Banana Bread Cookies

Banana Bread Cookies are the perfect mash-up of two comforting baked goods: the moist richness of banana bread and the soft chew of homemade cookies. Made with overripe bananas, warm spices, and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are a great way to use up bananas while creating a delicious treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime snacking.

They’re quick to make, kid-approved, freezer-friendly, and totally irresistible — especially with a little cream cheese glaze or chocolate chips added in!

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🕒 Preparation Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Chill Time (optional): 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

• Total Time: 25–45 minutes

• Skill Level: Easy

• Yield: About 24 cookies

 Ingredients

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon baking soda

• ½ teaspoon baking powder

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)

Wet Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup brown sugar, packed

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 medium bananas)

Optional Mix-Ins:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• ½ cup old-fashioned oats (for added texture)

• Cream cheese glaze (see below)

 Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour

• Baking soda

• Baking powder

• Salt

• Cinnamon

• Nutmeg (if using)

Set aside.

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Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl (or stand mixer), cream together:

• Softened butter

• Brown sugar

• Granulated sugar

Mix on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Banana

Add:

• The egg

• Vanilla extract

• Mashed bananas

Mix until well combined. The mixture will look a bit loose — that’s normal.

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Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined — do not overmix.

Optional: Fold in nuts, chocolate chips, or oats at this stage.

Step 6: Chill the Dough (Optional)

For thicker, puffier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This helps prevent spreading during baking, especially since bananas add a lot of moisture.

Step 7: Bake

1. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.

2. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are just set.

3. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 8: Optional Cream Cheese Glaze

Ingredients:

• 2 oz cream cheese, softened

• ½ cup powdered sugar

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin)

Instructions:

Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and drizzle over cooled cookies. Let the glaze set before storing.

 Serving Suggestions

These Banana Bread Cookies are great:

• With coffee or tea as a mid-morning snack

• Packed in school lunches

• As a healthier dessert option

• For breakfast on the go

• Topped with peanut butter or almond butter

Try sandwiching two cookies with cream cheese frosting or Nutella for a decadent treat!

 Intensity & Effort

Baking Intensity: Easy

This is an ideal recipe for:

• Beginner bakers

• Baking with kids

• Quick weeknight baking

• Using up overripe bananas without making a whole loaf

No mixer required (though it helps), and no complicated techniques!

 Storage & Freezing

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Fridge: Store for up to 7 days if glazed or frosted.

• Freezer (Unglazed): Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave for 10 seconds to warm.

You can also freeze unbaked dough scoops and bake straight from frozen — just add an extra 2–3 minutes to the baking time.

 Nutrition Information (Per Cookie – Approximate)

Values will vary based on add-ins and glaze.