Name: Banana Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional); 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts

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If you’re searching for a sweet treat that’s irresistibly soft, brimming with banana flavor, and just the right amount of nostalgic, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for these Banana Cookies. With their cake-like texture, warm cinnamon notes, and the option to jazz them up with chocolate chips or walnuts, these cookies are a delightful way to use up those ripe bananas on your counter. They’re quick to whip up, perfect for snacking, and always a crowd-pleaser—trust me, you’ll want to double the batch!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a few simple pantry staples transform into the most comforting Banana Cookies. Each ingredient plays a special role, from adding moisture to creating that perfect chew and golden color. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Ensures the cookies are tender and rich; room temperature butter blends best.
Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens and helps the cookies brown beautifully.
Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds structure.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the banana flavor and adds warmth.
Mashed ripe bananas (1 cup, about 2 bananas): The star of the show—use super ripe bananas for the deepest flavor and sweetness.
All-purpose flour (2 cups): Gives the cookies their soft, cake-like body.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and turn fluffy.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a subtle warmth that pairs perfectly with banana.
Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds an extra layer of cozy spice if you’d like.
Chocolate chips or chopped walnuts (1 cup, optional): For a fun twist—choose your favorite or mix them in together!

How to Make Banana Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze and prevent sticking. This little step ensures your Banana Cookies bake evenly and release easily—no scraping required!

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This aerates the mixture, resulting in those soft, pillowy cookies we love. Don’t rush this step; a good 2-3 minutes makes all the difference.

Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Bananas

Crack in the egg, pour in your vanilla extract, and add the mashed bananas. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined. The bananas should be fully incorporated, lending moisture, flavor, and a hint of natural sweetness to the dough.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using). This ensures all the leavening and spices are distributed evenly, so every bite of your Banana Cookies is just right.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Together

Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the banana mixture. Mix just until combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, and we’re after that dreamy, tender texture. If you’re adding chocolate chips or walnuts, gently fold them in at this point.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers look set but soft. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them firm up just enough to pick up without falling apart, so you can dive right in while they’re still a little warm and gooey.

How to Serve Banana Cookies

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, lightly dust your Banana Cookies with powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or even a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts. These simple garnishes elevate their look and add a little extra flavor without any fuss.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort combo, or serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert upgrade. If you’re hosting brunch, arrange the Banana Cookies on a platter with fresh berries and coffee—everyone will be thrilled!

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the cookies in a clear jar and tying it with ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift. For parties, arrange them in cupcake liners on a tiered stand, or sandwich two Banana Cookies together with a schmear of cream cheese frosting for a decadent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Banana Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Their moist, cake-like texture holds up beautifully, but they’re so tasty, they rarely last that long!

Freezing

Want to make a batch ahead of time? Simply let the cookies cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer until firm before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a treat.

Reheating

To enjoy that “just-baked” flavor, pop a Banana Cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. It’ll turn wonderfully soft and warm, as if it came straight out of the oven!

FAQs

Can I make Banana Cookies without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) or use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce. The cookies will still be deliciously moist and soft.

How ripe should my bananas be?

The riper, the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots on the peel. Overripe bananas are sweeter and mash more smoothly, giving your Banana Cookies the best flavor and texture.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Yes! For a healthier version, try swapping half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. You’ll get a slightly nuttier flavor and extra fiber, with barely any change in texture.

Do Banana Cookies spread much while baking?

These cookies spread just a little and puff up to be thick and cake-like. If you want flatter cookies, gently press the dough mounds down with a spoon before baking.

What’s the best way to add chocolate chips or nuts?

Gently fold in your chocolate chips or chopped walnuts after the dough comes together. This way, every Banana Cookie gets a generous helping of mix-ins for that extra bit of indulgence.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something sweet, soft, and full of comforting banana flavor, these Banana Cookies are a must-bake. I hope you give this recipe a try—your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!

Banana Cookies Recipe

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4.8 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These soft and cake-like Banana Cookies are a delightful treat combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect for dessert or a snack, they feature optional chocolate chips or walnuts for added texture and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 bananas)

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Optional Add-ins

1 cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for your cookies.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and optional nutmeg, evenly distributing the spices and leavening agents.
Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
Add Optional Ingredients: Fold in chocolate chips or chopped walnuts if desired to add extra flavor and texture to the batter.
Shape Cookies: Drop heaping tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow spreading during baking.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden brown, indicating they are cooked through.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they set properly.

Notes

These cookies have a soft and cakey texture, different from traditional crisp cookies.
For a healthier variation, substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or add rolled oats to the batter.
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
For longer storage, freeze the cookies; thaw at room temperature before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dessert, Cookies
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American