Banana Bread Cookies Recipe: How to Make the Perfect Chewy Treat

If you’ve ever found yourself torn between baking banana bread and making cookies, you’re not alone. But what if you could have both in one irresistibly chewy bite? Enter: Banana Bread Cookies — the perfect fusion of two comfort food favorites. Packed with banana flavor, warm spices, and a soft, chewy center, these cookies are the ultimate treat for dessert lovers and banana bread fans alike.

Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Cookies Recipe

• ✅ Soft and chewy: Just like the inside of a perfect banana bread loaf.
• ✅ Quick to make: No need to wait for a loaf to bake—these cookies are ready in under 30 minutes.
• ✅ One-bowl recipe: Easy cleanup and beginner-friendly.
• ✅ Versatile: Customize with nuts, chocolate chips, oats, or spices.

Ingredients for Banana Bread Cookies

You likely have most of these pantry staples on hand:

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 ripe banana, mashed (about ½ cup)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• (Optional: ¼ tsp nutmeg for extra warmth)

Optional Add-ins:

• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ½ cup chocolate chips or white chocolate chips
• ¼ cup rolled oats for a hearty texture

Step-by-Step: How to Make Banana Bread Cookies

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

2. Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). This step adds air to your dough and helps create that chewy texture.

3. Add Egg, Banana, and Vanilla

Mix in the mashed banana, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined. The banana not only brings flavor but also acts as a natural sweetener and moisture booster.

4. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

5. Mix Wet and Dry

Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix—this can make your cookies dense.

6. Fold in Add-Ins (Optional)

Now’s the time to gently fold in any extras like nuts, chocolate chips, or oats for added texture and flavor.

7. Scoop the Dough

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough into 1.5-inch rounds. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.

8. Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underdone—this is key for a chewy center!

9. Cool

Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Cookies

• Use overripe bananas: The blacker the banana peel, the better the flavor and texture.
• Room temp ingredients: This helps everything mix smoothly.
• Don’t overbake: Chewy cookies require a slightly soft center when pulled from the oven.
• Chill the dough (optional): If you prefer a thicker cookie, chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking.

Variations to Try

🍫 Chocolate Banana Cookies

Swap out the cinnamon for cocoa powder and toss in chocolate chips for a double-chocolate banana delight.

🥥 Coconut Banana Cookies

Add ¼ cup of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.

🥜 Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

Swirl in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter and top with chopped peanuts for that Elvis-approved combo.

How to Store Banana Bread Cookies

• Room Temp: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Fridge: Keeps well chilled for up to 1 week (just let them come to room temp before serving).
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight or warm in the microwave for 10 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply replace all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.

❓Can I use frozen bananas?

Absolutely. Just thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before mashing and adding to the recipe.

❓Can I use oil instead of butter?

You can use ½ cup of neutral oil like canola or coconut oil, but keep in mind the texture may be slightly less chewy.

Why Banana Bread Cookies Are Worth Trying

If you love banana bread but want something snackable, portioned, and a little faster to make, banana bread cookies are your answer. They’re the best of both worlds: soft like a muffin top, chewy like a cookie, and rich in banana flavor. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable to match your cravings.

Whether you’re baking for your family, preparing for a party, or using up those overripe bananas on your counter, this banana bread cookies recipe is a must-try.

Final Thoughts

So the next time you’re in the mood for a comforting homemade dessert, skip the loaf pan and grab your cookie sheet. This banana bread cookies recipe will hit the spot every time—warm, chewy, full of flavor, and done in a flash.

🍌 Now go grab those ripe bananas and get baking!