If you love classic banana bread but want something quicker and easier to enjoy, these Banana Bread Cookies are the perfect solution. Soft, chewy, and packed with sweet banana flavor, these cookies combine everything you love about homemade banana bread in a delicious handheld treat. Made with ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and pantry staples, they’re perfect for afternoon snacks, lunchboxes, holiday baking, or whenever you need to use up overripe bananas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Soft, chewy, and full of banana bread flavor.
- Ready in about 25 minutes.
- Great way to use ripe bananas.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have.
- Perfect for kids and adults alike.
- Easy freezer-friendly cookie recipe.
- Wonderful for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
- Delicious with coffee, tea, or milk.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- ½ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 1–2 medium bananas)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg, mashed ripe bananas, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft cookie dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
5. Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or two tablespoons, portion the dough into evenly sized mounds and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake
Bake the Banana Bread Cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops look set.
7. Cool
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Tricks
- Use overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor.
- Measure the flour correctly to keep the cookies soft.
- Don’t overmix the dough.
- Chill the dough for 20 minutes if it feels too soft.
- Add chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans for extra texture.
- Sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
- Store in an airtight container to keep the cookies moist.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Difficulty: Easy
Dietary Notes: Vegetarian
Notes
- Dark brown sugar creates a richer flavor.
- Whole wheat flour can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour.
- Mini chocolate chips pair beautifully with banana.
- Add chopped pecans for a classic banana bread twist.
- Enjoy warm with butter or cream cheese spread.
Nutrition (Approximate)
Per cookie
- Calories: 145
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 90mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes. Thaw completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
Why are my cookies soft?
These cookies are designed to be soft and cake-like because of the mashed bananas.
Can I freeze Banana Bread Cookies?
Absolutely. Freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes. Fold in ½ to 1 cup of chocolate chips for an extra indulgent treat.
How do I know they’re done?
The edges should be lightly golden while the centers remain soft. They will continue setting as they cool.
Storage
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Refrigerator: Store for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
To Refresh: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.
Similar Recipes
Banana Bread Cookies Soft & Chewy Homemade Treat
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg room temperature
- ½ cup mashed ripe bananas about 1–2 medium bananas
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add the Wet Ingredients
- Mix in the egg, mashed ripe bananas, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until a soft cookie dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Scoop the Dough
- Using a cookie scoop or two tablespoons, portion the dough into evenly sized mounds and place them about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake
- Bake the Banana Bread Cookies for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops look set.
- Cool
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Dark brown sugar creates a richer flavor.
- Whole wheat flour can replace up to half of the all-purpose flour.
- Mini chocolate chips pair beautifully with banana.
- Add chopped pecans for a classic banana bread twist.
- Enjoy warm with butter or cream cheese spread.
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Cookies are everything you love about homemade banana bread in a soft, chewy cookie. Made with ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and buttery cookie dough, they’re easy to prepare and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or save a batch for later, these cookies are sure to become a family favorite.