If you adore the comforting flavors of banana bread but crave a fun, handheld twist, this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine the warm, sweet aroma of ripe bananas, cinnamon, and buttery goodness all wrapped up in soft, chewy cookies that carry the beloved essence of classic banana bread. These cookies strike the perfect balance between tender and hearty with oats and optional chocolate chips or walnuts, making each bite a delightful surprise. Whether you’re baking for breakfast treats, after-school snacks, or an irresistible dessert, this recipe will quickly become a staple that feels like a warm hug from the oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is all it takes to create these scrumptious Banana Bread Cookies. Each item plays a special role, whether it’s bringing the signature banana flavor, adding a tender texture, or enriching the overall cozy taste we all love.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): Provides the perfect structure to keep your cookies soft yet sturdy.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps your cookies rise just enough for that tender crumb.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses warm, spicy notes that lift the banana’s sweetness.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances flavors and enhances the sweetness naturally.
- Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup): Adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Sweetens with a subtle crunch and helps with browning.
- Light brown sugar, packed (½ cup): Brings moistness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together while adding moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Elevates all the flavors with its fragrant sweetness.
- Mashed ripe bananas (½ cup): The star ingredient, giving the cookies their signature moistness and natural sweetness.
- Old-fashioned rolled oats (1 cup): Adds a hearty chew and wholesome texture.
- Chopped walnuts (½ cup, optional): Provide a satisfying crunch and a nutty contrast.
- Chocolate chips (½ cup, optional): Give bursts of melty sweetness in every bite.
How to Make Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and come off easily. In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This blend sets the stage for the right texture and flavor in your finished cookies.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter along with both granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air, helping your cookies turn out tender and soft with just the right amount of sweetness.
Step 3: Mix in Wet Ingredients
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing well so they blend perfectly. Then stir in the mashed ripe bananas, which bring moisture and that unmistakable banana bread flavor. The bananas are what make this cookie feel so indulgent and special.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually stir the whisked dry ingredients into your wet mixture, mixing just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing here to keep the cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Fold in Oats and Optional Add-ins
Fold in the rolled oats for a lovely chewy texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is the moment to add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips. These extras add delightful texture and bursts of flavor to elevate the cookies even more.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they can spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges are lightly golden — a sign that they’re ready to come out.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps them set perfectly without falling apart, so you get that ideal texture in every bite.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving for a pretty, sweet touch. You can also add a drizzle of melted chocolate or a few extra chopped walnuts on top to impress guests and add an inviting crunch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea, making them perfect for breakfast or afternoon breaks. A small bowl of vanilla Greek yogurt or cream cheese frosting also complements the banana and cinnamon beautifully if you’re after a more indulgent snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two Banana Bread Cookies with a layer of nut butter or cream cheese frosting for a take-anywhere dessert. Or plate them alongside fresh fruit like sliced strawberries or apple wedges to offer a balanced and visually stunning snack plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Banana Bread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them moist and soft, preserving that fresh-from-the-oven charm.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This way, they won’t stick together, and you can thaw just the amount you need.
Reheating
To bring frozen or stored cookies back to life, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. This softens the texture and revives the delightful flavors perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually ideal because they are sweeter and softer, making your cookies naturally moist and flavorful.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture might be slightly different.
Can I substitute the oats with something else?
You can try using crushed cereal flakes or ground nuts if you want a different texture, but oats contribute to the classic chewy feel that pairs perfectly with banana bread flavors.
What if I don’t want to use nuts or chocolate chips?
No worries! The cookies are delicious on their own. Leaving out walnuts and chocolate chips makes them a bit simpler and highlights the banana and cinnamon flavors even more.
How long do Banana Bread Cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly, they stay fresh for about 4 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet to keep them tasting like new.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of classic banana bread with a fun twist that’s perfect for any time of day. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll find yourself reaching for these cookies again and again. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share that cozy, homemade joy with your loved ones!
Print
Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these moist and flavorful Banana Bread Cookies, combining the classic taste of banana bread with the convenience of cookies. Infused with cinnamon and loaded with rolled oats, these cookies are a perfect treat for any occasion. Optional walnuts and chocolate chips add delightful texture and bursts of flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup mashed ripe bananas (about 1 medium banana)
Add-ins
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Egg, Vanilla, and Banana: Mix in the large egg and vanilla extract thoroughly, followed by folding in the mashed ripe bananas to infuse moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet mixture while stirring gently until just combined, ensuring the dough is not overmixed.
- Fold in Oats and Optional Add-ins: Carefully fold in the old-fashioned rolled oats. Add walnuts and/or chocolate chips if desired for extra texture and taste.
- Shape Cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden brown, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, reduce the baking time by a minute or two.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts altogether for a nut-free option.
- Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moisture.
- The cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before serving.
