Banana Bread Cookies Recipe

If you adore the cozy flavors of banana bread but crave a fun, handheld twist, then you are absolutely going to fall in love with these Banana Bread Cookies. These delightful treats capture all the warmth and moisture of classic banana bread, but with a soft, chewy cookie texture. And let me tell you, the addition of a luscious cream cheese glaze on top takes these Banana Bread Cookies to a whole new level of indulgence. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these cookies bring comfort and joy bite after bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating Banana Bread Cookies that taste just like your favorite loaf, but more fun to eat. Each item plays a special role, from the all-purpose flour that forms the cookie’s base to the bananas that provide natural sweetness and moisture, and the cinnamon that adds a cozy spice note.

• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Fundamental for structure and a tender crumb.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and become delightfully soft.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Ground cinnamon (1/4 teaspoon): Adds that warm, inviting spice flavor.
• Unsalted butter, softened (1/2 cup): Brings richness and moisture for that perfect cookie texture.
• Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and helps create a light texture.
• Brown sugar, packed (1/4 cup): Adds depth of flavor and chewiness to the cookies.
• Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients together for a soft cookie.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with its sweet aroma.
• Mashed ripe bananas (3/4 cup): The star ingredient for authentic banana bread flavor and moistness.
• Chopped walnuts (1/2 cup, optional): Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty contrast.
• Cream cheese (4 oz, softened): For the irresistibly creamy glaze topping.
• Powdered sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
• Milk (1 tablespoon): Thins the glaze to a drizzle-able consistency.

How to Make Banana Bread Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. Meanwhile, mix the dry ingredients together — flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon — to make sure the spice and leavening agents are well distributed.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and homogenous. This step is crucial for that soft, chewy texture in your Banana Bread Cookies because it incorporates air into the dough.

Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Bananas

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract next, mixing until fully combined. Then stir in the mashed ripe bananas, which infuse the dough with natural sweetness and moisture that perfectly mimic classic banana bread.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Nuts

Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients to create a smooth dough without overmixing. If you love a little crunch in your Banana Bread Cookies, gently fold in the chopped walnuts here for wonderful texture and flavor contrast.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden color. Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Prepare and Add the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the cookies cool, whip together the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of vanilla extract until smooth and drizzle-able. Once cooled, generously drizzle or spread this glaze over your Banana Bread Cookies for that signature sweet finish.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies

Garnishes

To elevate your Banana Bread Cookies, consider a light dusting of cinnamon or a sprinkle of finely chopped walnuts on the glaze. A few banana chips or a touch of shredded coconut on top can also add delightful texture and visual appeal. These little touches make your cookies look irresistible and provide a taste hint of what’s inside.

Side Dishes

These cookies are wonderful on their own but pair beautifully with a hot beverage like freshly brewed coffee, a frothy latte, or a warm cup of chai tea. For a truly comforting snack, try them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream — the creamy contrast enhances the banana and cream cheese flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving these Banana Bread Cookies at a gathering, try stacking them in a jar tied with a ribbon for a charming gift or arranging them on a dessert platter garnished with fresh banana slices and mint leaves. You can also sandwich a small amount of cream cheese glaze between two cookies for an indulgent twist that guests will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover Banana Bread Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will stay fresh and soft for 3 to 4 days. Keeping them sealed helps maintain their tender crumb and prevents the glaze from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the baked and cooled Banana Bread Cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for a quick snack anytime you crave these flavorful treats.

Reheating

To enjoy your Banana Bread Cookies warm, reheat them gently in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This revives their soft texture and makes the cream cheese glaze slightly melty and extra luscious.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! The walnuts are optional and mainly add crunch, so feel free to omit them if you prefer nut-free treats or want a softer cookie texture.

What bananas are best for Banana Bread Cookies?

Use ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.

Can I substitute the cream cheese glaze?

Yes! If you want a simpler option, a quick dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey works well too. But the cream cheese glaze really adds that special touch.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Also, chilling the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking can help control spreading for thicker cookies.

Can Banana Bread Cookies be made vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with vegan margarine, use a flax egg in place of the large egg, and ensure the cream cheese glaze is made with dairy-free cream cheese alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Baking these Banana Bread Cookies is like wrapping yourself in a warm, cozy hug from your oven. With their soft texture, rich banana flavor, and that irresistible cream cheese glaze, they’re a treat you’ll want to make again and again. Whether for a snack, dessert, or a sweet gift, these cookies perfectly blend the best of banana bread into a cute little package. Go ahead and treat yourself — your kitchen will thank you!

Print