Banana Bread Cookies

If you adore the sweet, comforting taste of banana bread but want it in a bite-sized, cookie form, this recipe is perfect for you! These Banana Bread Cookies combine the moist, rich flavor of overripe bananas with the chewy texture of oats and the indulgence of melty chocolate chips. They offer all the goodness of banana bread but with the convenience and fun of cookies.

Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick breakfast, a lunchbox treat, or a cozy evening snack, these cookies deliver satisfaction in every bite. The addition of walnuts gives a lovely crunch, but they’re equally delightful without. Plus, this is a fantastic way to use up ripe bananas sitting on your counter. With minimal prep and a short bake time, these cookies are an easy and rewarding kitchen project for any skill level.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and creamy.

3. Add the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix well until fully combined.

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

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

6. Fold in the oats, chocolate chips, and walnuts (if using).

7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

9. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes

Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies

Everything You Need to Know About Banana Bread Cookies

Introduction

Banana Bread Cookies are a delightful fusion of two beloved baked goods: moist banana bread and chewy, satisfying cookies. This recipe not only offers the nostalgic warmth of homemade banana bread but also captures the sweet charm of a freshly baked cookie. Perfectly soft, rich in banana flavor, and studded with melty chocolate chips or crunchy walnuts, these cookies are becoming a favorite among home bakers who want something quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing.

These cookies make the best use of overripe bananas that would otherwise go to waste. Instead of tossing out those browning bananas, you can transform them into these soft, chewy treats that pair perfectly with a cup of coffee, a glass of milk, or as a grab-and-go snack. Whether you’re baking for your family, for a potluck, or just to satisfy your sweet cravings, Banana Bread Cookies are a guaranteed hit.

The Origin and Popularity of Banana Bread Cookies

Banana bread itself became widely popular during the Great Depression era when resourceful home cooks began looking for ways to use up overripe fruit rather than wasting it. Over time, banana bread recipes evolved, introducing chocolate chips, walnuts, and other delicious add-ins.

Banana Bread Cookies are a modern twist that merges the best qualities of banana bread and cookies into a single creation. The texture is slightly more compact than traditional banana bread but softer and more tender than regular cookies, making them an ideal hybrid treat. Thanks to social media and food bloggers, this recipe has grown in popularity because of its simplicity, versatility, and ability to please kids and adults alike.

The Benefits of Baking Banana Bread Cookies

1. Reduces Food Waste:
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is its ability to rescue overripe bananas. Soft and spotted bananas are often overlooked or discarded, but they actually provide the best flavor and natural sweetness for baking.

2. Healthier Sweet Treat:
Bananas are rich in potassium, fiber, vitamin B6, and antioxidants. While this is a dessert recipe, the presence of bananas provides a natural moisture and sweetness that allows for reduced added sugar compared to other cookies.

3. Perfect Texture:
These cookies are incredibly soft, moist, and slightly chewy – a satisfying contrast to crisp cookies or dense banana bread slices. The oats in the recipe also add a wholesome texture and nutty flavor.

4. Versatile Recipe Base:
You can easily customize this recipe by swapping chocolate chips with dried fruits, adding nuts like walnuts or pecans, or even tossing in seeds like chia or flax for a health boost.

5. Family-Friendly:
This recipe is simple enough for beginner bakers and a great baking activity for kids. The dough comes together quickly, making it a great choice for spontaneous baking sessions.

Ingredient Highlights

Let’s break down some of the key ingredients to understand why they work so well together:

Bananas:
The star ingredient. Overripe bananas not only add sweetness but also moisture, which keeps the cookies soft for days. The riper the banana, the stronger the banana flavor in the final cookie.

Butter:
Butter provides richness and flavor. Softened unsalted butter ensures that the dough stays creamy and blends well with sugar and eggs, contributing to the cookie’s chewy texture.

Sugars (Brown and White):
A mix of brown and white sugar balances sweetness and texture. Brown sugar adds moisture and depth of flavor due to its molasses content, while white sugar keeps the cookie structure firm.

Oats:
Rolled oats introduce heartiness, chewiness, and a subtle nutty taste. They also give these cookies extra fiber and make them more filling than regular cookies.

Chocolate Chips:
Semi-sweet chocolate chips pair perfectly with bananas, adding bursts of sweetness. For variety, try dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even butterscotch chips.

Walnuts (Optional):
Walnuts offer a crunchy contrast to the soft cookie base. They also bring healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants into the mix.

Spices (Cinnamon):
A touch of cinnamon enhances the banana flavor and gives the cookies a cozy, warm aroma that’s perfect for fall and winter baking.

Pro Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Cookies

1. Use Overripe Bananas:
The blacker and spottier your bananas, the better. This ensures a sweeter, more intense banana flavor and moist cookie texture.

2. Avoid Overmixing:
Once you combine the dry and wet ingredients, mix gently. Overmixing can cause the cookies to become dense or tough.

3. Chill the Dough (Optional):
If you want thicker cookies that spread less during baking, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.

4. Experiment with Add-ins:
Try adding shredded coconut, raisins, or even peanut butter chips for unique twists.

5. Store Properly:
Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. They remain soft and chewy even after freezing.

Delicious Variations to Try

• Banana Nut Cookies: Swap chocolate chips for chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.

• Banana Coconut Cookies: Add ½ cup shredded coconut for a tropical flair.

• Vegan Banana Bread Cookies: Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water).

• Banana Peanut Butter Cookies: Stir in ½ cup peanut butter for rich, nutty flavor.

• Gluten-Free Banana Bread Cookies: Use gluten-free rolled oats and a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: No fancy equipment required – just bowls, a spoon, and an oven.

• One-Bowl Wonder: Less cleanup, more enjoyment.

• Kid-Approved: Sweet, soft, and chocolatey – kids can’t resist these.

• Perfect for Gifting: Wrap a dozen of these cookies for a thoughtful homemade present.

• Flexible: Great as a breakfast cookie, after-school snack, or dessert.

The Ultimate Comfort Food

What makes Banana Bread Cookies such a favorite is their homely, comforting flavor profile. They carry the warmth of freshly baked banana bread but are compact enough to enjoy on the go. The hint of cinnamon and the richness of chocolate chips elevate these cookies to indulgent levels without making them overly sweet. They strike the perfect balance between dessert and snack, filling, satisfying, and gently sweet.

For busy mornings, they can replace a muffin or granola bar. For cozy evenings, they pair wonderfully with tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. They’re also the ideal contribution to bake sales, parties, or potlucks because they store and travel so well.

Conclusion

Banana Bread Cookies are the best of both baking worlds, marrying the beloved flavors of classic banana bread with the texture and fun of cookies. They are incredibly easy to make, versatile to customize, and absolutely delicious to eat. With their soft texture, rich banana flavor, and irresistible chocolate chip goodness, these cookies promise to become a staple in your baking rotation.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is forgiving and foolproof, a simple way to turn your leftover bananas into a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing treat.

Next time you spot overripe bananas sitting on your counter, don’t toss them, make these delightful Banana Bread Cookies and watch them disappear within minutes!