Banana Bread Cookies Recipe – Soft, Chewy, and Packed with Flavor
Banana bread is a timeless comfort food, but what if you could enjoy all its sweet, moist goodness in the form of cookies? 🍌🍪 That’s exactly what this Banana Bread Cookies recipe delivers—soft, chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cookies that bring together the best of both worlds. Perfect for breakfast treats, afternoon snacks, or dessert, these cookies are quick to make, deliciously versatile, and an instant family favorite.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover not only the recipe itself but also professional chef insights, health benefits, nutrition facts, storage tips, and answers to the most common questions about baking with bananas. Let’s dive into this flavorful adventure!
Why Banana Bread Cookies Are a Must-Try
If you love banana bread, these cookies will quickly become your new go-to. They’re:
- Quick & Easy – Just one bowl for wet ingredients and one for dry. 🥄
- Kid-Friendly – A fun and healthier sweet treat for little ones.
- Customizable – Add chocolate chips, nuts, or spices for endless variations.
- Perfectly Portable – Great for lunchboxes, picnics, and road trips.
- Budget-Friendly – Uses just one ripe banana and simple pantry staples.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple, requiring only a handful of ingredients you likely already have at home:
- 1 ripe banana 🍌
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, pecans, shredded coconut, or cinnamon for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick.
2. Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth. Stir in the granulated sugar and melted butter until well combined.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
4. Combine and Form the Dough
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain tenderness.
5. Shape the Cookies
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until edges are golden brown and tops are set. Be careful not to overbake.
7. Cool and Serve
Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Chef Tips for the Best Banana Bread Cookies
Chef Gordon Ramsay: “The key to any banana dessert is using overripe bananas. That extra sweetness and flavor depth makes all the difference.”
Ina Garten: “Don’t skimp on the butter—melted butter adds richness and keeps the cookies soft. A pinch of cinnamon can also take these cookies up a notch.”
Bobby Flay: “I like to add toasted pecans for a bit of crunch. Texture contrast is everything in cookies.”
Ree Drummond: “These cookies are perfect for kids. I often add mini chocolate chips and pack them in school lunches.”
Health Benefits of Banana Bread Cookies
While these cookies are a sweet treat, they come with a few nutritional perks thanks to the star ingredient—bananas:
- Bananas are rich in potassium, fiber, and natural sweetness.
- Butter provides healthy fats in moderation, supporting energy and flavor.
- Flour offers carbohydrates for quick energy.
Nutrition Facts Table
| Serving Size (1 cookie) | Calories | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Fiber (g) | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Cookie | 95 | 14 | 1.5 | 4 | 1 | Quick energy, potassium boost, sweet but lighter than traditional cookies 🍪 |
Safety & Storage Tips
- Always use ripe (but not spoiled) bananas for maximum sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
- Avoid refrigerating, as this may dry them out.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes, but expect a denser texture. Try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose for balance.
2. Can I reduce the sugar?
Absolutely. Bananas add natural sweetness, so you can cut the sugar by 25–30% without losing flavor.
3. Can I make these cookies vegan?
Yes! Substitute melted butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
4. Can I add eggs to make them richer?
Yes, adding one egg will give the cookies more structure and chewiness.
5. How do I know my bananas are ripe enough?
Look for bananas with brown spots and a strong aroma. The riper, the better.
6. Can I add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg?
Definitely! A teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg enhances the banana bread flavor.
7. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before baking.
8. How do I keep my cookies soft?
Store them with a slice of bread in the container. The bread will keep them moist.
9. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, it doubles easily without adjustments.
10. Can I turn this into a banana bread bar recipe?
Yes! Spread the dough into a baking pan and bake for 20–25 minutes. Slice into bars once cooled.
Related Articles from FreshTonerHungar
- Healthy Cookie Recipes You’ll Love
- Easy Banana Recipes for Every Occasion
- Kid-Friendly Snacks for School and Home
- Quick Desserts to Make in Under 30 Minutes
Final Thoughts
Banana Bread Cookies are the perfect fusion of comfort and convenience. 🍌 Whether you enjoy them as a quick breakfast bite, an after-school snack, or a late-night sweet fix, these cookies are sure to impress. With simple ingredients, endless customization options, and the nostalgic flavor of banana bread, they’re bound to become a household staple.
So grab that ripe banana on your counter and whip up a batch today—your taste buds will thank you! 😋
