If you ever find yourself with ripe bananas and a craving for something sweet, this Banana Cookies Recipe is just the ticket to satisfy your taste buds. These soft, cake-like cookies blend the natural sweetness of bananas with warm spices and a tender crumb that simply melts in your mouth. Whether you enjoy them plain, with a drizzle of glaze, or loaded with chocolate chips or nuts, these banana cookies will quickly become your go-to treat for any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Banana Cookies Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a moist, flavorful cookie. Each ingredient plays a key role: butter for richness, bananas for natural sweetness and moisture, and spices to add warmth and depth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides a creamy base that keeps cookies tender and rich.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning for that lovely golden edge.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a fragrant sweetness.
- 1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 medium bananas): Gives the cookies their moist, soft texture and natural sweetness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that holds everything in shape.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Assists with the tender crumb and gentle lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, cozy spice perfect for banana desserts.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle hint of nutty spice for depth.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional): For added texture and bursts of flavor if desired.
How to Make Banana Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
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, setting the stage for perfectly shaped treats.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential—it aerates the dough and creates that lovely tender texture in your final cookie.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas until everything is well combined. The bananas add moisture and sweetness, making each bite irresistibly soft and flavorful.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing the spices with the flour ensures an even distribution of the warm flavors throughout your cookie dough.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring gently until fully incorporated. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender. If you’re adding walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now for extra texture and deliciousness.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart since they will spread slightly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers have set but remain soft.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up just the right amount while staying tender inside.
How to Serve Banana Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To make these banana cookies even more special, consider a light drizzle of vanilla glaze or a smear of cream cheese frosting. A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon on top before serving can also elevate their presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of morning coffee, a mug of hot tea, or a cold glass of milk. For a cozy dessert, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or a bowl of fresh berries for a delightful contrast in texture and temperature.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Banana Cookies into a charming gift by packing them in a decorative tin or wrapping a stack with twine and a sprig of fresh mint. For parties, arrange them on a platter with fresh fruit and edible flowers to create a visually stunning dessert display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover banana cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for a quick snack anytime.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, they freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat cookies in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. They’ll regain their soft, moist texture like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect because they are sweeter and easier to mash, which enhances the flavor and moistness of the cookies.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?
You can, but keep in mind whole wheat flour will make the cookies denser and impart a nuttier flavor. You might want to use a blend of whole wheat and all-purpose flour to keep the texture light.
Are these Banana Cookies Recipe safe for vegetarians?
Yes, these cookies are vegetarian-friendly since they don’t include any meat products or gelatin. They’re a great sweet treat for many dietary preferences.
Can I omit the nuts or chocolate chips?
Definitely! The nuts or chocolate chips are optional and can be left out if you prefer a simpler cookie or need a nut-free version.
How do I make the vanilla glaze mentioned in the notes?
Simply mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk and vanilla extract until smooth and drizzleable. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or sugar as needed.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Cookies Recipe is one of those special finds that turns basic ingredients into something delightfully comforting and delicious. Soft, flavorful, and easy to make, these cookies are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Don’t be surprised if friends and family start asking for seconds — they really are that good! Give this recipe a try and enjoy a sweet treat that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
Print
Banana Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft and moist Banana Cookies are a delightful treat featuring ripe bananas, warm spices, and a tender cake-like texture. Perfect for using up overripe bananas, these easy-to-make cookies combine classic flavors with a comforting homemade feel.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 medium bananas)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed banana until the mixture is well combined and smooth, incorporating moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet banana mixture, stirring until fully incorporated but not over-mixed to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Optional Add-ins: Gently fold in chopped walnuts or chocolate chips if using, adding texture and extra flavor to the dough.
- Portion Dough on Baking Sheet: Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes after baking, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly without becoming soggy.
Notes
- These cookies have a soft, cake-like texture that makes them wonderfully moist.
- For extra flavor, drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze or spread cream cheese frosting once the cookies have cooled completely.
- You can substitute walnuts with chocolate chips or omit add-ins for a simpler cookie.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
