Banana Bread Cookies Recipe

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If you love the comforting flavors of classic banana bread but want something a little more portable and perfectly portioned, then these Banana Bread Cookies are about to become your new obsession. Imagine the warm, cozy aroma of ripe bananas, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla in a soft, chewy cookie that melts in your mouth. These Banana Bread Cookies balance sweet with a hint of nuttiness (when you add walnuts), and the optional cream cheese glaze elevates them into a decadent treat that’s perfect for any time of day. Whether you want a quick snack, a lunchbox surprise, or a delightful dessert, these cookies bring all the familiar tastes with a fun twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Banana Bread Cookies starts with simple, everyday ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor and a tender texture. Each component plays a key role, from the flour giving structure to the bananas adding moisture and sweetness, and the brown sugar adding that subtle caramel note that makes these cookies so irresistible.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation that holds everything together for a perfect cookie texture.
• Baking soda: Helps your cookies rise for a light, soft bite.
• Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the cookies.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and complements the banana’s sweetness beautifully.
• Unsalted butter (softened): Creates richness and tenderness — be sure it’s softened for easy creaming!
• Granulated sugar: Provides the essential sweetness and helps with the cookie’s crisp edges.
• Brown sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a hint of molasses for depth of flavor.
• Large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
• Vanilla extract: Brings a lovely aromatic note that highlights the other flavors.
• Mashed ripe bananas: The star ingredient that brings natural sweetness and moisture to these Banana Bread Cookies.
• Chopped walnuts (optional): For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
• Cream cheese (softened): The rich base of the irresistible cream cheese glaze.
• Powdered sugar: Sweetens and thickens the glaze for easy drizzling.
• Milk: Helps achieve the perfect glaze consistency.

How to Make Banana Bread Cookies

Step 1: Prepare your dry ingredients

Start by whisking the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon together in a medium bowl. This step ensures your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, which makes every cookie burst with balanced flavor and a beautiful texture.

Step 2: Cream the butter and sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This is where the cookies get their tender crumb and a slight golden hue once baked — don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Incorporate wet ingredients

Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter mixture until smooth and fully combined. Then fold in your ripe mashed bananas, which will add immense moisture and that signature banana flavor you’re craving in these Banana Bread Cookies.

Step 4: Combine wet and dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the banana mixture, gently mixing until just combined so the dough remains tender. If you’re adding chopped walnuts, now’s the time to fold those in for a nice crunchy surprise.

Step 5: Bake to perfection

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving enough space for the cookies to spread. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden brown. After baking, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make and add the cream cheese glaze

Beat softened cream cheese until completely smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a luscious glaze that’s just the right consistency for drizzling. Once your Banana Bread Cookies have cooled, drizzle or spread this glaze over the cookies for that extra touch of sweetness and tangy richness.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies

Garnishes

A simple dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of finely chopped walnuts on top of the cream cheese glaze can add a lovely finishing touch. You can even add a tiny banana chip for a fun, decorative twist. These little details make your Banana Bread Cookies look as good as they taste.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a warm cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. They also make a delightful companion to a cold glass of milk or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re serving them as a dessert. The creamy glaze and banana flavors complement both sweet and savory beverages wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or cozy gatherings, serve the Banana Bread Cookies stacked on a pretty platter with bits of fresh banana and cinnamon sticks as decoration. You can also sandwich two cookies together with extra cream cheese glaze or even peanut butter for a playful twist. Gift boxes or cookie tins make them wonderful homemade gifts too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your Banana Bread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This helps keep them soft and flavorful without drying out. If you used the cream cheese glaze, storing in the fridge is best to maintain freshness—just bring cookies to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing

These cookies freeze well, making it easy to prepare a batch in advance. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature when you want a delicious treat pronto.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy your Banana Bread Cookies warm, gently reheat them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and helps the cream cheese glaze become delightfully melty again.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for Banana Bread Cookies?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually perfect because they’re sweeter and mash more easily, lending more flavor and moisture to the cookies.

Are these cookies gluten-free?

This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it’s not gluten-free as is. However, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, but expect some texture differences.

Can I omit the walnuts?

Yes, walnuts are optional and can be left out if you prefer a nut-free treat or have allergies. The cookies will still be moist and delicious without them.

How long do Banana Bread Cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container, they remain fresh for about three days at room temperature or a week if refrigerated.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

To veganize this recipe, substitute butter for a plant-based alternative, use a flax or chia egg instead of a chicken egg, and choose a dairy-free cream cheese for the glaze.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about Banana Bread Cookies — they bring the best of banana bread in a fun, handheld format that’s easy to share and enjoy anytime. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or friends, these cookies are sure to become a beloved staple. Don’t hesitate to whip up a batch and experience the comforting, cozy flavors of Banana Bread Cookies with your own twist!

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