There’s something truly comforting about the aroma of ripe bananas wafting through the kitchen, especially when it transforms into soft and chewy cookies. One rainy afternoon, I decided to turn my overripe bananas into something delightful, resulting in these Perfect Banana Bread Cookies. Bursting with the rich flavors of cinnamon and vanilla, these treats are a delicious marriage of banana bread’s cozy essence and cookie convenience. Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack, a charming homemade gift, or a treat to enjoy with your favorite coffee, these cookies deliver on all fronts! Plus, they’re remarkably easy to whip up, making them an ideal solution for anyone tired of the same old fast food routine. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that promises to elevate your baking game!
Why Love This Perfect Banana Bread Cookies Recipe?
Indulge in the warm, nostalgic flavors that these cookies bring to your kitchen.
Easy to make: This soft and chewy cookie recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy days.
Flexible options: With potential substitutions, you can easily adapt for vegan or lower-sugar diets.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether for family, friends, or a cozy coffee date, these cookies will surely impress!
Versatile delights: Customize with chocolate chips or nuts to take these cookies to the next level.
Delicious aroma: Experience the delightful scent of bananas and cinnamon wafting through your home while they bake!
Perfect Banana Bread Cookies Recipe Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Ripe Bananas – Use bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness; can substitute part with monk fruit or stevia for a lower-sugar option.
• Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and a hint of molasses flavor.
• Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and texture; consider using dairy-free butter for a vegan version.
• Eggs – Acts as a binding agent to give structure to your cookies.
• All-Purpose Flour – Offers structure; substitute with almond flour for a nutty twist.
• Baking Soda & Baking Powder – Essential leavening agents that create a perfect rise.
• Cinnamon – Introduces warmth and depth; feel free to swap with nutmeg for an extra kick.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor journey of these perfect banana bread cookies.
For Optional Add-Ins
• Chocolate Chips – Mix in for an indulgent twist that satisfies your sweet tooth.
• Nuts – Add a delightful crunch and extra health benefits.
• Shredded Coconut – Offers a tropical flavor boost that complements the bananas beautifully.
How to Make Perfect Banana Bread Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an essential step, ensuring your cookies bake evenly and achieve that delightful golden color.
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Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl. Use a fork to break them down until they are smooth and creamy. This will be the natural sweetness that flavors your cookies!
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Mix in the softened unsalted butter until fully combined. The warmth from the butter will melt into the banana mixture, creating a rich base for these chewy cookies.
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Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir well until everything is combined into a smooth mixture—this is where the magic begins!
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Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl. Mixing your dry ingredients separately helps to ensure even distribution and a perfect rise.
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Combine the dry ingredients with the banana mixture. Gently stir until just incorporated; be careful not to overmix, as this will keep your cookies soft and chewy.
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Scoop the dough onto lined baking sheets using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon. Aim for even spacing, as they’ll spread a bit while baking.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. You want that soft, chewy texture, so don’t worry if they look a little wobbly—it’s all part of the charm!
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up just enough to hold their shape.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a delicious sweet-and-salty contrast.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Perfect Soft & Chewy Banana Bread Cookies?
Elevate your cookie experience by pairing these delightful treats with complementary flavors and textures that bring out their warm banana goodness.
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Freshly Brewed Coffee: The rich, bold flavor of coffee balances the sweetness of the cookies, creating a comforting afternoon treat.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a refreshing contrast to the chewy texture, making for a decadent dessert experience.
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Milk: Nothing beats the classic pairing of cold milk, enhancing the cookies’ softness while providing a nostalgic feel to each bite.
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Coconut Cream: Drizzling a bit of coconut cream brings a tropical twist that complements the banana flavor while adding a velvety smoothness.
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Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle on crushed walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that enhances the chewiness of the cookies—it’s a delightful contrast!
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Fruit Salad: A fresh medley of seasonal fruits offers a light, zesty addition to the cookies, balancing their richness and bringing vibrant colors to your plate.
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Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling warm chocolate sauce elevates these cookies to a whole new level of indulgence—perfect for dessert lovers!
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Tea: A warm cup of herbal or chai tea adds an aromatic dimension that complements the spices in the cookies and enhances relaxation.
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Caramel Sauce: A light drizzle of caramel sauce creates a sweet, gooey layer that pairs beautifully with the needlessly sweet banana cookie indulgence.
Each pairing enhances your enjoyment, creating a cozy atmosphere around these perfect banana bread cookies!
Perfect Banana Bread Cookie Variations
Feel free to explore these creative twists that will make your banana bread cookies uniquely yours!
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Vegan Version: Swap eggs for flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use dairy-free butter.
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Nutty Surprise: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the dough for a delightful crunch and rich flavor that complements the bananas.
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Chocolate Lovers: Fold in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips before baking for a luxurious treat that guarantees indulgence in every bite.
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Coconut Craze: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical flair that pairs beautifully with the banana, offering a subtle sweetness and chewy texture.
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Spiced Up: Experiment with adding ginger or nutmeg alongside cinnamon to create a warm and fragrant profile that elevates the flavor experience.
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PB&J Twist: Drop a spoonful of your favorite jam in the center of each cookie before baking, creating a delightful surprise with every bite.
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Oatmeal Boost: Stir in rolled oats for additional texture and heartiness, turning your cookies into a more filling snack option.
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Zesty Lemon: Add lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing twist that brightens up the flavor, enhancing the sweetness of the bananas.
Through these variations, your cookies will not only remain delicious, but they’ll also offer a new experience each time!
Make Ahead Options
These Perfect Soft & Chewy Banana Bread Cookies are fantastic for meal prep, making busy weeknights easier and more delicious! You can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 2 days (just cover it tightly with plastic wrap) or freeze it for up to 1 month—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before you’re ready to bake. To maintain their soft and chewy texture, be sure to scoop the dough onto the baking sheets and freeze the cookie balls, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time, and you’ll have fresh cookies that taste just as delightful as when they were made on the spot!
Expert Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Cookies
- Choose Ripe Bananas: The riper, the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for the sweetest and most flavorful cookies.
- Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine the dough to keep your cookies soft and chewy; overmixing can lead to a tough texture.
- Mind the Bake Time: Pull the cookies when they’re slightly underbaked in the center. They will firm up as they cool, resulting in the perfect banana bread cookies.
- Chill the Dough if Sticky: If the dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 20-30 minutes. This helps to prevent spreading during baking.
- Explore Customizations: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture in your banana bread cookies; the possibilities are delicious!
How to Store and Freeze Perfect Banana Bread Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft and chewy texture.
Fridge: If you prefer a chilled treat, keep them in the refrigerator for up to a week; just be sure they are covered to avoid drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy a warm cookie, reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds after thawing, preserving that delectable softness of these perfect banana bread cookies.
Perfect Banana Bread Cookies Recipe FAQs
What kind of bananas are best for this recipe?
Absolutely! The best bananas for these Perfect Banana Bread Cookies are very ripe ones, preferably with a good amount of brown spots. The overripe bananas are sweeter and provide the moisture needed for that soft and chewy texture.
How should I store the cookies once they’re baked?
You can store your delicious banana bread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep them longer, refrigerate them, and they will stay fresh for up to a week. Just ensure they’re well-sealed to prevent them from drying out!
Can I freeze these cookies, and if so, how?
Yes! For longer storage, you can freeze these cookies. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, where they can be kept for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature and reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds!
What do I do if my dough is too sticky?
No worries! If your cookie dough feels sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes. This will help firm it up, making it easier to scoop and shape without spreading too much while baking.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! You can make these Perfect Banana Bread Cookies vegan by substituting the unsalted butter with dairy-free butter or coconut oil and using a flax egg instead of a regular egg. To prepare a flax egg, simply mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This will help bind the ingredients together nicely!
Are there any common allergens in this recipe?
Yes, this recipe contains common allergens such as eggs and gluten due to the all-purpose flour. If you’re catering to someone with allergies, consider using a gluten-free flour blend and substituting eggs with applesauce or a flax egg to make it more inclusive!
Soft & Chewy Perfect Banana Bread Cookies Recipe You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mash the ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Mix in the softened unsalted butter until fully combined.
- Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract; stir until smooth.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt in a separate bowl.
- Combine the dry ingredients with the banana mixture; gently stir until just incorporated.
- Scoop the dough onto lined baking sheets, ensuring even spacing.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.