Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Cookies

Banana bread cookies combine the soft, comforting flavors of banana bread with the portable, snackable joy of cookies. These treats are ideal for breakfast on the go, afternoon snacks, or a sweet ending to your day. With the richness of ripe bananas, the warmth of cinnamon, and the comforting chew of oats (optional), banana bread cookies are a delightful twist on two classics. Whether you’re trying to use up ripe bananas or just craving something sweet and homey, this recipe is a must-try.

These cookies have a soft center, lightly crisped edges, and a burst of banana flavor in every bite. Plus, they’re customizable with or without chocolate chips, walnuts, or even a dash of nutmeg.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make perfect banana bread cookies at home.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons banana bread cookies will become your new go-to recipe. First, they’re an excellent way to use up overripe bananas. Second, they’re incredibly simple—no fancy equipment or ingredients needed. And most importantly, they taste amazing: soft, flavorful, and satisfying without being overly sweet.

These cookies:

• Are soft, chewy, and comforting
• Use common pantry ingredients
• Are perfect for lunchboxes, snacks, or dessert
• Can be made in under 30 minutes
• Are freezer-friendly and great for meal prep
• Are customizable with your favorite add-ins

Whether you’re baking for your family, a party, or just yourself, banana bread cookies offer a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and convenience.

🥣 What You Need to Make Banana Bread Cookies ?

Before we dive into the step-by-step guide, let’s take a look at the simple ingredients that make these cookies so irresistibly good.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 cup rolled oats (optional for texture)
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (optional but highly recommended)

🧁 How to Make Banana Bread Cookies Step-by-Step Directions ?

Making banana bread cookies is just as easy as mixing up traditional cookies. Follow these simple steps to get the best results.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This ensures the cookies don’t stick and makes cleanup easier.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This process incorporates air, which makes your cookies softer and fluffier.

Step 3: Add Bananas, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The mixture may look slightly curdled, but that’s okay—everything will come together once the dry ingredients are added.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Don’t overmix, or your cookies may turn out tough.

Step 5: Fold in Oats, Nuts, and Chips

Gently stir in the rolled oats, nuts, and chocolate chips if you’re using them. These additions give your cookies extra texture and flavor.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. They will continue to firm up as they cool.

🔄 Variations

Banana bread cookies are incredibly versatile, and you can adapt them based on your preferences or what you have on hand. For a healthier twist, swap out half the butter with Greek yogurt or applesauce. This will reduce fat and add moisture without sacrificing texture.

If you prefer gluten-free cookies, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also omit oats if desired or use quick oats for a finer texture.

Want to add more warmth? Increase the amount of cinnamon or add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom. For those who love banana-nut flavor, chopped pecans, walnuts, or even hazelnuts work beautifully.

Chocolate lovers can go wild—add mini chocolate chips, dark chocolate chunks, or even a drizzle of melted chocolate on top once the cookies cool.

Add 1/4 cup shredded coconut for a tropical feel or fold in 1 tbsp of chia or flax seeds for a nutritional boost.

For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies with cream cheese frosting or Nutella. These cookies are a blank canvas for creativity, so feel free to experiment!

🍳 Cooking Notes

Getting the perfect banana bread cookie requires a few key pointers. First, use very ripe bananas—those with plenty of brown spots. They’re sweeter, softer, and more flavorful, which contributes to the ideal cookie texture.

Second, don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added. Overworking the dough can lead to dense, rubbery cookies. Stir just until everything is combined.

If you like firmer cookies, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This step helps control spreading and gives the cookies a more structured shape. On the other hand, if you love soft, cake-like cookies, bake the dough immediately.

Using a cookie scoop ensures even portions and uniform baking. Also, for slightly crisp edges, flatten the dough slightly before baking.

If using oats, keep in mind that rolled oats add more chewiness, while quick oats give a finer texture. Choose according to your preference.

Bake one tray at a time in the center of the oven for even heat distribution. And finally, allow cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes—this helps them set without crumbling.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Banana bread cookies are perfect for so many occasions. Serve them warm from the oven with a glass of cold milk or almond milk for a comforting treat. They’re excellent as a quick breakfast-on-the-go—especially when made with oats and nuts.

Add them to a brunch spread alongside muffins, fruit, and coffee for a homemade touch. You can also pack them in lunchboxes for kids or grown-ups.

For a dessert twist, sandwich them with vanilla ice cream or a smear of peanut butter. Serve with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar to elevate them for dinner parties or gatherings.

They pair wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa during cooler months. And if you make a big batch, freeze half for future cravings. Just pop one in the microwave for a few seconds, and it tastes freshly baked again!

💡 Helpful Tips

Here are some essential tips to make your banana bread cookies turn out amazing every time:

• Use very ripe bananas: The darker, the better. Overripe bananas add sweetness and moisture.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing leads to tough cookies. Mix just until combined.
• Chill the dough if you want thicker cookies: This prevents spreading too much during baking.
• Use parchment paper or silicone mats: This helps avoid sticking and promotes even baking.
• Add mix-ins last: Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or oats gently at the end.
• Test for doneness: The edges should be golden, and the centers should look just set.
• Cool before transferring: Let cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes to firm up.
• Double the batch: These freeze well, so consider making extra for later.
• Add spices like cloves or cardamom to elevate the flavor.
• Use a cookie scoop for even sizes, ensuring consistent baking results.

Follow these guidelines, and your banana bread cookies will consistently turn out deliciously soft, flavorful, and impossible to resist.

🏆 Tips for the Best Banana Bread Cookies

To ensure your banana bread cookies are the best ever, start with the ripest bananas possible. Their natural sugars will give your cookies that rich, banana-forward taste. Use real butter instead of margarine for better flavor and texture.

Don’t skip the spices—cinnamon and nutmeg are key to achieving that banana bread warmth in cookie form. If you’re adding chocolate chips or nuts, toast the nuts first for a deeper flavor profile.

Want bakery-style cookies? Let the dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before baking—it intensifies the flavor and improves texture. Finally, store leftovers in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft for days.

⏱️ Timing Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10–12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes

🧾 Nutritional Information (per cookie – approx.)

• Calories: 140
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 95mg

Note: Exact values may vary based on mix-ins and portion sizes.

❓ FAQs

Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and certified gluten-free oats if using.

Q: Can I freeze banana bread cookies?
A: Absolutely. Freeze baked cookies in a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Q: How do I store them?
A: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4–5 days.

Q: Can I use coconut oil instead of butter?
A: Yes, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Use the same amount.

Q: Can I omit the eggs?
A: Yes. Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) for an egg-free version.

🎉 Conclusion

Banana bread cookies are the perfect fusion of two beloved treats. They bring together the nostalgic, sweet flavor of banana bread and the fun, snackable nature of cookies. Whether you’re using them to reduce food waste or just want a comforting, homemade dessert, these cookies are bound to become a household favorite.

Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and freezer-friendly, they’re the ideal solution for busy families, last-minute guests, or solo indulgence.

With this comprehensive guide, you’re more than ready to bake the best banana bread cookies of your life soft, chewy, and bursting with banana goodness.