Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
If you adore the comforting aroma and rich flavor of banana bread but are craving a delightful twist, these Banana Bread Cookies are going to become your new obsession. These soft, tender cookies capture all the best parts of classic banana bread in a fun, bite-sized form, perfectly complemented by a luscious cream cheese glaze that adds a touch of tangy sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cookies bring warmth and coziness to any day with every single bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, the ingredients for these Banana Bread Cookies work together to create a perfect balance of flavor and texture. The ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture, while the cinnamon and walnuts add depth and a satisfying crunch.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure and the perfect tender crumb for the cookies.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise slightly, keeping them light and fluffy.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors, ensuring nothing tastes flat.
- Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Adds warm, inviting spice that complements the banana beautifully.
- Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Creates richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Brings sweetness and helps with the slight crispness on the cookie edges.
- Brown sugar, packed (1/4 cup): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor for that classic banana bread taste.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds tenderness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all flavors and adds a lovely aroma.
- Mashed ripe bananas (3/4 cup): The star ingredient, packed with natural sweetness and moisture.
- Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): For crunch and a buttery nutty note that pairs beautifully with banana.
- Cream cheese, softened (4 oz): The base for the glaze that adds tang and creaminess.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and smooths out the glaze.
- Milk (1 tablespoon): Helps achieve the perfect drizzle consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Adds extra depth to the glaze’s flavor.
How to Make Banana Bread Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures even distribution of your leavening agent and spices, which means uniform flavor in every cookie.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins—the creamed butter and sugars trap air that gives your cookies a tender, soft texture with just a little crisp on the edges.
Step 3: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Bananas
Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, beating until everything is well combined. Then fold in the mashed ripe bananas — they bring moisture and natural sweetness that is essential for the banana bread taste you’re aiming for.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and soft. If you’re including walnuts, fold them in now to add a delightful crunch in every bite.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake the Cookies
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack so they cool completely without losing their softness.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze
While your cookies cool, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the glaze reaches a smooth and drizzle-able consistency. This glaze will add a rich tang that perfectly balances the sweetness of the cookies.
Step 7: Glaze and Enjoy
Once your Banana Bread Cookies are completely cool, generously drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze on top. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes, and then get ready to enjoy this incredible twist on a classic favorite.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies
Garnishes
To elevate your Banana Bread Cookies even more, sprinkle a few chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the cream cheese glaze. This adds a little texture and enhances the cozy flavors, making every bite even more memorable and visually inviting.
Side Dishes
These cookies are perfect as a sweet accompaniment to a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. For an afternoon treat, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to really bring out the creamy notes in both the cookie and glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking of impressing guests? Arrange the Banana Bread Cookies on a rustic wooden board garnished with banana slices, crushed walnuts, and cinnamon sticks. Alternatively, layer them with cream or jam to turn them into decadent cookie sandwiches that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Banana Bread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This will preserve their soft texture and keep the cream cheese glaze fresh and delicious.
Freezing
If you want to keep your cookies longer, freeze them without the glaze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a ziplock bag or airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to two months. Simply thaw before glazing to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. Reheat only the cookies if frozen, then add fresh glaze for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for these Banana Bread Cookies?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually perfect for this recipe because they’re sweeter and mash more easily, contributing to that rich banana flavor and moist texture that makes these cookies so irresistible.
Are these Banana Bread Cookies gluten-free?
This recipe uses all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend to adapt it. Just keep in mind this might slightly change the texture, so tweaking the amount of flour could be necessary.
Can I omit the walnuts or substitute them?
Yes, the walnuts are optional and can be left out or replaced with pecans, chocolate chips, or even dried fruit like raisins for a different twist that still adds texture and flavor.
Is the cream cheese glaze necessary?
The cream cheese glaze takes these cookies from great to spectacular by adding a tangy sweetness that balances the banana flavor. While technically optional, it’s highly recommended for the full Banana Bread Cookies experience.
How long do Banana Bread Cookies stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies stay fresh for about three days. If you want to extend their shelf life, freezing is the best option.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something so comforting and joyful about Banana Bread Cookies that it’s impossible not to smile with every bite. Whether you’re baking a simple afternoon snack or looking to impress friends and family, I hope you give this recipe a try and make these cookies a beloved part of your kitchen repertoire. They’re warm, flavorful, and absolutely addictive in the best way possible!
Print
Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze bring together the moist, sweet flavor of classic banana bread in a perfectly soft cookie form. Enhanced by a tangy cream cheese glaze, they are an irresistible treat perfect for snack time or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 small bananas)
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This ensures even distribution of leavening and spice.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated, creating a smooth batter base.
- Incorporate Bananas: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas until evenly distributed, which adds moisture and natural sweetness to the dough.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to avoid overmixing and tough cookies. If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts at this stage.
- Portion Dough: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Cool Completely: Transfer cookies to a wire rack and allow them to cool completely before applying the glaze, ensuring the glaze doesn’t melt or slide off.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract while mixing, until the glaze is smooth, thick, and drizzle-able.
- Glaze the Cookies: Once cookies are fully cooled, drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze over each cookie evenly for a delicious finishing touch.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze are ready to serve. Enjoy them fresh, or store in an airtight container for later.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 cookies
- For softer cookies, underbake slightly and let cool on the baking sheet.
- Walnuts are optional; feel free to omit or substitute with chocolate chips for variation.
- The cream cheese glaze adds a nice tangy sweetness, but cookies can be enjoyed plain or dusted with powdered sugar.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to keep glaze fresh longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approximate)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 110 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Banana bread cookies, cream cheese glaze cookies, soft banana cookies, easy cookie recipe, baked banana treats
