Banana Bread Cookies Recipe

If you adore the comforting aroma and cozy flavors of banana bread but want a handheld treat that’s perfect for sharing and snacking, these Banana Bread Cookies are going to be your new obsession. Soft, moist, and bursting with ripe banana goodness, these cookies capture everything you love about classic banana bread while adding a delightful cookie crunch. The cream cheese glaze on top adds a luscious touch of sweetness that elevates these treats to a whole new level. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just indulging yourself, these Banana Bread Cookies offer a warm hug in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple pantry staples that come together to create incredible flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays a key role, from the softness lent by ripe bananas to the subtle warmth of cinnamon, making these cookies both familiar and irresistible.

• All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the cookies to hold their shape without being too dense.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and keeps them tender.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the flavors.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth that complements the banana perfectly.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Gives rich flavor and keeps the cookies moist.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and aids in creating a slight crisp edge.
• Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel depth.
• Large egg: Binds ingredients for perfect texture.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with its sweet aroma.
• Mashed ripe bananas: The star ingredient, providing natural sweetness and moisture.
• Chopped walnuts (optional): Adds crunch and a toasty nutty contrast.
• Cream cheese (softened): For the glaze that adds tangy creaminess.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
• Milk: Lightens the glaze to a drizzle-worthy consistency.

How to Make Banana Bread Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a medium bowl. This blend is the backbone of your cookies, distributing the leavening and spice evenly so every bite is full of balanced flavor.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This crucial step creates the delicate crumb and subtle caramel notes that make these cookies uniquely tasty.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture, beating until fully incorporated. Fold in the mashed bananas last to ensure that luscious natural sweetness and moisture infuse every bite.

Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing. If you’re using walnuts, gently fold them in now for a satisfying crunch.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the cookies cool, beat together softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is glossy and drizzle-able, perfect for topping your cookies.

Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy

Once the cookies have fully cooled, drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze over each one. This final touch adds a luscious contrast that turns these Banana Bread Cookies into a truly special treat.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few extra chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the glazed cookies to add visual appeal and a flavor boost. A few banana chips or a gentle drizzle of honey can also add a beautiful finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Banana Bread Cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of hot coffee, chai tea, or a creamy latte. For a brunch spread, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy compliment.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these cookies with layers of cream cheese frosting in between for a delightful cookie sandwich. Alternatively, present them on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of toppings like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or fresh banana slices for friends to customize their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Banana Bread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and flavorful without drying out.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To refresh your Banana Bread Cookies, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about five minutes, or microwave briefly for 10-15 seconds. This warms the cookies and brings back their soft, freshly baked texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute the walnuts?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have a nut allergy, try sunflower seeds or omit nuts altogether. The cookies will still be delicious and moist.

How ripe should the bananas be?

The riper the bananas, the better. Look for bananas that are heavily spotted or even slightly brown to ensure maximum sweetness and moisture.

Is the cream cheese glaze necessary?

While the glaze adds a rich, tangy finish that perfectly complements the cookies, they’re still tasty on their own if you prefer a simpler treat.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, frozen bananas work great! Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing to avoid making the dough too wet.

How do I make these cookies dairy-free?

Substitute dairy-free butter and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative for the glaze. This will keep the flavor close to the original while accommodating dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

These Banana Bread Cookies have quickly become one of my favorite go-to treats because they bring all the warmth and nostalgia of banana bread into a perfectly portable cookie form. Whether you’re baking for yourself or a crowd, I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe soon. Once you do, you’ll understand why Banana Bread Cookies are just so comforting and downright addictive!

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