Banana Bread Cookies – Cozy Dishes

If you love banana bread but want something easier to grab and go, then Banana Bread Cookies are your new best friend! These soft, chewy, and slightly crispy-edged cookies pack all the warm, cozy flavors of classic banana bread into bite-sized delights. Imagine a cookie that has the rich banana taste, a hint of cinnamon, and a soft, cake-like texture that melts in your mouth—pure perfection!

Banana bread has been a staple in many households, especially as a delicious way to use overripe bananas. But instead of baking an entire loaf and waiting an hour for it to be ready, why not turn that comforting flavor into quick, easy-to-make cookies? These cookies bring all the goodness of banana bread into a form that’s perfect for snacking, sharing, or even gifting.

Best of all, they are versatile—add chocolate chips for a touch of sweetness, chopped walnuts for crunch, or even a drizzle of caramel for an extra indulgent twist. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat, a lunchbox surprise, or just because you have ripe bananas sitting on your counter, these banana bread cookies are a must-try!

Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Cookies

Banana bread is already a beloved treat, but turning it into cookies takes things up a notch! These cookies are everything you love about banana bread but in a portable, snackable form. They’re easy to whip up, naturally sweetened with ripe bananas, and perfectly soft.

One of the best things about these cookies is their incredible texture. They are slightly crisp on the edges, but once you bite in, they’re soft, moist, and fluffy, just like a warm slice of banana bread. Each bite delivers a wonderful balance of sweetness, warmth from cinnamon, and the delicious aroma of baked bananas.

Another reason to love these cookies? They are so easy to customize! Want a bit of crunch? Add some chopped pecans or walnuts. Love chocolate? Toss in some chocolate chips. Want a tropical twist? Add shredded coconut. The possibilities are endless, making them a recipe you’ll come back to over and over again.

Preparation Time and Yield

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 37 minutes
Yield: 18-20 cookies

Nutritional Information (Per Cookie)

Calories: 140
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 9g

Ingredients for Banana Bread Cookies

Dry Ingredients:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients:

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 ripe banana, mashed (about ½ cup)

Optional Mix-Ins:

½ cup chocolate chips
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
½ cup shredded coconut

Step-by-Step Instructions for Banana Bread Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2 minutes).
Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until combined.
Stir in the mashed banana, making sure it’s fully incorporated into the wet ingredients.

Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
If using, fold in your choice of chocolate chips, nuts, or shredded coconut.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are set.
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Once cooled, enjoy these soft, banana-packed cookies with a cup of tea, coffee, or a cold glass of milk!

Ingredient Background

Bananas

The star ingredient, bananas, provides natural sweetness and moisture to these cookies. Overripe bananas are ideal because they are sweeter and easier to mash. Bananas are also packed with potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, making these cookies a slightly healthier indulgence.

Flour

All-purpose flour gives the cookies structure. If you want a slightly healthier alternative, you can substitute whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor or use a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.

Butter

Butter gives these cookies a rich, buttery flavor while keeping them soft and tender. If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can swap in coconut oil or vegan butter.

Brown Sugar vs. Granulated Sugar

Using a mix of brown sugar and granulated sugar balances the texture and sweetness. Brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor and more moisture, while granulated sugar helps create the slightly crispy edges.

Cinnamon

A pinch of cinnamon enhances the banana flavor, giving the cookies a warm, comforting taste—similar to classic banana bread.

Technique Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Cookies

1. Use Overripe Bananas

The riper the banana, the better! Bananas with brown spots or even completely brown peels are perfect because they are naturally sweeter and add extra moisture. If your bananas aren’t ripe yet, you can speed up the ripening process by baking them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until they turn black.

2. Don’t Overmix the Dough

Overmixing can make the cookies tough. Stir until the ingredients are just combined to keep the cookies light and soft.

3. Chill the Dough for Better Texture

If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the flavors develop and prevents the cookies from spreading too much.

4. Use a Cookie Scoop for Even Baking

To ensure uniform cookies that bake evenly, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Drizzle with Chocolate or Caramel

For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle melted dark chocolate, white chocolate, or caramel over the cooled cookies.

2. Sandwich Cookies

Spread a layer of cream cheese frosting or Nutella between two cookies to create banana bread cookie sandwiches!

3. Banana Bread Cookie Bars

Instead of making individual cookies, press the dough into a greased 9×9-inch pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes. Once cooled, slice them into bars for a fun variation!

Freezing and Storing Banana Bread Cookies

1. Storing at Room Temperature

Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

2. Refrigerating for Longer Freshness

For longer storage, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving.

3. Freezing Baked Cookies

Banana bread cookies freeze beautifully! To freeze:

Arrange the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour.
Transfer to a ziplock bag or airtight container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

4. Freezing Cookie Dough

To freeze the cookie dough for later:

Scoop the dough into individual balls and place them on a baking sheet.
Freeze until firm, then transfer to a ziplock bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Bake straight from the freezer, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

Healthier Twist Ideas

1. Use Whole Wheat Flour

Swap half or all of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add more fiber and nutrients while keeping the cookies soft.

2. Reduce the Sugar

For a naturally sweetened version, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup and add an extra mashed banana.

3. Dairy-Free or Vegan Option

Substitute vegan butter or coconut oil for butter and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg.

4. Add Oats for a Hearty Texture

Mix in ½ cup rolled oats to give the cookies an oatmeal banana bread vibe with extra fiber.

Serving Suggestions for Events

1. Breakfast or Brunch Spread

These cookies pair perfectly with coffee, tea, or a smoothie. Serve them at a brunch alongside yogurt and fresh fruit for a wholesome treat.

2. School Lunchboxes & Snacks

Pack these cookies in kids’ lunchboxes or enjoy them as an afternoon snack with a glass of milk. They are a healthier homemade alternative to store-bought cookies!

3. Holiday Cookie Platters

Make these a part of your holiday cookie exchange! Drizzle them with white chocolate and sprinkle chopped walnuts or festive sprinkles for a seasonal touch.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes! Thaw frozen bananas and drain any excess liquid before mashing them into the dough.

2. Why are my cookies too soft or cakey?

Banana bread cookies naturally have a soft texture, but if they’re too cakey, it may be due to too much banana or overmixing the batter.

3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

4. How can I make my cookies crispier?

For crispier edges, bake them for an extra 2-3 minutes or increase the sugar slightly.

5. Can I make these cookies nut-free?

Absolutely! Simply omit the nuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

6. Can I double this recipe?

Yes! This recipe doubles easily—just bake in batches.

7. How do I keep cookies soft after baking?

Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread. The bread absorbs moisture, keeping the cookies soft.

8. Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar?

Yes, but the texture will be softer. Reduce the other liquid ingredients slightly.

Conclusion

These Banana Bread Cookies are the perfect combination of soft, chewy, and flavorful. They bring the classic banana bread taste into an easy, snackable form that’s quick to make, naturally sweet, and totally customizable. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, dessert, or a midday treat, they’re sure to be a new favorite in your baking routine!

So, grab those ripe bananas, preheat your oven, and bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies today!