Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe smell of fresh cookies wafting through your kitchen can make any day feel special, but what if I told you they could also help you use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter? Enter my Chewy Banana Bread Cookies, a delightful twist that marries the beloved flavors of banana bread with the convenience of cookie form. Not only are these treats perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, but they’re also quick to whip up and customizable with your favorite add-ins. Whether you like a hint of chocolate or a crunch from nuts, there’s something for everyone. Ready to elevate your baking game and dive into a comforting homemade delight? Let’s get started! Why are Banana Bread Cookies a Must-Try? Irresistible flavor: These cookies bring the comforting essence of banana bread right into your hand-held treat. Quick and easy: With just a short prep time, you’ll have warm cookies ready in no time! Customizable goodness: Want to mix things up? Add mini chocolate chips or crunchy walnuts for a personalized touch. Versatile snacking: Perfect for breakfast, a midday pick-me-up, or a sweet dessert after dinner. Diet-friendly: Gluten-free options make this recipe inclusive for all. Try it with a blend that suits your diet! After enjoying these delightful cookies, you might want to check out our Chunky Monkey Banana or Peanut Butter Banana treats for more delicious ways to use those ripe bananas! Banana Bread Cookies Ingredients For the Cookies • Ripe Bananas – Use them when heavily speckled or black for the best moisture and flavor. • All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; substitute with a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free option. • Baking Soda – This leavening agent helps your cookies rise to perfection. • Baking Powder – Enhances the fluffiness, giving those cookies a light texture. • Salt – A little balance goes a long way in enhancing sweetness. • Butter – Adds richness and moisture; can be swapped with margarine or vegan butter for a dairy-free version. • Brown Sugar – Brings sweetness and moisture; coconut sugar can be a lovely alternative. • Egg – Binds your cookies beautifully; for a vegan option, use a flax egg. • Vanilla Extract – For that warm flavor; opt for pure extract for the best results. Optional Add-ins • Mini Chocolate Chips – For a sweet burst in every bite. • Chopped Walnuts – Adds a delicious crunch and extra flavor. • Nutmeg/Cloves – A pinch of spice can elevate the cookies’ taste for a warm feel. These Banana Bread Cookies embody the delightful comfort of banana bread, making them a must-try for any home chef! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Banana Bread Cookies Step 1: Preheat the Oven Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), allowing it to reach the perfect temperature for baking. Meanwhile, gather all your ingredients and have a large mixing bowl, a fork or potato masher, and a baking tray lined with parchment paper ready for use. This preparation sets the stage for your delicious Banana Bread Cookies. Step 2: Mash the Bananas In a large mixing bowl, use a fork or potato masher to mash your ripe bananas until smooth, though leaving some chunky bits can add texture. Aim for approximately 1 to 1.5 cups of mashed bananas; the more speckled and black they are, the sweeter your cookies will be. This will be the flavorful base of your cookie mix! Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar Next, add softened butter and brown sugar to the mashed bananas in the bowl. Using a hand mixer or a wooden spoon, cream the mixture together for about 2 to 3 minutes until it’s light and fluffy. This step is crucial as it incorporates air, giving your Banana Bread Cookies a delightful texture. Step 4: Mix in Egg and Vanilla Add in one egg and a teaspoon of vanilla extract to your banana-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is well combined, ensuring a smooth consistency. This will enhance the flavor and bind your dough, making sure every bite of your cookies is infused with that lovely banana bread essence. Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix should be combined thoroughly to ensure even distribution of leavening agents, which will help your cookies rise evenly in the oven. This is an essential step to achieve perfect Banana Bread Cookies. Step 6: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until everything is just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this could lead to tough cookies. You want a soft dough that feels slightly sticky but manageable. It’s time for your Banana Bread Cookies to come together! Step 7: Fold in Optional Add-ins If desired, gently fold in your chosen add-ins like mini chocolate chips or walnuts. This step allows you to customize your cookies according to your preference while adding fun textures and flavors to the classic banana bread taste. Be careful not to overmix, keeping every ingredient distinct. Step 8: Scoop the Dough Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking tray, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Aim for about 12 cookies per tray, allowing space for them to spread during baking. This ensures each of your Banana Bread Cookies has ample room to become perfectly chewy. Step 9: Bake the Cookies Place the baking tray in your preheated oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; the edges should turn lightly golden, while the centers will remain soft and slightly underbaked. This is the sweet spot for achieving that chewy, comforting texture! Step 10: Cool Down and Store Once baked, allow your Banana Bread Cookies to cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container at room temperature. These cookies can be enjoyed fresh or saved for later, capturing the essence of banana bread in every bite. What to Serve with Chewy Banana Bread Cookies Indulging in soft and chewy cookies is always a treat, but how can you elevate this delightful experience? Glass of Milk: Perfectly balances the sweetness, allowing you to savor the flavors of the cookies in each bite. Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layered with fruit and granola, it creates a deliciously refreshing contrast to the heaviness of the cookies. Rich Coffee: The warm, nutty aromas of coffee complement the banana flavor beautifully, making it an ideal pairing for breakfast or dessert. Vanilla Ice Cream: Enhances the cookie experience with a creamy, cold twist, especially delightful on a warm day. Chocolate Sauce Drizzle: Take your cookies up a notch by drizzling them with chocolate sauce for a decadent treat that’s irresistible. Fresh Fruit Salad: The lightness and acidity of seasonal fruits refresh your palate and balance the sweetness of the cookies wonderfully. Spiced Chai Tea: The rich spices in chai tea harmonize with the flavors of banana and offer a comforting, cozy touch to your snack time. Nutty Granola Bars: A crunchy and healthy sidekick that provides a satisfying contrast to the soft, chewy goodness of the cookies. Expert Tips for Banana Bread Cookies Overripe Bananas: Use bananas that are heavily speckled or black for optimal sweetness and flavor; fresher bananas may yield less flavorful cookies. No Chilling Needed: This dough is ready to bake immediately. Avoid chilling it to maintain that fresh-out-of-the-oven softness. Mix-ins Galore: Feel free to experiment! Incorporate rolled oats, chocolate chips, or nuts for custom Banana Bread Cookies that suit your taste. Watch the Bake Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake. You want lightly golden edges, but a soft center adds to the chewy goodness. Storage Tips: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to three days or freeze unbaked dough for fresh cookies anytime; just add a minute or two to baking time when frozen. Make Ahead Options These Banana Bread Cookies are great for meal prep and can save you time during busy weeks! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the ingredients as instructed and then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. This helps maintain the dough’s freshness and flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy, scoop the chilled dough onto your baking tray and bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the bake time if needed. Enjoy the warmth of fresh-baked Banana Bread Cookies while still having the convenience of advance preparation! How to Store and Freeze Banana Bread Cookies Room Temperature: Store your Banana Bread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delicious softness. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies wrapped individually in plastic wrap or in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Unbaked Dough: Make-ahead by freezing unbaked dough; scoop onto a tray and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag, and bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the bake time. Reheating: To warm cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or enjoy at room temperature for the best chewy texture! Banana Bread Cookies Variations & Substitutions Feel free to let your creativity shine as you customize these cookies to suit your taste buds and dietary needs! Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend for a delightful version that everyone can enjoy. You’ll still get that wonderful chewy texture! Dairy-Free: Swap butter for vegan butter or margarine to create a delicious dairy-free version. You won’t miss the creaminess at all! Healthier Oats: Mix in half a cup of rolled oats for added chewiness and fiber. This makes for a heartier cookie that everyone will love—breakfast just got a whole lot better! Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for a warm, aromatic twist. The spices will elevate your cookies and make your kitchen smell absolutely divine. Nutty Goodness: Fold in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for an irresistible crunch. They add texture and pair beautifully with the soft cookie base. Chocolate Delight: Toss in mini chocolate chips for a sweet burst of chocolatey goodness in every bite. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream come true! Dried Fruit Surprise: Consider adding dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates for an unexpected sweetness. They bring delightful chewiness and a delightful contrast to the rich banana flavor. Double Flavor Action: Create a half-batch with different mix-ins, like switching between peanut butter or almond butter. This way, you get to enjoy a variety of flavors in one baking session! After these tasty variations, don’t forget to check out our Cosmic Brownie Cookies for more delightful treats or whip up some Peanut Butter Banana bites for an ideal snack option! Banana Bread Cookies Recipe FAQs What kind of bananas should I use for the best flavor? Absolutely! For maximum sweetness and flavor, use bananas that are heavily speckled or even black. This ripeness ensures the cookies are moist and delicious. Aim for about 1 to 1.5 cups of mashed bananas to preserve that beloved banana bread essence. How should I store Banana Bread Cookies to keep them fresh? Store your Banana Bread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For best results, place a piece of parchment paper between layers if stacking, to prevent them from becoming too soft. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option! Can I freeze the dough for Banana Bread Cookies? Yes, you can! To freeze unbaked dough, scoop the cookie portions onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once firm, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months, and you can bake them directly from frozen; just add a couple of minutes to your bake time. What if my cookies turn out too dry or tough? If your Banana Bread Cookies come out dry or tough, this could mean the dough was overmixed or the flour was packed too tightly. To prevent this, mix your wet and dry ingredients until just combined—stirring too much can develop gluten, leading to denser cookies. Always use ripe bananas for moisture! Are Banana Bread Cookies suitable for gluten-free diets? Very! You can easily make these cookies gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum for stability. Many blends work well, just check the packaging for the best results. Can pets eat any part of these cookies? While the ingredients of Banana Bread Cookies like bananas and oats are generally safe for dogs, it’s best to avoid sharing cookies containing chocolate, as it’s toxic to pets. Always prioritize your pet’s safety and stick to specially formulated treats made for them! Irresistible Banana Bread Cookies – Soft, Chewy, & Customizable These Banana Bread Cookies combine the beloved flavors of banana bread with the convenience of cookies, making them a must-try treat. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes minsCooling Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 37 minutes mins Servings: 12 cookiesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 150 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Cookies3 medium Ripe Bananas Heavily speckled or black for best moisture and flavor2 cups All-Purpose Flour Substitute with gluten-free blend for gluten-free option1 teaspoon Baking Soda Leavening agent1 teaspoon Baking Powder Enhances fluffiness1/2 teaspoon Salt Enhances sweetness1/2 cup Butter Can be swapped for margarine or vegan butter1 cup Brown Sugar Coconut sugar is a lovely alternative1 large Egg For a vegan option, use a flax egg1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract Opt for pure extract for the best resultsOptional Add-ins1/2 cup Mini Chocolate Chips For a sweet burst1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts Adds crunch and flavor1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg or Cloves For a pinch of warm spice Equipment Mixing bowlFork or Potato MasherBaking TrayParchment paperhand mixer or wooden spoon Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Banana Bread CookiesPreheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your baking tray with parchment paper.In a bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth, keeping some texture.Cream softened butter and brown sugar with the mashed bananas for about 2–3 minutes.Mix in one egg and vanilla extract until well combined.In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently.Fold in optional add-ins like chocolate chips or walnuts.Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking tray, about 2 inches apart.Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers are soft.Cool on the tray for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Nutrition Serving: 1cookieCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 50mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 0.5mg NotesThese cookies can be enjoyed fresh or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Optional add-ins are encouraged to customize your cookies to your liking. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!