps cookies soft and chewy without being dense.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise gently so they stay light and tender.
- ½ tsp cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that perfectly complements the banana.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the overall taste.
- ½ cup (1 stick / 115g) unsalted butter, melted: Provides rich fat that keeps the cookies moist and tender.
- â…“ cup (65g) brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and chewiness.
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar: Brings brightness and crispy edges.
- ½ cup (120g) mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium banana): The star ingredient, offering natural sweetness and a luscious, fruity flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor with a sweet, fragrant hint.
- ½ cup (90g) chocolate chips (or walnuts for crunch): Provides melty chocolate or nutty texture to elevate every bite.
- Optional Topping: Cinnamon sugar for rolling: A little extra sparkle and spice on top, if you want to dress them up.
How to Make Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Getting Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. Having your space prepped is half the battle, and it lets you focus on creating that perfect cookie dough.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and texture throughout your cookies.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, mashed banana, and vanilla extract. This mixture offers a rich and sweet foundation that infuses the cookies with moisture and flavor.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until combined. Overmixing can make cookies tough, so stop when you no longer see streaks of flour. Then gently fold in the chocolate chips or walnuts, distributing them evenly but preserving the dough’s tender texture.
Step 5: Shape the Cookies
Using about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie, scoop and space them roughly 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheet. This spacing allows the cookies to spread just enough without merging, keeping their shape perfectly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes. You’re aiming for edges that are set and lightly golden with soft, tender centers. The smell wafting through your kitchen at this point is downright irresistible!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes so they firm up slightly, which makes transferring to a wire rack easier without risking breakage. Allow them to cool completely before serving for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar over the warm cookies right after baking to enhance the cozy spice flavor and add a slight crunch on top. Alternatively, a light drizzle of melted chocolate or a dash of powdered sugar creates an elegant touch for guests.
Side Dishes
These Banana Bread Cookies pair beautifully with a creamy cup of coffee or a warm mug of chai tea, turning a simple snack into a perfect afternoon indulgence. For a kid-friendly option, serve alongside a cold glass of milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a rustic wooden platter alongside fresh banana slices and a small bowl of chocolate chips or walnuts for dipping. You could also sandwich two cookies with cream cheese frosting for a fun and delicious twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Banana Bread Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep them soft and flavorful without drying out, perfect if you want to enjoy the next-day bite just as much.
Freezing
If you’re making a big batch, these cookies freeze wonderfully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.
Reheating
For freshly baked warmth, pop the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes or microwave for 15 seconds. This reawakens their softness and brings the flavors back to life with minimal fuss.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually the best choice because they are sweeter and more flavorful, making your cookies taste even more delicious.
Can I substitute the butter with oil or margarine?
While melted butter offers richness and helps flavor, you can substitute with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil. Keep in mind the texture might be a bit different—slightly less tender but still tasty.
What if I want to make these cookies vegan?
To make vegan Banana Bread Cookies, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use a flax egg or other egg replacer if your recipe calls for eggs, though this one doesn’t need eggs as the banana provides moisture.
Can I add nuts or dried fruits?
Yes! Adding chopped walnuts or pecans is a great way to incorporate crunch. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries also complement the banana and cinnamon nicely—just fold them in with the chocolate chips.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for edges that are just set and lightly golden while the centers remain soft. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so avoid leaving them too long in the oven to keep that perfect chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that captures all the cozy, comforting flavors you love from banana bread but in a fun, portable cookie form. Whether you’re sharing at a gathering or just treating yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to bring joy with every bite. Don’t wait to give them a try and add this easy, tasty recipe to your collection—you’ll want to make it again and again!
Print
Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and flavorful Banana Bread Cookies, combining the rich taste of ripe bananas with warm cinnamon and melty chocolate chips. Perfectly chewy with a tender crumb, these cookies offer a nostalgic twist on classic banana bread in a quick and easy cookie form.
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
- â…“ 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until evenly combined and aerated.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter with brown sugar, granulated sugar, mashed ripe banana, and vanilla extract thoroughly to create a smooth, well-blended mixture.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined, ensuring not to overmix to keep the cookies tender. Then gently fold in the chocolate chips or walnuts as preferred.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop approximately 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for a chewy texture.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, which helps them firm up before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For added texture, substitute chocolate chips with chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Optionally roll cookie dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking for extra flavor and a slight crunch.
- Make sure bananas are ripe with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days to keep them fresh.
