Here’s a soft, chewy, and comforting Banana Bread Cookies recipe — all the cozy flavor of banana bread in a portable, cookie form! These are perfect for using up ripe bananas and great for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. You can make them classic, gluten-free, or even vegan with simple swaps.
🍌 Banana Bread Cookies
🍽️ Makes: ~18 cookies
⏱️ Total Time: 25–30 minutes
💡 Texture: Soft, moist, cake-like, with banana bread flavor in every bite
📝 Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 medium bananas)
- ½ cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened (or coconut oil)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour blend)
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- Optional mix-ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- ¼ cup rolled oats for texture
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth.
- Add mashed banana, egg, and vanilla. Mix well.
3. Add Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
4. Add Mix-ins (Optional)
- Fold in nuts, chocolate chips, or oats, if using.
5. Scoop & Bake
- Drop spoonfuls (about 1.5 tbsp each) onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Flatten slightly with the back of the spoon (they won’t spread much).
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
6. Cool & Serve
- Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Enjoy warm or room temp. Great with coffee or a cold glass of milk!
🧠 FAQs
❓ Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum or add ½ tsp baking powder if your mix doesn’t have it.
❓ Can I make these vegan?
Yes!
- Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp flax meal + 2.5 tbsp water, let sit 5 min).
- Use vegan butter or coconut oil.
❓ Can I freeze them?
Absolutely. Freeze baked cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the microwave or toaster oven.
❓ How ripe should the bananas be?
The riper the better — deep yellow with brown spots for maximum flavor and sweetness.
Would you like a low-carb, protein-packed, or oatmeal-style banana cookie variation next?