If you’ve ever found yourself torn between baking banana bread or a batch of cookies, this recipe will make your decision easy: Banana Bread Cookies. These soft, chewy treats combine everything you love about banana bread—the warm spices, the sweet banana flavor, and the moist texture—with the ease and portability of cookies.
They’re the ultimate snack for cozy days, busy mornings, or a quick dessert that doesn’t require a loaf pan or an hour in the oven. Plus, they’re a great way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.
What Makes Them Special?
These cookies are pillowy-soft, just like the center of banana bread, but with golden edges and just enough structure to hold their shape. The ripe bananas bring moisture and natural sweetness, while brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla deepen the flavor. And if you’re feeling indulgent, a handful of chopped walnuts or dark chocolate chips makes them even more irresistible.
They also bake quickly—around 10 minutes per tray—making them a faster alternative to traditional banana bread. The result? A batch of thick, cake-like cookies that fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of fresh banana spice.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
- Mix in mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir in nuts or chocolate if using.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until lightly golden.
- Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
These Banana Bread Cookies are perfect for breakfast-on-the-go, a sweet afternoon snack, or a soft, comforting treat any time of day. They’re freezer-friendly and kid-approved—what more could you ask for?