If you adore the cozy, comforting flavors of banana bread but love the convenience of a cookie, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe. These treats capture all the moist, tender banana goodness combined with the chewy texture of oats and a hint of cinnamon, baked into perfectly portable, irresistible cookies. Each bite is a little moment of joy that makes your day feel warmer and your snack time a celebration, whether you’re craving something sweet with your coffee or packing up a delightful treat for friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe are wonderfully simple yet crucial to creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each element plays its part, from the soft butter that adds richness, the ripe banana that infuses natural sweetness and moisture, and the cinnamon that brings a cozy warmth to every bite.
- All-purpose flour: This provides structure and helps cookies hold together without being tough.
- Baking soda: Acts as a leavening agent to give the cookies a nice rise and lightness.
- Cinnamon: Adds that classic warmth and spice aroma that complements bananas beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances overall flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter gives the cookies a tender crumb and rich flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to the cookies’ golden edges.
- Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deeper caramel note.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together while adding moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor, adding subtle floral notes.
- Mashed ripe bananas: The star of the recipe, giving natural sweetness and that unmistakable banana bread taste.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats: Give these cookies a hearty, chewy texture.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): Add crunch and a lovely nutty flavor.
- Chocolate chips (optional): Melty bursts of chocolate that make these cookies even more irresistible.
How to Make Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick and come off easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This step ensures everything is evenly distributed, so your cookies bake uniformly with consistent flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This takes a few minutes but is crucial for that perfect cookie texture with a little bit of bounce.
Step 4: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Banana
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. Follow by gently folding in the mashed bananas. This combination brings moisture and that signature banana flavor that makes these cookies special.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet banana batter. Mix until just combined — overmixing can make cookies tough, so take it slow and gentle.
Step 6: Fold in Oats, Nuts, and Chocolate
Stir in your old-fashioned oats for chewiness, and if you like, toss in chopped walnuts and chocolate chips. These add layers of crunch and melty goodness that make every bite interesting.
Step 7: Form and Bake Cookies
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely golden color, signaling they’re perfectly cooked but still soft inside.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set beautifully and preserves that ideal chewy texture.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle the top of your Banana Bread Cookies with a light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of melted white chocolate to enhance their visual appeal and elevate the flavor profile. A few extra chopped walnuts on top before baking can also add a delightful crunch and stunning presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a creamy vanilla ice cream or a warm cup of coffee or spiced chai tea. The rich banana and cinnamon notes in the cookies complement these beverages beautifully, turning any moment into a small indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these Banana Bread Cookies into a sandwich with a smear of cream cheese frosting or nut butter in the middle. Alternatively, crumble them over yogurt for a banana bread inspired parfait that’s as comforting as it is creative.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your Banana Bread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days, making them perfect for grabbing on the go or keeping around for a sweet treat anytime.
Freezing
To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly frozen, they maintain their taste and texture for up to 3 months and can be thawed as needed.
Reheating
For a fresh-baked feel, warm your banana bread cookies in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes. This brings back that soft, freshly baked warmth you love.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually ideal because they are sweeter and easier to mash, imparting more flavor and moisture to the cookies.
What if I don’t have walnuts or chocolate chips?
No worries! You can skip them entirely or substitute with other nuts or dried fruit like chopped dates or raisins for a different but delicious twist.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensuring your oats are certified gluten-free, you can enjoy these cookies without gluten concerns.
How chewy vs. crunchy are these Banana Bread Cookies?
These cookies are meant to be soft with a chewy texture thanks to the oats and banana, with just a subtle crispness around the edges for contrast.
Can I double the recipe for a larger batch?
Definitely! Just double all ingredients and bake on multiple sheets as needed, making sure to give the dough balls enough space on each sheet to spread out evenly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe enough for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of banana bread but wants something quick, portable, and extra fun. Whipping up a batch fills your kitchen with amazing aromas that promise a delicious reward. So gather those simple ingredients, bake them up, and share these delightful cookies with your favorite people—you’ll be making new fan favorites in no time!
Print
Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Cookies combine the moist, sweet flavors of classic banana bread with the convenient, bite-sized form of cookies. Featuring mashed ripe bananas, oats, and optional walnuts and chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for a quick snack or a delightful dessert with a chewy texture and rich taste.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 1 large 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 prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later blending with the wet ingredients.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps incorporate air for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until uniformly combined. Then, fold in the mashed ripe bananas to add moisture and natural sweetness.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can make cookies tough.
- Incorporate Add-ins: Fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats, and if desired, the chopped walnuts and chocolate chips to add texture and flavor dimensions.
- Shape Cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating doneness while keeping the centers soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring the cookies maintain their shape and ideal texture.
Notes
- For softer cookies, slightly underbake by removing them right when edges turn golden.
- Walnuts and chocolate chips are optional but add great texture and flavor contrast.
- Use very ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
- You can substitute rolled oats with quick oats but the texture will be less chewy.
