Banana Bread Cookies Recipe

Banana Bread Cookies

Banana Bread Cookies Recipe: Soft, Chewy, and Irresistible

Banana lovers, this one’s for you! If you enjoy the sweet, comforting taste of banana bread but want something quicker and easier to make, these Banana Bread Cookies are the perfect treat. Soft, chewy, and filled with rich banana flavor, these cookies offer the best of both worlds—the classic taste of banana bread in a bite-sized, easy-to-eat cookie.

Whether you need a quick snack, a delicious dessert, or a homemade treat for friends and family, this simple recipe comes together in no time. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a batch of warm, freshly baked cookies that everyone will love. Let’s get started!

Introduction

There’s something incredibly satisfying about banana-based desserts. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas adds moisture and flavor, making them the perfect ingredient for baked goods. These Banana Bread Cookies are soft, slightly chewy, and have that deliciously warm banana flavor that makes banana bread such a classic.

Unlike traditional banana bread, which takes over an hour to bake, these cookies come together in just 20 minutes—perfect for when you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to wait. Plus, they require no special equipment—just a bowl, a fork, and a baking sheet!

Ingredients

To make a batch of Banana Bread Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients

  • 1 ripe banana, mashed
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup melted butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for enhanced sweetness)
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon (for a warm, spiced touch)
  • ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped nuts (for added texture)

How to Make Banana Bread Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

2. Mash the Banana

In a medium bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork until smooth. The riper the banana, the sweeter your cookies will be!

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

Add the granulated sugar and melted butter to the mashed banana and stir until well combined. If you’re using vanilla extract, mix it in at this stage.

4. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. If you’re adding cinnamon, mix it in now for a touch of warm spice.

5. Mix the Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cookies light and tender. If you’re adding chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in at this stage.

6. Shape the Cookies

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop small portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie. These cookies don’t spread much, so you can slightly flatten them if you prefer a thinner texture.

7. Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft—they’ll continue to firm up as they cool.

8. Cool and Serve

Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm for a gooey texture or let them cool completely for a classic chewy cookie experience.

Helpful Tips

  • Use Overripe Bananas: The best bananas for this recipe are brown and spotty, as they’re sweeter and easier to mash.
  • Don’t Overmix the Dough: Stir just until combined—overmixing can make the cookies dense.
  • Customize Your Cookies: Try adding a handful of coconut flakes, peanut butter chips, or raisins for variety.
  • Make Them Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking flour for a gluten-free version.
  • Chill the Dough: If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 20 minutes before baking.

Cooking Tips

To elevate your Banana Bread Cookies, consider these expert baking tips:

  • Add a Crunchy Top: Sprinkle a little brown sugar on top before baking for a caramelized finish.
  • Make Them Vegan: Use coconut oil or dairy-free butter instead of butter, and replace sugar with maple syrup for a naturally sweetened version.
  • For Extra Softness: Add 1 tablespoon of Greek yogurt or applesauce to make the cookies even more moist.
  • Turn Them Into Cookie Bars: Spread the dough into a small baking dish and bake for 15-18 minutes for easy banana bread cookie bars.

Serving Suggestions

These Banana Bread Cookies are perfect on their own, but here are some fun ways to serve them:

  • With Coffee or Tea: Enjoy with a cup of hot coffee or chai tea for a cozy treat.
  • Dipped in Chocolate: Melt some dark or white chocolate and dip the cookies halfway for a gourmet touch.
  • With Ice Cream: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.
  • As a Breakfast Treat: Pair them with yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced morning snack.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimate of the nutritional value per cookie:

  • Calories: 120
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sodium: 60mg

Storage & Leftovers

  • Refrigerate: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a ziplock bag for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Warm them in the microwave for 10 seconds to make them soft and fresh again.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Just thaw the banana and drain any excess liquid before using it in the recipe.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour works, but it will make the cookies a bit denser. You can use half whole wheat and half all-purpose for a balanced texture.

Can I add protein powder?
Yes! Replace ¼ cup of flour with your favorite vanilla or chocolate protein powder for a protein-packed version.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed these Banana Bread Cookies, check out these other delicious recipes:

Conclusion

These Banana Bread Cookies are a quick, easy, and delicious twist on the classic banana bread recipe. With simple ingredients, no special equipment, and endless variations, they’re perfect for busy days when you need a sweet treat in a hurry. Try them today and enjoy the soft, chewy, and flavorful goodness of homemade banana cookies! 🍌🍪❤️

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