Yummy Banana Bread Cookies Recipe

Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, offering soft, chewy, and flavorful cookies packed with the rich taste of ripe bananas. These cookies combine the comforting warmth of banana bread with the convenience of a handheld treat, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them as a quick breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a sweet dessert, they are sure to satisfy your cravings with every bite!

Banana Bread Cookies Recipe

Ingredients for Banana Bread Cookies Recipe

Here’s everything you need to make these soft, chewy, and delicious banana bread cookies:

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookies. You can substitute with whole wheat flour for a healthier option.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise and stay soft.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder – Adds a bit more lift and fluffiness.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavor by balancing the sweetness.
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional) – Adds a warm, spiced flavor that pairs well with bananas.

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 large ripe banana, mashed (about ½ cup) – The key ingredient that adds natural sweetness and moisture. Make sure to use an overripe banana for the best flavor.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Gives the cookies a rich, buttery texture. You can use coconut oil or margarine as a substitute.
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed – Adds a deep caramel-like sweetness and keeps the cookies moist.
• ¼ cup granulated sugar – Balances the sweetness and helps with a slight crispness.
• 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic touch.

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:

• ½ cup chocolate chips – For a sweet and gooey chocolatey twist.
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans – Adds crunch and nutty flavor.
• ½ cup shredded coconut – Brings a slight chewiness and tropical taste.
• ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries – A fruity variation for extra sweetness.

Directions for Making Banana Bread Cookies

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create soft, chewy, and delicious Banana Bread Cookies:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mash the Banana

• In a small bowl, mash one ripe banana with a fork until smooth. A few small lumps are fine. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for extra flavor)
• Stir to combine and set aside.

Step 4: Cream the Butter & Sugars

• In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
  • ½ cup softened unsalted butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
• Use a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients

• Add 1 large egg and beat until fully incorporated.
• Mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and the mashed banana.
• Beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
• Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies soft.

Step 7: Add Mix-Ins (Optional)

• If using, fold in:
  • ½ cup chocolate chips
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
  • ¼ cup raisins or shredded coconut
• Mix just until evenly distributed.

Step 8: Scoop & Shape the Cookies

• Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
• Slightly flatten each dough ball with the back of a spoon (since these cookies don’t spread much).

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

• Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set.
• For a softer cookie, bake for 10 minutes; for a firmer texture, bake for 12 minutes.

Step 10: Cool & Enjoy

• Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
• Let them cool completely before storing.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: Keep them in the fridge for up to a week for extra freshness.
• Freezing: Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months in a sealed container. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Tips for the Best Banana Bread Cookies

Follow these helpful tips to make your Banana Bread Cookies extra soft, flavorful, and delicious!

1. Use Overripe Bananas 🍌

• The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas with brown spots or even completely browned skins.

2. Don’t Overmix the Dough 🥣

• Overmixing can make the cookies dense and tough. Stir just until the ingredients are combined for a soft and chewy texture.

3. Adjust Sweetness as Needed 🍯

• If your bananas are very ripe, you can reduce the sugar slightly. If you prefer extra sweetness, add a little more brown sugar or mix in chocolate chips.

4. Experiment with Mix-Ins 🍫🌰

• Try different add-ins to customize your cookies:
  • Chocolate chips for a sweet twist
  • Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) for crunch
  • Coconut flakes or raisins for extra chewiness
  • Peanut butter chips for a nutty flavor boost

5. Don’t Skip the Cinnamon & Vanilla ✨

• A teaspoon of cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor.
• Vanilla extract enhances the sweetness of the bananas.

6. Keep the Cookies Soft 💛

• To maintain a soft texture, store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread or a marshmallow. The cookies will absorb the moisture, staying fresh longer.

7. Make Them Healthier 🌱

• Swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or oat flour.
• Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free option.
• Replace some sugar with honey or maple syrup.

8. Chill the Dough for Thicker Cookies ❄️

• For thicker, bakery-style cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

9. Don’t Overbake ⏳

• Bake just until the edges turn golden but the centers look slightly underdone.
• They will continue to cook slightly after removing from the oven, staying soft inside.

10. Freeze for Later 🧊

• Freeze the cookie dough in pre-portioned scoops, then bake fresh when needed.
• Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months and warm them up in the microwave for a fresh taste

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cookies are a simple yet incredibly delicious treat, combining the soft, moist texture of banana bread with the convenience of cookies. With just a handful of basic ingredients, these cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for a last-minute snack, a comforting dessert, or even a quick breakfast on the go. The natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the warm flavors of cinnamon and vanilla create a delightful bite that everyone will love.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Whether you enjoy them plain or loaded with chocolate chips, nuts, or coconut, these cookies can be customized to suit your taste. You can also experiment with healthier alternatives like whole wheat flour or natural sweeteners to make them even more wholesome. No matter how you make them, these cookies are bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen!