If you love banana bread and cookies, why not combine them into one delightful treat? These Banana Bread Cookies are soft, moist, and packed with banana flavor. Made with just six simple ingredients, they’re quick to whip up and perfect for when you have an overripe banana sitting on the counter.
I often make these cookies when I’m craving something sweet but don’t want the commitment of baking an entire loaf of banana bread. They’re perfect for snacking, sharing, or even enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee. The best part? You likely already have all the ingredients in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just over 20 minutes, including baking time.
- Minimal Ingredients: Just six pantry staples are all you need.
- Perfectly Banana-Flavored: The ripe banana brings natural sweetness and moisture.
- Customizable: Add chocolate chips, nuts, or a drizzle of icing for extra flair.
Recipe: Banana Bread Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter (cooled)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth. Add the sugar and melted butter, stirring until well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.
Step 5: Scoop the Cookies
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Cookies
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the ingredients until just combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Customize Your Cookies: Add a handful of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for a fun twist.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to scoop.
Why These Cookies Are Perfect for Any Occasion
These Banana Bread Cookies are incredibly versatile. They’re sweet enough to satisfy your dessert cravings yet wholesome enough for a quick breakfast or snack. I’ve made them for school bake sales, family get-togethers, and even as a last-minute treat for surprise guests.
Because they’re so easy to make, they’re a fantastic recipe for beginner bakers or when you’re short on time. Plus, they’re a great way to use up that lone ripe banana you don’t want to go to waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Q2: How do I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 2 months.
Q3: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe doubles easily if you want to make a larger batch.
Q4: Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, brown sugar will add a slightly richer flavor and make the cookies a bit softer.
Q5: How do I make the cookies sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter cookie, sprinkle a little sugar on top of the dough before baking or add a drizzle of glaze after they’ve cooled.
Final Thoughts
These Banana Bread Cookies are a delightful combination of simplicity and flavor. They capture everything you love about banana bread in a bite-sized form, perfect for sharing (or not!). The soft texture and natural sweetness make them a hit with kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re looking for a quick treat, a way to use up a ripe banana, or a cozy dessert for a rainy day, this recipe is your answer. Happy baking!
Banana Bread Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana mashed
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter cooled
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth. Add the sugar and melted butter, stirring until well combined.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
Step 4: Form the Dough
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies dense.
Step 5: Scoop the Cookies
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the ingredients until just combined to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Customize Your Cookies: Add a handful of chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the dough for a fun twist.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough feels too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to make it easier to scoop.
