TTake the cozy flavors of classic banana bread, turn them into soft, chewy cookies, and you’ve got yourself a batch of Easy Banana Bread Cookies. These delightful treats are perfect for using up overripe bananas and bringing a little comfort to your day. With their tender texture and warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, they’ll have you coming back for more.

The first time I made these cookies, the aroma of bananas and spices baking in the oven filled the house, and I knew they’d be an instant hit. They’re a sweet, nostalgic treat that pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

What I love most about this recipe is its versatility—add chocolate chips, nuts, or a drizzle of glaze to make them your own. Let’s bake some Easy Banana Bread Cookies and fill the kitchen with happiness!

Easy Banana Bread Cookies combine the soft, moist texture of banana bread with the convenience of a handheld cookie. These lightly spiced cookies are perfect for snacking, sharing, or satisfying your banana bread cravings without needing a loaf pan.

An Exciting Story

The first time I served these Easy Banana Bread Cookies, it was a rainy afternoon, and they became the ultimate comfort food. My husband loved their soft texture, and the kids had fun helping sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Now, they’re a go-to whenever I have ripe bananas or want an easy, crowd-pleasing treat.

Why These Easy Banana Bread Cookies?

• Soft and Chewy: A perfect cookie texture with the flavor of banana bread.
• Quick and Easy: No need for a loaf pan or waiting for a loaf to bake.
• Customizable: Add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or a glaze.
• Perfect for Ripe Bananas: A great way to use up overripe fruit.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.

What You Need for Easy Banana Bread Cookies

• For the Cookies:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ripe banana, mashed (about ½ cup)
• Optional Mix-Ins:
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • ½ cup chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup raisins

How to Make Easy Banana Bread Cookies

1. Prepare the Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
   • In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients:
   • Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Mix in the mashed banana.
5. Combine and Add Mix-Ins:
   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in any optional mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins.
6. Scoop and Bake:
   • Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
7. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Easy Banana Bread Cookies

1. Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
2. Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.

Substitutions and Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan: Replace the butter with plant-based margarine and the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).
• Add a Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.

Make a Healthier Version

• Use whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber.
• Replace half the butter with unsweetened applesauce.
• Opt for coconut sugar or a natural sweetener instead of refined sugar.

Closing for Easy Banana Bread Cookies:

And there you have it—Easy Banana Bread Cookies, a delightful twist on a classic treat that’s quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious. Perfect for snack time, dessert, or whenever you need a little sweetness in your day, these cookies are sure to become a household favorite. Let us know how yours turn out, and don’t forget to explore more of our comforting dessert recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions for Easy Banana Bread Cookies

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

How do I store leftovers?
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 2-3 days or in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to mix the dough in batches if your mixer bowl isn’t large enough.

What’s the best way to mash bananas?
Use a fork or potato masher for smooth, lump-free bananas.

Can I add frosting?
Yes! Cream cheese frosting pairs beautifully with these cookies for a decadent twist.

Why are my cookies too soft?
Check the baking time and ensure the dough isn’t too wet—add a little more flour if needed.

What can I serve with these cookies?
Enjoy with a glass of milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Can I make them without sugar?
Substitute sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, but adjust the flour slightly to maintain the dough consistency.

How do I keep them from sticking to the pan?
Always use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy release.

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

How do I make them extra fluffy?
Ensure your butter is softened and beat it well with the sugars for a light, fluffy dough.

Easy Banana Bread Cookies

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: Chocolate, Cookies Recipe, Occasions

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• For the Cookies:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)

• ¼ tsp salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 ripe banana, mashed (about ½ cup)

• Optional Mix-Ins:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans

• ½ cup chocolate chips or white chocolate chips

• ¼ cup raisins

Directions

• Prepare the Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Mix the Dry Ingredients:
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
• Cream the Butter and Sugars:
• In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the Wet Ingredients:
• Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Mix in the mashed banana.
• Combine and Add Mix-Ins:
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in any optional mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins.
• Scoop and Bake:
• Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
• Cool and Serve:
• Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.