Name: Banana Bread Cookies That Melt in Your Mouth Every Time
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup Salted Butter (Can be substituted with unsalted butter plus a pinch of salt.); 1 cup Granulated White Sugar (Slightly reduce for less sweetness.); 2 large Eggs (Essential for binding the ingredients and contributing to the cookie's structure.); 2 cups Mashed Bananas (Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.); 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (No substitute necessary.); 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Cannot be substituted without altering the outcome directly.); 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Can be adjusted based on preference.); 1 teaspoon Baking Soda (Essential for texture.); 1 teaspoon Baking Powder (Necessary for the proper rise.)

“Can we just take a moment to appreciate what happens when overripe bananas get a fresh coat of cookie magic? I recently discovered the joy of making these Easy Banana Bread Cookies, and honestly, they might just change your dessert game. Not only are they perfect for those neglected bananas languishing on your counter, but this recipe is also straightforward enough for even the most novice of bakers. With their soft, cakey texture and cozy cinnamon aroma, these cookies transform simple ingredients into a delightful homemade snack. Plus, they can easily cater to dairy-free diets, making them inclusive for everyone at your table. Curious about how to whip up these scrumptious bites? Let’s dive in!”

Why Are Banana Bread Cookies a Must-Try?

Irresistible flavor: Enjoy the cozy combination of banana and cinnamon in every bite, making these cookies a hit among family and friends.

Simple preparation: With just a few steps and minimal ingredients, even beginner bakers can enjoy success.

Crowd-pleaser: These cookies are perfect for sharing at gatherings, ensuring smiles all around.

Versatile additions: Feel free to customize with chocolate chips or nuts to suit your family’s taste, much like our popular Fudgy Brownie Cookies.

Time-saving treat: Bake a batch in just 12 minutes, making them an ideal last-minute dessert option!

Dairy-free option: Substitute with plant-based butter for a delightful treat that’s friendly for all diets.

Banana Bread Cookies Ingredients

For the Batter

Salted Butter – Adds richness and moisture; can be substituted with unsalted butter plus a pinch of salt.
Granulated White Sugar – Provides sweetness and helps with cookie structure; slightly reduce for less sweetness, but expect a texture change.
Large Eggs – Essential for binding the ingredients and contributing to the cookie’s structure and moisture.
Mashed Bananas – The primary flavor component; use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor complexity; no substitute necessary.
All-Purpose Flour – The main structure agent; gives the cookie body and cannot be substituted without altering the outcome directly.
Ground Cinnamon – Adds warm spice; can be adjusted based on preference.
Baking Soda – A leavening agent that helps cookies rise; essential for texture.
Baking Powder – Works with baking soda to create a fluffy texture; necessary for the proper rise.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Banana Bread Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin your journey towards delicious Banana Bread Cookies by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. This setup will make your cookie-making experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, take your melted salted butter and granulated sugar, then whisk them together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, usually around 1 minute. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s creamy and slightly aerated—this step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture in your cookies.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Bananas
Next, crack in your large eggs and add the mashed ripe bananas along with the vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until well combined, ensuring all the rich flavors meld seamlessly. This mixture should be a smooth and slightly thick batter, filled with the inviting scent of mashed bananas.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add the dry ingredients. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking soda, and baking powder into the banana mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix. You want your dough to be slightly lumpy, as this will help keep the cookies soft and tender when they bake.

Step 5: Portion the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop heaping tablespoons—about 2 tablespoons each—of the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet. Leave enough space between each mound to allow for spreading during baking. The dough should appear slightly uneven, as this creates those delightful, homemade vibes we all love.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake the cookies for about 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn golden brown around the edges but remain soft in the center. The delightful aroma of banana and cinnamon will fill your kitchen, a true sign of tasty treats in the making!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, let the cookies cool on the sheet for about 3 minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. This step allows them to firm up slightly, ensuring they hold their shape. Let them cool completely and prepare to indulge in your homemade Banana Bread Cookies, perfect for loving bites anytime!

How to Store and Freeze Banana Bread Cookies

Room Temperature: Store banana bread cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Keep them away from sunlight to maintain their soft texture.
Fridge: If you prefer, these cookies can be kept in the fridge for up to 10 days. Just ensure they’re in a sealed container to prevent them from drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, restoring their delightful, fresh-baked taste.

What to Serve with Easy Banana Bread Cookies

Can you imagine the perfect accompaniment to these delightful, soft cookies that makes for a cozy snack or dessert?

Creamy Almond Milk: A refreshing, dairy-free option that balances the sweetness of the cookies with its nutty undertones. Perfect for dipping!
Spiced Chai Latte: The warm spices in chai enhance the cozy cinnamon flavor, making each bite feel like a comforting hug in a mug.
Fruit Salad: Bright, fresh fruits add a lovely contrast to the soft cookie texture; consider berries or citrus for a zesty touch.
Chocolate Ice Cream: A scoop of rich chocolate ice cream offers a decadent experience, pairing wonderfully with the warm banana flavors.
Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee elevates the flavor profile and makes the cookies an indulgent afternoon treat.
Maple Syrup Drizzle: For a sweet twist, drizzle a bit of maple syrup over warm cookies; the richness of maple complements the banana beautifully.

These pairings not only enhance the experience but also invite smiles and create fond memories around the table.

Helpful Tricks for Banana Bread Cookies

Use Ripe Bananas: Opt for very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots to enhance the natural sweetness and flavor of your banana bread cookies.
Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies with a chewy texture, chill the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking—it’s a simple way to avoid flat cookies!
Mind the Mixing: Avoid overmixing when adding dry ingredients. A few lumps are okay; this ensures the cookies remain soft and tender.
Parchment Paper: Always use parchment paper on your baking sheet to prevent sticking and to facilitate an easy cleanup after making your banana bread cookies.
Customization Options: Feel free to add chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit to elevate the flavors and create a unique twist in each batch.

Banana Bread Cookies Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and customize these delicious cookies to suit your taste or dietary needs!

Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter in place of salted butter for a delightful, dairy-free treat everyone can enjoy.
Swap out regular butter, and you won’t lose any of that rich, comforting flavor. Great for those who are lactose intolerant!
Sweet Additions: Mix in dark chocolate chips or caramel chunks for an extra layer of sweetness and indulgence.
Imagine biting into a soft cookie, and suddenly, you encounter a gooey, melting chocolate piece—pure bliss!
Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle in chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch that elevates the cookie’s texture.
The nutty flavor complements the warm banana and cinnamon, creating a wonderful contrast in each bite.
Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or ginger, to give your cookies a unique flavor twist.
Adding just a pinch can send these cookies on an exciting flavor journey, highlighting your culinary creativity.
Flour Alternatives: For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Remember that some blends might require a binding agent, so be sure to adjust accordingly for the best texture.
Banana Variants: If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping some of the mashed bananas with unsweetened applesauce.
This will yield a different flavor profile while still keeping the cookies soft and delicious—perfect for experimenting!
Low-Sugar Option: Reduce the granulated sugar or substitute with a natural sweetener like coconut sugar or maple syrup.
Just keep in mind that sugar impacts texture and spread, so your cookies may turn out slightly different!
Extra Flavor Burst: To add a tropical twist, consider mixing in shredded coconut for a delightful surprise in every cookie.
The coconut’s slight sweetness and chewy texture will pair wonderfully with the familiar banana flavor!

For even more dessert inspirations, don’t forget to check out our Pumpkin Smores Cookies and Chocolate Oat Cookies—your cookie jar will thank you!

Make Ahead Options

These Banana Bread Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts seeking time-saving solutions! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 3 days in advance by mixing all the ingredients and storing the dough in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps preserve the freshness and prevents browning of the bananas. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop the chilled dough onto a baking sheet and follow the traditional baking instructions. Remember to add an extra minute or two to the baking time to ensure they cook properly from the cold dough. You’ll have delicious, homemade Banana Bread Cookies ready to enjoy without the last-minute rush!

Banana Bread Cookies Recipe FAQs

What kind of bananas should I use for Banana Bread Cookies?
Use very ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness. The more overripe the bananas, the more intense the cookie’s banana flavor will be, giving your cookies that delightful moistness we all love.

How should I store Banana Bread Cookies?
Store these delicious cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep them fresh and soft, avoid exposing them to sunlight and ensure the lid is tightly sealed.

Can I freeze Banana Bread Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze, first place the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about an hour. Once they are firm, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight or warm them in the microwave!

What if my cookies turn out flat?
Flat cookies can happen if the dough is overmixed or if the butter is too warm. For thicker cookies, try chilling the dough for 20-30 minutes before baking. This allows the butter to firm up, preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Also, ensure you are correctly measuring your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off!

Are Banana Bread Cookies safe for my pets?
While bananas themselves are generally safe for dogs in moderation, it’s best to keep these cookies away from pets due to the added sugar and butter. The ingredients may not be harmful, but high sugar and fat content can upset their stomachs.

What can I substitute for eggs if I want these cookies to be egg-free?
For egg-free Banana Bread Cookies, consider using a flax egg! To make one, mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This is a great binder and will work well in your cookie batter!