banana bread cookies recipe​

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Soft, chewy, and packed with the cozy flavor of banana bread, these banana bread cookies are the perfect treat for any time of day. Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, they’re a delicious twist on classic banana bread—ideal for using up ripe bananas.

If you love banana bread but want a faster, more portable version, these banana bread cookies are the answer. They combine the moist, spiced flavor of banana bread with the chewy texture of a cookie. Plus, they’re easy to customize with chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of caramel.

These cookies are great for:

  • Using overripe bananas
  • Quick baking sessions
  • Lunchbox treats or dessert

Why This banana bread cookies recipe​ Works So Well

Why you’ll love this recipe:
✔ Soft & Chewy Texture – The mashed bananas keep them moist.
✔ Easy to Make – No mixer needed, just a bowl and spoon.
✔ Customizable – Add-ins like chocolate chips or walnuts work perfectly.
✔ Kid-Friendly – A fun way to enjoy banana flavor in cookie form.

Banana Bread Cookies Recipe Ingredients

Soft Banana Bread Cookies Recipe – Easy & Delicious!

Makes about 24 cookies

  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • ¾ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 cup chocolate chips (or chopped walnuts)

How to Make Banana Bread Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prep the Dough

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
  3. Add the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir well.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

  1. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
  2. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
  3. Fold in the chocolate chips or nuts.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

  1. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough (about 1.5 tbsp per cookie) onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look soft but will firm up as they cool.
  3. Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Expert Tips for the Best Banana Bread Cookies Recipe

Banana Bread Cookies Recipe – Soft, Chewy & Easy to Make!

Take your banana bread cookies to the next level with these expert tips and creative twists. Whether you prefer them extra soft, packed with mix-ins, or adapted for dietary needs, these ideas will help you customize the recipe perfectly.

Baking Tips for Perfect Cookies

✔ Use Very Ripe Bananas – The more brown spots, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Overripe bananas also add natural moisture.
✔ Don’t Overmix the Dough – Stir just until the flour disappears to avoid tough cookies.
✔ Chill the Dough (Optional) – For thicker, chewier cookies, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This prevents excess spreading.
✔ Adjust Baking Time for Texture

  • Soft & Cakey: Bake for 10 minutes (they’ll firm up as they cool).
  • Chewy with Crisp Edges: Bake for 12 minutes.
  • Extra Crispy: Bake for 13-14 minutes.

Delicious Variations

✔ Chocolate Lovers’ Version – Swap semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even chopped chocolate bars.
✔ Nutty Banana Cookies – Add ½ cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch.
✔ Oatmeal Banana Cookies – Replace ½ cup flour with rolled oats for a heartier texture.
✔ Spiced Banana Cookies – Add ½ tsp ginger or ¼ tsp cloves for extra warmth.
✔ Peanut Butter Swirl – Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter onto the dough and lightly swirl before baking.

Dietary Adjustments

✔ Gluten-Free – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (like Bob’s Red Mill).
✔ Vegan Option – Replace the egg with 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
✔ Lower Sugar – Reduce brown sugar to ½ cup (the bananas add natural sweetness).

Storing & Freezing

✔ Room Temperature – Keep in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
✔ Freezing Dough – Scoop unbaked dough onto a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes.
✔ Freezing Baked Cookies – Store in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 10 seconds.

Troubleshooting

  • Too Flat? The dough may be too warm—chill it before baking.
  • Too Dry? Add 1 tbsp milk or mashed banana to the dough.
  • Not Banana-y Enough? Use 3 small bananas instead of 2.

With these tweaks, you can make this recipe your own while keeping the delicious banana bread cookie flavor. Try a new variation each time you bake!

How to Serve Your Banana Bread Cookies (10 Delicious Ideas)

These banana bread cookies are delicious on their own, but you can make them even more special with these serving ideas:

Perfect Pairings

• Classic Combo – Serve warm with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort treat.
• Coffee Break – Enjoy with a cup of coffee or latte—the banana and cinnamon flavors pair wonderfully with coffee.
• Ice Cream Sandwich – Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a decadent dessert.

Special Occasion Ideas

• Brunch Spread – Add these cookies to a brunch table alongside muffins and fresh fruit.
• Gift Packaging – Stack them in a cute box or jar for a homemade edible gift.
• Dessert Platter – Arrange with other cookies and brownies for a dessert buffet.

Creative Toppings & Drizzles

• Caramel Drizzle – Warm up caramel sauce and lightly drizzle over the cookies.
• Chocolate Dip – Melt chocolate and dip half of each cookie for an elegant touch.
• Powdered Sugar Dusting – Lightly sift powdered sugar on top for a bakery-style finish.

Kid-Friendly Serving Ideas

• Lunchbox Treat – Pack a couple in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
• After-School Snack – Serve with apple slices and peanut butter for dipping.
• Cookie & Fruit Kabobs – Thread small cookie pieces and fruit onto skewers for a fun snack.

Holiday & Seasonal Twists

• Fall Flavors – Add a sprinkle of pumpkin spice on top for an autumn-inspired treat.
• Winter Holiday Version – Mix in white chocolate chips and dried cranberries for a festive touch.
• Springtime Style – Decorate with pastel-colored drizzles for Easter or Mother’s Day.

These serving suggestions help you enjoy banana bread cookies in new ways—whether you’re craving a simple snack or planning a special dessert spread.

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Easy Banana Bread Cookies recipe – Perfect for Ripe Bananas!

banana bread cookies recipe​

Jessica
This banana bread cookies recipe​ brings your favorite banana bread into cookie form—perfectly sweet, moist, and ready in minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup mashed ripe bananas about 2 medium bananas
  • ½ cup unsalted butter melted
  • ¾ cup brown sugar packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg optional
  • 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep the Dough

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and brown sugar until smooth.
  • Add the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir well.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

  • In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
  • Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
  • Fold in the chocolate chips or nuts.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

  • Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop dough (about 1.5 tbsp per cookie) onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  • Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look soft but will firm up as they cool.
  • Let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

📊 Nutrition Information (Per Cookie)
CaloriesFatCarbsProteinSugarFiber
120 kcal5g18g1.5g10g1g
Nutrition estimates vary based on ingredients used.

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These banana bread cookies are a simple, delicious way to enjoy banana flavor in a fun, handheld treat. Whether you’re using up leftover bananas or just craving something sweet, this recipe delivers soft, flavorful cookies every time.

Banana Bread Cookies Recipe FAQs (Your Questions Answered)

How to turn banana bread mix into cookies?

Use a boxed banana bread mix, but reduce the liquid slightly (about 25%) to make a thicker dough. Scoop into cookies and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes.

How to make banana cookies at home?

Mash ripe bananas, mix with butter, sugar, egg, and flour, then bake. This recipe provides an easy homemade version.

What is the secret to moist cookies?

Using ripe bananas, brown sugar, and not overbaking keeps cookies soft.

What makes cookies more fluffy?

Chilling the dough before baking helps, as does using baking soda for lift.

What makes cookies crunchy or soft?

Soft: More moisture (bananas, butter), shorter bake time.
Crunchy: Longer baking, higher sugar content, or less fat.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe without ruining the texture?

Yes! Bananas provide natural sweetness. Reduce sugar by 1/4 cup max. For sugar-reduction science, Harvard’s Nutrition Source offers evidence-based tips.

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