Banana bread cookies have become one of my absolute favorite creations in my culinary journey as a recipe creator here at RecipesMolly. Hi, I’m Molly Rodriguez, and after years of perfecting recipes in professional kitchens and my own home, I can confidently say these easy banana bread cookies represent everything I love about accessible, delicious baking.
During my time at the Michelin-starred “Harvest Table,” I learned that the most memorable desserts often come from the simplest inspirations. These banana bread cookies perfectly embody that philosophy – they take the beloved, nostalgic flavors of traditional banana bread and transform them into something even more delightful: soft, portable cookies that fill your kitchen with that unmistakable aroma of home.
What makes this banana bread cookies recipe so special in my collection? As someone who tests every recipe at least five times before sharing it with you, I can promise these soft banana cookies deliver that perfect balance of sweetness, moisture, and rich banana flavor every single time. Moreover, they solve one of my favorite kitchen challenges – transforming those overripe bananas on your counter into something absolutely irresistible. In my culinary journey, I’ve discovered that the best recipes are both economical and delicious, and these cookies check both boxes beautifully.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Cookies
These best banana bread cookies will quickly become your go-to recipe for several compelling reasons:
• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for busy schedules
• Incredibly Soft and Chewy: The perfect texture that melts in your mouth while maintaining that satisfying chewy banana bread cookies consistency
• Versatile Recipe: Easily adaptable for dietary restrictions including gluten-free and vegan options
• Uses Overripe Bananas: Transform those brown bananas sitting on your counter into something extraordinary
• Perfect for Meal Prep: These cookies stay fresh for days and freeze beautifully for future cravings
• Kid-Friendly: A healthier alternative to traditional cookies that children absolutely love
• Customizable Add-ins: From chocolate chips to nuts, you can personalize these banana bread cookie ideas to suit any taste preference
Additionally, these cookies offer the nostalgic comfort of banana bread in a more convenient format. Furthermore, they’re perfect for sharing at office gatherings, school events, or simply enjoying with your morning coffee.
Ingredients for Banana Bread Cookies
Essential Ingredients
For the Cookie Base:
- 3 large overripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed) – the riper, the better for maximum flavor
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed for that molasses-rich sweetness
- 1 large egg, at room temperature for better mixing
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract for enhanced flavor depth
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour (for gluten-free banana bread cookies, substitute with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda for perfect rise and texture
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon for warm spice notes
- ¼ teaspoon salt to enhance all the flavors
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg for that authentic banana bread taste
Optional Add-ins for Customization:
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips (creates amazing banana cookies with chocolate chips)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch
- ⅓ cup rolled oats for extra texture and nutrition
- 2 tablespoons honey for healthy banana bread cookies variation
Ingredient Substitutions for Dietary Needs
For healthy banana bread cookies, consider these swaps:
- Replace butter with ½ cup unsweetened applesauce or mashed avocado
- Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar for a lower glycemic option
- Substitute whole wheat flour for half the all-purpose flour
- Add chia seeds or ground flaxseed for extra nutrition
The beauty of this banana bread cookies recipe lies in its flexibility. As a result, you can easily adapt it to meet various dietary preferences while maintaining that signature banana bread flavor profile.
How to Make Banana Bread Cookies – Step by Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen and Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This preparation ensures your easy banana bread cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly.
Next, gather all your ingredients and allow them to come to room temperature. Room temperature ingredients mix more easily and create a better texture in your finished cookies.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas to Perfection
In a medium bowl, mash your overripe bananas using a fork or potato masher. For the best banana bread cookies, aim for a consistency that’s mostly smooth with a few small lumps remaining. These small pieces will create delightful bursts of banana flavor throughout your cookies.
Pro tip: The browner and more spotted your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes. The mixture should become light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating soft banana cookies with the perfect texture.
Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating until well combined. The mixture might look slightly curdled at this point, but don’t worry – it will come together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Fold the mashed bananas into the butter mixture using a wooden spoon or rubber spatula. Mix gently until just combined. The banana pieces will add moisture and flavor to your quick banana bread cookies.
Step 5: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and spices throughout your cookie dough.
Step 6: Create the Perfect Cookie Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed or by hand until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough should be soft and slightly sticky.
If you’re adding chocolate chips, nuts, or other mix-ins, fold them in gently at this stage.
Step 7: Shape and Bake Your Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded portions of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These banana bread cookies will spread slightly during baking.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers still look slightly underbaked. This timing creates perfectly chewy banana bread cookies that stay soft even after cooling.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This brief cooling period helps them set up properly while maintaining their tender texture.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Banana Bread Cookies
Banana Selection and Preparation Secrets
Can I make banana bread cookies with fresh bananas? While you can use less ripe bananas, overripe bananas with brown spots provide significantly more flavor and natural sweetness. For best results, use bananas that are yellow with brown spots or even completely brown.
What is the secret to the best banana bread cookies? The key lies in not overbaking them. Remove the cookies when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly underdone. They’ll continue cooking on the hot pan and result in perfectly soft cookies.
Texture and Flavor Enhancement Tips
- For extra moisture: Add an extra tablespoon of mashed banana to the dough
- For enhanced banana flavor: Use banana extract in addition to vanilla extract
- For crispy edges: Bake for an additional 1-2 minutes and use melted butter instead of softened
- For cake-like texture: Add an extra 2 tablespoons of flour and reduce baking time slightly
Storage and Make-Ahead Strategies
Can I make banana bread cookies ahead of time? Absolutely! The cookie dough can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can scoop the dough onto baking sheets, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Best Ways to Serve Banana Bread Cookies
These versatile banana bread cookies pair beautifully with numerous beverages and accompaniments:
Perfect Beverage Pairings:
- Fresh brewed coffee or espresso for a morning treat
- Cold milk (dairy or plant-based) for a classic combination
- Chai tea or spiced latte for complementary warm spices
- Hot chocolate during cooler months
Serving Suggestions for Special Occasions:
- Crumble over vanilla ice cream for an elevated dessert
- Pack in lunch boxes with fresh fruit for a balanced snack
- Serve alongside cream cheese frosting for dipping
- Create ice cream sandwiches using vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
Presentation Ideas:
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch
- Drizzle with simple vanilla glaze for extra sweetness
- Serve on a rustic wooden board with fresh banana slices
The best way to serve banana bread cookies is warm from the oven with a glass of cold milk, but they’re equally delicious at room temperature and maintain their soft texture for several days.
Nutritional Information for Banana Bread Cookies
Per cookie (makes approximately 24 cookies):
Calories: 145 kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 12g
Sodium: 85mg
Potassium: 95mg
Health Benefits
These healthy banana bread cookies offer several nutritional advantages:
- Natural potassium from bananas supports heart health and muscle function
- Complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy
- Lower sugar content compared to traditional cookies due to natural banana sweetness
- Customizable nutrition through add-ins like nuts, seeds, or whole grain flours
For those seeking healthy banana bread cookies, consider reducing the brown sugar by ¼ cup and adding an extra mashed banana for natural sweetness.
Storage & Leftovers
Proper Storage Techniques
How long do banana bread cookies last in the fridge? When stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies maintain their soft texture for up to one week at room temperature or up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
Freezing Guidelines
These cookies freeze exceptionally well. Place cooled cookies in a single layer in freezer-safe containers or bags, separating layers with parchment paper. Frozen banana bread cookies maintain their quality for up to 3 months.
Best Reheating Methods
- Microwave: 10-15 seconds for individual cookies to restore warmth and softness
- Oven: 300°F for 3-5 minutes for multiple cookies
- Air fryer: 2-3 minutes at 300°F for slightly crispy edges
Pro storage tip: Add a slice of bread to your cookie container to help maintain moisture and keep your cookies soft longer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Bread Cookies
Can I freeze banana bread cookies?
Yes! These cookies freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Freeze them in a single layer first, then transfer to freezer bags. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving, or warm briefly in the microwave.
What can I use instead of brown sugar in banana bread cookies?
You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar, maple syrup (reduce liquid by 2 tablespoons), or even mashed dates for a more natural sweetener. White sugar works too, though you’ll lose some of the molasses flavor that makes these cookies special.
How do I make my banana bread cookies more chewy?
For extra chewy banana bread cookies, slightly underbake them by 1-2 minutes, use more brown sugar than white sugar, and ensure your butter is properly softened (not melted). Additionally, avoid overbaking and let them cool completely on the baking sheet.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the butter with vegan butter or coconut oil, and substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes). The cookies will be just as delicious and soft.
Related Recipes for Banana Bread Cookies
If you love these banana bread cookies, you’ll absolutely adore these complementary recipes:
- Classic Banana Bread Muffins – Perfect for breakfast or brunch
- Chocolate Chip Banana Oat Cookies – A heartier version with added nutrition
- Banana Bread Brownies – Fudgy and decadent banana treats
- Healthy Banana Pancakes – Another great way to use overripe bananas
- Banana Cream Cheese Frosting – Perfect for topping these cookies
These recipes share similar flavor profiles and ingredients, making them perfect additions to your banana-based baking repertoire.
What is the number one mistake made when making banana bread?
The number one mistake when making banana bread is overmixing the batter. Here’s why this is so critical:
Why Overmixing Ruins Banana Bread:
Develops too much gluten, creating a tough, dense, rubbery texture
Results in tunnels and holes throughout the bread
Makes bread heavy instead of light and tender
Reduces the fluffy, cake-like texture people expect
How to Avoid Overmixing:
Mix wet and dry ingredients separately first
Fold ingredients together gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula
Stop mixing immediately when flour just disappears – lumps are okay
Use the “fold and turn” method rather than stirring vigorously
Mix by hand instead of using an electric mixer for combining
Other Common Banana Bread Mistakes:
Using bananas that aren’t ripe enough (need brown spots!)
Opening oven door too frequently during baking
Not testing doneness properly with a toothpick
Slicing too soon before completely cooling
What are Snoop Dogg cookies?
Snoop Dogg cookies typically refer to cannabis-infused cookies associated with the rapper Snoop Dogg, who has been open about his cannabis use and has launched several cannabis-related businesses. However, I can share information about regular cookies that might be inspired by his style:
Snoop Dogg’s Favorite Cookie Types (from interviews):
Chocolate chip cookies – classic and simple
Peanut butter cookies – rich and satisfying
Oatmeal cookies – hearty and comforting
“Gin and Juice” Inspired Cookies (alcohol-free versions):
Cookies with citrus zest (lemon or lime)
Tropical flavors like coconut or pineapple
Smooth, mellow flavors that pair well with beverages
For any cookie recipe, the key is using quality ingredients and proper technique for the best results, regardless of the inspiration behind the name.
What is the secret to the best banana bread?
The secret to the best banana bread involves several key techniques:
Use Ultra-Ripe Bananas:
Bananas should be brown and spotted – the more brown, the better
Freeze overripe bananas if you can’t bake immediately
One secret: Roast bananas at 300°F for 15 minutes to intensify flavor
Perfect Moisture Balance:
Brown butter instead of regular melted butter adds nutty depth
Add sour cream or Greek yogurt for tang and moisture
Use both oil and butter for optimal texture
Don’t overbake – toothpick should have a few moist crumbs
Flavor Enhancement Secrets:
Add vanilla extract and cinnamon for warmth
Pinch of salt enhances all other flavors
Let batter rest 10 minutes before baking for better texture
Brown sugar over white sugar for moisture and molasses flavor
Professional Techniques:
Room temperature ingredients mix more evenly
Gentle folding method prevents tough bread
Bake at 325°F for more even cooking
Cool completely before slicing (wait at least 1 hour)
What is the bread trick for cookies?
The bread trick for cookies refers to a storage method that keeps cookies soft and fresh:
How the Bread Trick Works:
Place a slice of fresh bread in your cookie container
The bread releases moisture that the cookies absorb
Keeps cookies soft and chewy for much longer
Replace bread slice every 2-3 days for continued effectiveness
Best Practices for the Bread Trick:
Use white bread (absorbs and releases moisture best)
Fresh, soft bread works better than day-old bread
Don’t let bread touch cookies directly – place on top or side
Works best with soft cookies (chocolate chip, banana bread cookies, etc.)
Alternative Cookie Storage Tricks:
Apple slice works similarly to bread for moisture
Damp paper towel in container (for very dry cookies)
Airtight container is essential for any method
Room temperature storage unless cookies contain cream cheese
When NOT to Use the Bread Trick:
Crispy cookies (will make them soggy)
Decorated cookies with icing
Cookies you want to stay crunchy
Pro Tip: For cookies that are already hard, the bread trick can actually soften them back up within 24 hours!
This simple technique has been used by home bakers for generations and is one of the most effective ways to maintain cookie freshness.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Now you know how to make the best banana bread cookies that perfectly capture the beloved flavors of traditional banana bread in a convenient, portable format. These soft banana cookies offer the ideal balance of sweetness, moisture, and rich banana flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, looking for a way to use up overripe bananas, or simply craving something comforting and delicious, these easy banana bread cookies deliver every single time. The recipe’s versatility means you can customize it to suit dietary needs or personal preferences while maintaining that signature banana bread taste.
Have you tried this banana bread cookies recipe yet? We’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and any creative variations you’ve tried in the comments below. Moreover, don’t forget to rate this recipe and share it with friends who love banana-flavored treats.
Pin this recipe for later and follow us for more delicious baking inspiration. Happy baking, and enjoy every bite of these incredible banana bread cookies!
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Easy Banana Bread Cookies Recipe – Soft & Chewy (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 24 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft and chewy banana bread cookies combine all the beloved flavors of traditional banana bread in a convenient cookie format. Made with overripe bananas, warm spices, and optional chocolate chips, they’re perfect for using up brown bananas and creating a delicious treat the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 3 large overripe bananas (about 1 cup mashed)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¾ cup mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, mash bananas with a fork, leaving some small lumps for texture.
- In a large bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar with electric mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Beat in egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Fold mashed bananas into butter mixture using a wooden spoon.
- In separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing 2 inches apart.
- Bake 12-15 minutes until edges are lightly golden but centers still look slightly underbaked.
- Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to wire rack.
Notes
For best flavor, use very ripe bananas with brown spots. Don’t overbake – cookies should look slightly underdone in centers for perfect soft texture. Store in airtight container for up to 1 week. Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: banana bread cookies, easy banana cookies, soft banana cookies, banana bread cookies recipe, overripe banana cookies, chocolate chip banana cookies
