Banana bread cookies combine the soft, moist texture of banana bread with the convenience of a cookie. These delightful treats offer a perfect balance of sweetness, warmth, and chewiness, making them an ideal snack for any occasion. Whether you love classic banana bread or simply have ripe bananas to use up, this recipe transforms traditional flavors into a handheld dessert that pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk.
Made with simple pantry staples, banana bread cookies deliver all the comfort of homemade banana bread in a bite-sized form. They’re naturally sweetened with bananas, lightly spiced with cinnamon, and packed with rich flavors. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable—add chocolate chips, walnuts, or even a drizzle of icing for an extra special touch.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to make banana bread cookies from scratch, explore ingredient variations, and get expert baking tips to ensure your cookies turn out perfectly soft and chewy every time.
Ingredients for Banana Bread Cookies
To make these delicious banana bread cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookies.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder – Adds extra lift and fluffiness.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth to the cookies.
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened) – Creates a rich, tender texture.
- ½ cup brown sugar – Adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – Helps with crispiness and sweetness.
- 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas) – The key ingredient for moisture and natural sweetness.
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup chocolate chips – For a chocolatey twist.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans – Adds crunch and nuttiness.
- ¼ cup shredded coconut – For extra texture and tropical flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Banana Bread Cookies
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Set this dry mixture aside.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or a whisk to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
Mash the ripe bananas in a separate bowl until smooth, then fold them into the wet mixture. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. If using chocolate chips, nuts, or shredded coconut, fold them in at this stage.
Step 2: Scooping and Shaping the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Since the dough is soft, the cookies will spread slightly while baking.
Step 3: Baking the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the tops look set. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 4: Storing and Serving
Enjoy these banana bread cookies warm, or let them cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight containerat room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
Creative Variations for Banana Bread Cookies
1. Add a Sweet Drizzle
Enhance the flavor by drizzling a simple glaze over the cookies. Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tablespoons of milk until smooth, then drizzle over cooled cookies.
For a richer option, melt ½ cup of white or dark chocolate and drizzle over the cookies for an elegant touch.
2. Make Them Extra Soft & Chewy
If you prefer extra soft and chewy banana bread cookies, try these tips:
- Use an extra ¼ cup of mashed banana for added moisture.
- Replace granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup for a softer texture.
- Slightly underbake the cookies and let them finish setting on the baking sheet.
3. Add a Crunchy Twist
For more texture, mix in:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch.
- ½ cup toasted coconut flakes for a tropical flavor.
- A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for a crisp, caramelized finish.
4. Turn Them into Ice Cream Sandwiches
For a fun dessert twist, sandwich vanilla ice cream or peanut butter frosting between two banana bread cookies. Freeze for 30 minutes before serving for the best texture.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Banana Bread Cookies
1. Storing at Room Temperature
To keep your banana bread cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place a slice of bread inside the container to help maintain moisture.
2. Refrigeration for Longer Freshness
For a longer shelf life, refrigerate the cookies in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Let them come to room temperature before serving, or warm them slightly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
3. Freezing for Later
Banana bread cookies freeze well! Follow these steps for best results:
- Arrange cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to prevent sticking.
- Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
4. Reheating for a Fresh-Baked Taste
- From frozen: Let the cookies thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
- For a warm treat: Microwave for 10–15 seconds, or place in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
These storage and reheating methods ensure your banana bread cookies stay delicious and fresh for whenever you’re craving a soft, chewy bite! 🍌🍪
Creative Variations of Banana Bread Cookies
1. Make Them Extra Moist
For an even softer, richer texture, try adding:
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream to the dough.
- 1 extra mashed banana for more banana flavor and moisture.
- A drizzle of honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.
2. Add a Crunchy Twist
If you love a bit of texture, mix in:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a nutty crunch.
- Toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.
- Crushed granola or oats for a hearty bite.
3. Chocolate Lover’s Dream
Satisfy your sweet tooth by stirring in:
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips.
- A drizzle of melted chocolate on top after baking.
- Cocoa powder (2 tbsp) for a subtle chocolate banana cookie.
4. Healthier Banana Bread Cookies
Want a better-for-you version? Try:
- Almond flour or oat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Coconut sugar or honey as a natural sweetener.
- Chia or flaxseeds for a nutrient boost.
5. Fun Flavor Additions
Make your banana bread cookies even more unique with:
- A dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for warm flavors.
- Peanut butter or almond butter swirls for a nutty twist.
- Dried cranberries or raisins for a fruity surprise.
With so many delicious ways to customize banana bread cookies, you’ll never get bored of this classic treat! 🍌🍪
Storage and Reheating Tips for Banana Bread Cookies
Refrigeration
Store banana bread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 7 days.
Freezing for Longer Freshness
For long-term storage, freeze the cookies:
- Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes to prevent sticking.
- Transfer the frozen cookies into a zip-top freezer bag or an airtight container.
- Label with the date and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating for That Fresh-Baked Taste
- Microwave: Warm a cookie for 10–15 seconds to soften it.
- Oven: Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes to refresh their texture.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 320°F (160°C) for 3–4 minutes for a slightly crisp exterior.
By following these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy banana bread cookies whenever you crave a soft, chewy, and delicious treat! 🍌🍪
Creative Variations of Banana Bread Cookies
1. Add a Chocolate Twist
For a more indulgent treat, stir ½ cup of chocolate chips into the cookie dough. Dark, milk, or white chocolate all work well, adding a rich, gooey contrast to the banana flavor.
2. Make It Nutty
If you love crunch in your cookies, mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. This adds texture and enhances the banana flavor with a buttery, nutty note.
3. Go for a Cinnamon Sugar Coating
Before baking, roll the cookie dough balls in a cinnamon-sugar mixture for a subtle crunch and a warm, spiced flavor similar to snickerdoodles.
4. Add Coconut for a Tropical Flavor
Mix ¼ cup of shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical twist. Toasted coconut works especially well, giving the cookies a slight caramelized crunch.
5. Make Them Extra Moist with Yogurt
Substituting ¼ cup of Greek yogurt for some of the butter adds moisture and a slight tang, making the cookies softer while boosting protein content.
6. Turn Them into Banana Bread Cookie Sandwiches
For an extra-special treat, spread a layer of cream cheese frosting, peanut butter, or Nutella between two cookies and press them together. This transforms them into decadent banana bread cookie sandwiches!
7. Spice It Up
If you love warm, spiced flavors, try adding ½ teaspoon of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon for extra depth and warmth.
These fun variations let you customize banana bread cookies to suit your taste! Which one will you try first? 🍌🍪😊
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use overripe bananas for banana bread cookies?
Yes! Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect for these cookies as they add natural sweetness and a soft texture. The riper the banana, the better the flavor.
2. How do I keep banana bread cookies from becoming too soft?
To prevent excessive softness, don’t overmix the dough, and use the exact measurements for flour. If needed, chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking to help the cookies hold their shape.
3. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour in a 1:1 ratio with a binding agent like xanthan gum (if not already included in the flour blend).
4. How should I store banana bread cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature when ready to eat.
5. Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! Swap the butter for coconut oil or vegan butter, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water, mixed and left to sit for 5 minutes).
6. Can I add protein powder to these cookies?
Definitely! Adding 1–2 scoops of vanilla or unflavored protein powder helps boost the protein content. Reduce the flour slightly to maintain the right texture.
Conclusion
Banana bread cookies bring together the warm, comforting flavors of banana bread in a soft, chewy, and bite-sized treat. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try fun variations like chocolate chip, nutty, or spiced cookies, they are perfect for any occasion.
Looking for more delicious baked goods? Try our Pumpkin Carrot Cake for a cozy fall-inspired treat or these KentuckyButter Cake Cookies for a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth dessert.
No matter how you customize them, banana bread cookies are a quick, easy, and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of banana bread in cookie form. Happy baking! 🍌🍪
Banana Bread Cookies – A Soft & Chewy Delight
Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed (about ½ cup)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Mix-ins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:Mix Dry Ingredients:Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Cream Butter & Sugars:In a separate bowl, beat butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.Add Banana & Egg:Mix in mashed banana, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.Combine Everything:Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined.Fold in walnuts, chocolate chips, or coconut if using.
- Scoop & Bake:Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.Cool & Enjoy:Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
- Want them extra soft? Add 1 tbsp sour cream for even more moisture.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle a little cinnamon sugar on top before baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.