Banana Bread Cookies
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe bananas
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
3. Add the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well combined.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
6. Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
7. Fold in the chopped walnuts, if using.
8. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown
20 FAQs About Banana Bread Cookies
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Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes—thaw them first, drain excess liquid, and mash well. -
Do the bananas need to be overripe?
Yes, the browner the peel, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. -
Can I replace the butter with oil?
Yes, but use slightly less oil (about 7 tablespoons) for a similar texture. -
Can I make these cookies without sugar?
You can reduce or substitute with honey, maple syrup, or a sugar alternative, but texture will change. -
What can I use instead of all-purpose flour?
Whole wheat flour works, though cookies will be denser. Gluten-free blends also work well. -
Can I make these egg-free?
Yes—replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water). -
Do I have to use walnuts?
No, they’re optional. You can use pecans, chocolate chips, or dried fruit instead. -
Can I make them vegan?
Yes—use vegan butter, a flax egg, and plant-based sugar. -
Why are my cookies flat?
Too much banana or butter can cause spreading; try chilling the dough before baking. -
Why are my cookies dry?
They might be overbaked—remove them when edges are just golden. -
Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely—½ cup of chocolate chips makes them extra indulgent. -
How do I store banana bread cookies?
Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for 5 days. -
Can I freeze the cookies?
Yes—store baked cookies in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. -
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes—scoop onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then store in a freezer bag. -
Can I double the recipe?
Yes—just keep baking time the same. -
Why do my cookies taste bland?
Make sure bananas are ripe and don’t skip the cinnamon or vanilla. -
Do these cookies taste like banana bread?
Yes—they’re soft, banana-flavored, and slightly spiced. -
Can I make them crispy?
Bake 1–2 minutes longer and use less banana for a firmer texture. -
Can I add oats to the dough?
Yes—replace ½ cup of flour with rolled oats for a chewier texture. -
Are these cookies healthy?
They’re healthier than most cookies due to banana’s natural sweetness, but they still contain sugar and butter.
20 Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Cookies
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Use spotty, overripe bananas for the sweetest flavor.
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Mash bananas until smooth for even texture—lumps will make uneven cookies.
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Cream butter and sugars well for a lighter cookie.
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Don’t overmix after adding flour—it makes cookies tough.
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Chill dough for 15–20 minutes if it feels too soft.
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Use a cookie scoop for evenly sized cookies.
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Line the baking sheet with parchment to prevent sticking.
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Keep cookies spaced apart—they spread slightly.
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Rotate the baking sheet halfway for even browning.
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Test bake one cookie first to check spread and texture.
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Add chocolate chips or nuts at the end to avoid overmixing.
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Sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon sugar on top before baking for extra flavor.
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Don’t overbake—cookies should be slightly soft in the center.
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Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.
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Store with a slice of bread in the container to keep cookies soft.
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Reheat in the microwave for 10 seconds for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.
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Make mini cookies by using a teaspoon scoop and baking for 7–8 minutes.
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Add a dash of nutmeg for a deeper banana bread flavor.
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Use toasted walnuts for a richer, nuttier taste.
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Try a cream cheese glaze for a bakery-style finish.