These Banana Bread Cookies are a game changer for lovers of soft, chewy bakes with a nostalgic twist. They bring together the cozy familiarity of banana bread and the convenience of hand-held cookies, infused with cinnamon spice and the option of melty chocolate chips or crunchy walnuts.
Perfect as an afternoon snack, a comforting dessert, or even a quick breakfast-on-the-go, these cookies are as versatile as they are delicious. Plus, they make excellent use of those spotty bananas sitting on your counter. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself—this recipe delivers banana-forward flavor in every bite.
Full Recipe:
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2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
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1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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½ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup packed brown sugar
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½ cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 large egg
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1 tsp baking powder
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1 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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¼ tsp salt
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Optional: 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts/pecans
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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Mash bananas in a bowl until mostly smooth with a few small chunks.
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In a separate bowl or stand mixer, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy (about 3 minutes).
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Add the egg and mashed bananas to the creamed mixture and beat briefly until just combined.
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In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
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Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until fully incorporated.
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Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
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Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown around the edges.
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Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 150 kcal | Servings: 18–20 cookies
The Ultimate Comfort Bake: Banana Bread Cookies
If you’re a fan of the classic banana bread, but looking for a more snackable, portable version, Banana Bread Cookies are your new best friend. These chewy, soft cookies deliver all the warm, cozy flavors of banana bread—think ripe bananas, cinnamon, and hints of caramel-like brown sugar—but in a handheld form perfect for busy mornings, after-school snacks, or indulgent midnight cravings.
This hybrid dessert brings together the best of both worlds. It’s the kind of treat that feels like home, whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or saved for a sweet moment later in the day. With their rich banana flavor and irresistible texture, Banana Bread Cookies are quickly becoming a staple in many home bakers’ repertoires.
Why Banana Bread Cookies are a Must-Try
Banana Bread Cookies are more than just a novelty—they’re practical, flavorful, and versatile. Unlike traditional banana bread, which requires slicing and is often best served warm, these cookies are designed for convenience. They’re easier to portion, store, freeze, and share.
From a baking perspective, they’re a great way to use up overripe bananas. Instead of letting them go to waste, you can transform them into a batch of these soft, cake-like cookies in under an hour. Plus, you can dress them up or down with ingredients like chocolate chips, walnuts, or even shredded coconut, making each batch a little different than the last.
The Texture and Flavor Profile
What makes Banana Bread Cookies so special is their soft and chewy consistency. Thanks to the mashed ripe bananas, these cookies have a naturally moist interior that mirrors the density of banana bread while maintaining the shape and hand-held nature of cookies. The outside develops just a slight crispiness, especially around the edges, creating a contrast that adds to the overall experience.
Flavor-wise, the cookies are warm and comforting. The banana brings natural sweetness and depth, while brown sugar introduces a slight molasses richness. Ground cinnamon often makes an appearance too, elevating the banana flavor and giving the cookies a lightly spiced, almost autumnal feel. If you include mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, you get bursts of added texture and richness in every bite.
Perfect for All Occasions
One of the greatest aspects of Banana Bread Cookies is how versatile they are. Need something sweet for a bake sale? Done. Want an easy breakfast treat that isn’t overly sugary? These cookies fit the bill. Looking for an after-dinner dessert that pairs well with coffee or milk? Banana Bread Cookies deliver.
They’re also great for family gatherings, especially during colder months when warm, spiced baked goods are in high demand. And because they’re freezer-friendly, you can always bake a big batch and save some for another day—an option that banana bread loaves don’t always provide as conveniently.
Customization is Key
Banana Bread Cookies are a blank canvas for customization. Depending on your mood or dietary preferences, you can play with the ingredients to make them your own. Adding semi-sweet chocolate chips gives them an indulgent twist, while chopped walnuts or pecans introduce a nutty flavor and satisfying crunch.
You can even substitute some of the flour for whole wheat or oat flour for added fiber, or reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet bite. The recipe is also easily adaptable for dairy-free diets by replacing the butter with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil or vegan butter.
Feeling adventurous? Try a teaspoon of nutmeg for added spice, fold in some dried cranberries or raisins, or even add a dash of espresso powder to bring out the chocolate if you’re using chips. These cookies truly reward creativity and experimentation.
Kid-Friendly and Lunchbox-Approved
These cookies are a hit with kids—not only because they’re sweet and soft, but because they’re easy to eat without making a mess. You can pack them in lunchboxes, take them on car rides, or serve them with a glass of milk for an easy after-school snack.
Parents love them because they’re made with bananas, which means you’re sneaking in some natural fruit sweetness and moisture without relying solely on refined sugar or butter. While they’re still a treat, they feel like a more wholesome alternative to store-bought cookies.
Baking Tips for Best Results
While the ingredient list and instructions are straightforward, a few baking tips can help you nail the perfect Banana Bread Cookies every time:
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Use ripe bananas, but not overly black ones. The ideal banana is soft with many brown spots but still holds its shape when peeled. Overly black bananas can make the dough too wet and compromise the structure of the cookies.
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Don’t overmix the dough. Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can activate the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a dense or rubbery texture.
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Measure flour correctly. Use the spoon-and-level method to avoid packing too much flour into your measuring cup. Too much flour leads to dry cookies.
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Chill the dough if needed. If your dough feels too sticky or loose, a short chill in the refrigerator (around 30 minutes) can help firm it up and prevent excessive spreading in the oven.
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Let them cool slightly before transferring. Like many soft cookies, Banana Bread Cookies are fragile right out of the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes so they set up before moving them to a wire rack.
Storage and Shelf Life
Proper storage is essential if you want to keep your Banana Bread Cookies tasting fresh. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, though be aware that refrigeration can slightly firm up their texture.
They also freeze exceptionally well. To freeze, place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to 2–3 months. When you’re ready to eat, just let them thaw at room temperature—or warm them briefly in the microwave for a soft, fresh-from-the-oven feel.
Healthier Variations
While Banana Bread Cookies are typically made with butter and sugar, there are ways to make them more health-conscious:
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Swap butter for coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce (note: this may affect texture).
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Reduce sugar or replace half with maple syrup or honey.
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Use whole wheat or oat flour instead of all-purpose.
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Add flaxseed meal or chia seeds for extra fiber and nutrients.
These simple substitutions can turn Banana Bread Cookies into a guilt-free snack that fits better into a clean-eating lifestyle, without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.
A New Classic in Your Baking Rotation
With their irresistible flavor, soft texture, and easy preparation, Banana Bread Cookies are poised to become a go-to recipe for bakers everywhere. They strike the perfect balance between nostalgic and new—familiar enough to satisfy banana bread lovers, yet novel enough to excite cookie fans.
You don’t need any fancy ingredients or equipment, just a couple of ripe bananas, a few pantry staples, and a little time. The result? A batch of cozy, chewy cookies that are sure to bring smiles to anyone lucky enough to taste them.
Conclusion
Banana Bread Cookies take everything you love about banana bread and package it into a more convenient, snackable form. They’re soft, flavorful, adaptable, and incredibly satisfying—ideal for anyone who loves to bake or just wants to enjoy a comforting homemade treat. Whether you’re baking for your family, gifting them during the holidays, or freezing a stash for future cravings, this recipe delivers every time.
From texture to taste, these cookies are a reminder that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. So the next time you find a couple of ripe bananas on your counter, skip the loaf pan and grab a cookie scoop instead—you won’t regret it.