Let’s talk about a little baking magic today—banana bread cookies. I know, banana bread has long been the hero of using up those too-ripe-to-eat bananas sitting on your counter. But sometimes, you don’t feel like slicing into a loaf. You want something portable, snackable, and, let’s be honest, a little more fun. That’s where banana bread cookies come in. They take all the cozy goodness of banana bread and turn it into soft, chewy, bite-sized treats that are perfect for any time of day.
So, grab those bananas (the riper, the better!) and let’s get baking. Whether you’re making these for a family movie night, packing them into lunchboxes, or just treating yourself, banana bread cookies are about to become your new favorite go-to.
If you’ve got a couple of overripe bananas staring you down from the kitchen counter, this is your sign to get baking. Trust me, you’re going to want to bookmark this one.
If banana treats are your jam, be sure to explore other delightful desserts like this Pecan Cream Pie—a creamy, nutty masterpiece perfect for celebrations.
Why Make Banana Bread Cookies?
Let’s break it down: banana bread is undeniably comforting, but cookies are just… easier. No slicing, no plates, no forks—just grab and go. Plus, these cookies bake up faster than a traditional banana bread loaf. That means less waiting for your kitchen to fill with that warm, irresistible smell of bananas and cinnamon.
Another reason to love them? They’re endlessly customizable. Toss in chocolate chips, walnuts, shredded coconut, or even a handful of raisins (if that’s your thing). Banana bread cookies are the perfect combination of simplicity and creativity.
Looking for even more unique baked treats? Consider trying the heavenly Strawberry Crunch Cake, an irresistible mix of creamy and crunchy textures.
Ingredients for the Best Banana Bread Cookies
One of the best things about banana bread cookies is that they use super basic ingredients—stuff you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s the lineup:
- Bananas: Two ripe bananas are key. The spottier, the better.
- Butter: For that rich, buttery flavor. Room temperature is best.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and a little bit of chewiness.
- White Sugar: Balances out the brown sugar.
- Egg: Just one! It helps hold everything together.
- Vanilla Extract: A must for that warm, bakery-style flavor.
- Flour: All-purpose works perfectly.
- Baking Soda: Helps the cookies puff up a little.
- Cinnamon: Because bananas and cinnamon are BFFs.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
- Optional Mix-Ins: Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or even shredded coconut if you’re feeling wild.
How to Make Banana Bread Cookies
I promise, you don’t need to be a baking pro to nail these cookies. The process is super simple, and there’s a good chance your house will smell like a bakery in no time.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you do anything, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats—this makes cleanup a breeze.
Then, mash your bananas in a bowl. You’re aiming for a smooth consistency, but if there are a few small chunks, that’s totally fine.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until it’s light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. If you’re doing it by hand, consider it your arm workout for the day.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Mix in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract. At this point, your batter might look a little curdled—don’t freak out! That’s just the bananas doing their thing.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing is a no-no here if you want soft, tender cookies.
Step 5: Add Mix-Ins (If You Want!)
This is where the fun starts. Stir in your chocolate chips, nuts, or whatever extras you’ve got on hand. Personally, I’m a sucker for semi-sweet chocolate chips—they add just the right amount of sweetness.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them on your prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie—they’ll spread a little as they bake.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers might look a little soft, but that’s exactly what you want. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Tips for Baking Perfect Banana Bread Cookies
- Use Ripe Bananas: Seriously, don’t skimp on this. Ripe bananas are sweeter and have way more flavor. If your bananas aren’t quite there yet, pop them in the oven at 300°F for 15 minutes to speed things up.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have the time, let the dough chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. It helps the flavors meld together and makes the cookies a little thicker.
- Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper: Trust me, it makes life easier. Plus, it keeps the cookies from sticking to the pan.
- Experiment with Mix-Ins: This recipe is super forgiving, so feel free to get creative. White chocolate chips, dried cranberries, or even a swirl of peanut butter can totally work.
Nutritional Benefits
Banana bread cookies aren’t just delicious—they offer a few nutritional perks too! The bananas provide natural sweetness, along with potassium, which supports healthy muscle and nerve function. The fiber content from the bananas and any added nuts or whole-grain flour helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full. Using brown sugar over refined sweeteners adds a hint of molasses, giving the cookies a richer flavor while still being indulgent. Add-ins like dark chocolate chips or walnuts can boost antioxidants and healthy fats. These cookies strike a balance between satisfying your sweet tooth and sneaking in a little extra nutrition!
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 60mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Potassium: 80mg
Why These Cookies Are So Addictive
I’ll admit it: I’ve eaten these cookies for breakfast. And lunch. And maybe as a midnight snack (don’t judge me). They’ve got that soft, cake-like texture that just melts in your mouth, plus a hint of cinnamon that makes you feel like you’re getting a warm hug.
And because they’re made with bananas, you can totally tell yourself they’re healthy-ish. Bananas = fruit, right?
Storing Your Banana Bread Cookies
If you somehow have leftovers (impressive self-control, by the way), store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, pop them in the freezer. They thaw beautifully and taste just as good—if not better.
Conclusion
Banana bread cookies are the ultimate sweet treat—easy to make, packed with flavor, and totally customizable to suit your taste. They bring all the comforting vibes of classic banana bread but in a fun, snackable form that’s perfect for any occasion. You can have them natural, filled with chocolate chips, or sprinkled with nuts, and they still qualify as the most wonderful eat-anything breakfast, dessert, or snack. Plus, they’re a good way to get rid of those overripe bananas resting on the counter. Try this one-you never know; you could hit upon your new-best cookie! Happy baking!
FAQs About Banana Bread Cookies
1. What are Snoop Dogg cookies?
Snoop Dogg cookies are a nod to the rapper’s love for food and cannabis culture. They’re typically indulgent, oversized cookies made with rich ingredients like chocolate, caramel, or peanut butter. Sometimes they incorporate “herbal” elements for those in cannabis-friendly states. If you’re just looking for a classic dessert, his cookbook has plenty of recipes for non-cannabis cookies that are just as delicious!
2. What is the secret ingredient to keep cookies soft?
The secret to soft cookies is moisture. Ingredients like brown sugar, which retains more moisture than white sugar, are key. Adding a little extra fat (like butter or shortening) or even a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese can help. Don’t overbake them—taking cookies out when they look slightly underdone ensures they stay soft as they cool.
3. Why do you not put baking powder in banana bread?
Banana bread typically relies on baking soda instead of baking powder because the bananas and other ingredients like yogurt or buttermilk are acidic. Baking soda reacts with these acids to create the perfect rise and texture. Adding baking powder could make the bread overly dense or give it an off taste.
4. Why is banana bread not cooked in the middle?
If your banana bread isn’t cooking through in the center, it’s usually because the oven temperature is too high or the pan is too full. Lower the temperature slightly and bake for a longer time to let the heat penetrate evenly.
5. What is an Elvis cookie?
An Elvis cookie is inspired by Elvis Presley’s favorite sandwich—peanut butter, banana, and bacon. These cookies combine those flavors for a sweet and salty treat.
6. Is a Blondie a cookie?
Technically, yes! A Blondie is a type of cookie bar, made with brown sugar, butter, and vanilla for a chewy, caramel-like texture. It’s like a brownie but without the chocolate.
For more inspiration, check out the savory and satisfying Zucchini Pie Recipe—a versatile dish that complements any meal.