Name: Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 small bananas); 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

If you adore the warm, comforting flavors of classic banana bread but want a fun twist to share with friends and family, these Banana Bread Cookies are a must-try. They capture all the rich, moist goodness of banana bread in a delightful, handheld cookie form, perfectly soft with a hint of cinnamon and an irresistible cream cheese glaze to top it all off. Whether you crave a sweet snack, a unique dessert, or a charming treat for your next gathering, these cookies bring cozy nostalgia with every bite.

Banana Bread Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and moisture that make Banana Bread Cookies truly special.

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base to give the cookies their tender structure.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough, keeping them soft and fluffy.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors, preventing the sweetness from becoming flat.
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice notes reminiscent of classic banana bread.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough with a clean, bright flavor.
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: Brings a deep molasses note and helps keep the cookies moist.
1 large egg: Binds everything together while adding extra moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brightens the overall flavor with its fragrant aroma.
3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 small bananas): The star ingredient, providing that unmistakable banana bread taste and natural sweetness.
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty contrast for texture lovers.
Cream Cheese Glaze: 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon milk, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract — elevates the cookies with creamy sweetness and a tangy finish.

How to Make Banana Bread Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon — this ensures the spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed throughout your cookie batter.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This step incorporates air that later helps create a tender cookie crumb, and the blend of sugars introduces both sweetness and moisture.

Step 3: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Bananas

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until combined. Then stir in the mashed bananas — make sure they’re ripe for the best flavor and moisture content. The bananas are the heart of these cookies, giving them that signature moist texture and a wonderful natural sweetness.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the bowl of dry ingredients to your wet banana mixture, stirring just until everything comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. If you love a bit of crunch, gently fold in the chopped walnuts at this point for a delightful contrast.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them approximately two inches apart to allow for gentle spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges just start to turn a lovely golden brown. A brief cooling period on the sheet ensures your cookies don’t break when you transfer them to a wire rack.

Step 6: Prepare and Add the Cream Cheese Glaze

While your cookies cool completely, beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle-able. Once the cookies are cooled, generously drizzle or spread the glaze over the tops, adding a tangy and creamy layer that takes these Banana Bread Cookies to the next level.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies

Garnishes

To amp up the presentation, sprinkle a few chopped walnuts or a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the glaze. Fresh banana slices or a tiny mint leaf can also add a fresh pop of color and visual appeal, making these cookies irresistible at any gathering.

Side Dishes

Banana Bread Cookies pair wonderfully with a cozy cup of coffee, chai tea, or even a cold glass of milk. For an indulgent brunch, serve them alongside a creamy yogurt parfait or a fresh fruit salad to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Banana Bread Cookies on a rustic wooden board with clusters of nuts and mini banana slices scattered around. For parties, package them in clear cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for charming edible gifts that showcase your baking skills and warmth.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Banana Bread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their softness and the fresh cream cheese glaze texture. If the kitchen is warm, a cool spot helps preserve their perfect bite.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. To freeze glazed cookies, it’s best to wait until the glaze is fully set, then freeze quickly to avoid sogginess.

Reheating

Thaw frozen Banana Bread Cookies at room temperature and warm briefly in a low oven (about 300°F/150°C) for 5-7 minutes to revive their fresh-from-the-oven softness and enhance the flavor of the glaze.

FAQs

Can I use overripe bananas for Banana Bread Cookies?

Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are best because they are sweeter and easier to mash, which boosts the flavor and moisture of your cookies.

Are Banana Bread Cookies suitable for nut allergies?

Yes, simply omit the walnuts or substitute with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for some crunch without nuts. The cookies still taste amazing on their own.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Definitely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture, and the cookies will turn out just as delightful.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The edges should look lightly golden while the centers remain soft. They will firm up as they cool, so avoid overbaking to keep them tender and moist.

Is the cream cheese glaze necessary?

While the cookies are delicious on their own, the cream cheese glaze adds a wonderful tangy sweetness that complements the banana flavor perfectly. It’s definitely worth the extra step!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Banana Bread Cookies enough — they are such a fun, comforting upgrade to traditional banana bread and so easy to whip up whenever you’re craving something sweet and satisfying. Share them with friends, savor with a cup of tea, or enjoy as a daily treat. Once you try these, Banana Bread Cookies will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes!

Banana Bread Cookies Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 23 reviews

Author: Victor
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 18 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Banana Bread Cookies combine the moist richness of classic banana bread with the convenient, handheld fun of cookies. Enhanced with warm cinnamon and optional crunchy walnuts, topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze, they make a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for later incorporation.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugars until they are fully combined and smooth.
Incorporate Bananas: Mix in the mashed ripe bananas until evenly distributed throughout the batter, adding moisture and natural sweetness.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which keeps cookies tender.
Add Walnuts (Optional): If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts for added texture and nutty flavor.
Scoop Dough: Drop heaping tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are set.
Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely to avoid breakage.
Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until you achieve a smooth and drizzle-able glaze.
Decorate Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze over the tops of each cookie to add a sweet and tangy finish.
Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy these delightful banana bread cookies fresh, perfect with a cup of tea or coffee.

Notes

Allow cookies to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting.
Chopped walnuts are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
Mashed bananas should be ripe for best flavor and moisture.
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
This recipe can be doubled easily for larger batches.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American