If you love banana bread and cookies, why not combine the two? These Banana Bread Cookies are the perfect fusion of soft, chewy cookie texture and the warm, comforting flavors of classic banana bread. They’re easy to make, require simple ingredients, and are a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, they’re versatile enough to accommodate dietary preferences like gluten-free, vegan, or low-sugar diets.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the recipe step-by-step, share tips for perfect cookies, and answer all your burning questions in our FAQs. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a dessert to impress, or a way to use up overripe bananas, these cookies are the answer.
Ingredients for Banana Bread Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies:
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened) or coconut oil for a vegan option
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier alternative)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or a sugar substitute like monk fruit)
- 1 large egg (or a flax egg for vegan cookies)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (optional, for added texture)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- Mash the Bananas: In a small bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg (or flax egg) and vanilla extract. Then, mix in the mashed bananas until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Extras: If using, fold in the rolled oats, chopped walnuts, or chocolate chips.
- Scoop and Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
- Cookie Texture: For softer cookies, bake for 10 minutes. For crispier edges, bake for 12 minutes.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Vegan Option: Use coconut oil, a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water), and vegan chocolate chips.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Variations and Substitutions
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies
Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent twist.
Nutty Banana Bread Cookies
Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for added crunch.
Oatmeal Banana Bread Cookies
Add 1/2 cup of rolled oats to the dough for a heartier texture.
Low-Sugar Version
Replace the brown and granulated sugars with 1/2 cup of a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit.
Gluten-Free Version
Use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your oats are certified gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Thaw frozen bananas and drain any excess liquid before mashing them.
2. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the dough for up to 2 months.
3. How do I make these cookies vegan?
Use coconut oil instead of butter, a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and vegan chocolate chips if desired.
4. Can I skip the oats?
Yes, the oats are optional. Skip them if you prefer a smoother cookie texture.
5. Why are my cookies flat?
Flat cookies can result from overmixing the dough or using too much butter. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and mix the dough just until combined.
6. Can I add other mix-ins?
Absolutely! Try adding shredded coconut, dried fruit, or even a drizzle of peanut butter.
Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Cookies
These cookies are:
- Soft and Chewy: The perfect texture for cookie lovers.
- Naturally Sweetened: Thanks to ripe bananas, you can reduce the added sugar.
- Versatile: Customize them to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Kid-Friendly: A great way to sneak fruit into a treat.
These Banana Bread Cookies are the ultimate treat for banana bread enthusiasts and cookie lovers alike. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, meal prepping snacks, or simply satisfying a sweet craving, these cookies are sure to impress.
So, grab those overripe bananas and get baking! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag us—we’d love to see your delicious results.
Happy baking
