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.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 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)
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 40g)
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: banana bread cookies, cream cheese glaze, walnut cookies, cinnamon cookies, easy baked treats
