Name: Banana Bread Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium banana); 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Cookies Recipe

These cookies combine the beloved flavor of banana bread with the convenience of a cookie. They’re quick to prepare, made with simple pantry staples, and come out soft and moist every time. You can also customize them with chocolate chips, nuts, or spices to fit your taste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Ripe bananas
• All‑purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsalted butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Egg
• Vanilla extract
• Optional mix‑ins: chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or pecans

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas, then mix in the melted butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
Fold in any optional mix‑ins like chocolate chips or nuts.
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 24 cookies. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10–12 minutes to bake, so you can have a fresh batch ready in under 30 minutes.

Variations

• Add mini chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
• Mix in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunchy texture.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warm spice notes.
• Use whole wheat flour or reduce sugar for a slightly healthier version.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer and transfer to a freezer‑safe bag. To reheat, microwave a cookie for about 10 seconds to bring back that fresh‑baked softness.

FAQs

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use bananas that are heavily speckled or even turning black for the sweetest flavor.

Can I make these cookies gluten‑free?

Yes, substitute the all‑purpose flour with a gluten‑free baking blend that contains xanthan gum.

Do I need to chill the dough?

No, you can bake the cookies right after mixing; chilling isn’t necessary.

Can I add oats to the recipe?

Absolutely. Add a half cup of rolled oats for a heartier texture.

What’s the best way to mash the bananas?

Use a fork or potato masher; for smoother texture, a hand mixer works well.

Can I use brown butter instead of melted butter?

Yes, browning the butter adds a deeper, nuttier flavor.

Can I make these dairy‑free?

Yes, use a dairy‑free butter substitute and the cookies will still be delicious.

How do I prevent cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure not to overmix the dough and chill briefly if your kitchen is warm.

Can I use frozen bananas?

Frozen bananas aren’t recommended because they release too much moisture.

How long do these cookies stay fresh?

Stored properly, they stay soft for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cookies are a delightful twist on classic banana bread and a fantastic way to use up ripe bananas. With simple ingredients, quick prep, and endless customization options, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation.