Banana Bread Cookies

Banana Bread Cookies made me smile right away. Banana bread in cookie form? Yep, I was in.

I took a bite and felt so cozy. Soft, sweet, and full of banana flavor. It tasted just like home.

These cookies are easy and feel warm and happy. No fuss. Just simple joy in every bite.

So yeah, I had to share them with you. Let’s bake a batch together and enjoy the smell.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: “Banana Bread in a Cookie? Yes, please!” is what one reader had to say. These cookies are a hit with kids and adults alike, and they will quickly become your go-to cookie for any occasion.
• Banana Flavor in Every Bite: If you love the rich, warm flavor of banana bread, these cookies capture that perfectly in every bite.
• Perfect for Overripe Bananas: If you have bananas sitting around that are a little too ripe, this recipe is the perfect way to use them up. They add natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
• Quick to Make: No need to wait for the bread to bake—these cookies come together in no time and bake in just 10-12 minutes.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Make a batch of dough, chill it, and bake it whenever you’re craving a sweet treat. You can even freeze the dough for later use!

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you start baking, make sure you have the following tools in your kitchen:

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two—one for wet ingredients and one for dry ingredients.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: For mixing your wet ingredients together smoothly.
• Baking Sheets: To spread out your cookies while baking.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Prevents the cookies from sticking to the baking sheets and helps with easy cleanup.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure precise measurements for the ingredients.
• Cooling Rack: This helps the cookies cool evenly, preventing them from becoming soggy at the bottom.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Banana Bread Cookies (full measurements listed in the recipe card below):

For the Cookies:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the dough for structure.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and gives them a light texture.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness of the banana and sugar.
• Butter-Flavored Shortening: Adds a rich flavor to the cookies while keeping them tender.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough, creating the perfect balance of sweetness.
• Ripe Banana: The star ingredient that gives these cookies that beloved banana bread flavor.
• Eggs: Bind the dough together and help with structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a touch of warmth to the cookies.

For the Glaze:

• Confectioners’ Sugar: Sweetens the glaze and gives it a smooth texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the glaze.
• Milk: Loosens the glaze to your desired consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: For that added touch of flavor to complement the banana in the cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and ready to combine with the wet ingredients. Set this bowl aside for later.

2. Cream the Wet Ingredients

In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the butter-flavored shortening and granulated sugar together using a hand or stand mixer. Start at a low speed and gradually increase to medium speed. Beat for 2-3 minutes, until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the dough, resulting in soft and chewy cookies.

Next, add the mashed banana (the more ripe, the better!) and beat until well combined. The banana should be fully incorporated into the dough, giving it that signature banana bread flavor. After the banana, mix in the eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing at a low speed. Stop occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl and ensure everything is combined. Don’t overmix; once the dough comes together, it’s ready.

4. Scoop the Dough

Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll the dough into balls, about 1.5 inches in diameter, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Be sure to leave about 2 inches of space between each dough ball to allow the cookies to spread as they bake.

5. Bake the Cookies

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but slightly soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool.

6. Cool the Cookies

Once the cookies are done baking, allow them to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures they don’t break apart when you move them.

7. Prepare the Glaze

While the cookies are cooling, make the glaze. In a small bowl, combine the confectioners’ sugar, unsalted butter, milk, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

8. Drizzle the Glaze

Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the tops of the cookies. You can use a spoon to drizzle it or place the glaze in a piping bag for more precision.

Variations for Banana Bread Cookies

While these Banana Bread Cookies are delicious on their own, there are many ways to customize them to suit your tastes!

• Add Nuts: Banana bread often includes chopped walnuts or pecans, and these would be a great addition to these cookies. Fold in about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts when you combine the wet and dry ingredients.
• Chocolate Chips: If you’re a fan of chocolate, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a chocolate-banana combo that will blow your mind.
• Spices: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, spiced flavor that pairs perfectly with the banana.
• Make It Vegan: Swap the butter-flavored shortening for a vegan butter substitute and use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) instead of the egg to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Replace the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies

Banana Bread Cookies can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve them with your morning coffee for a sweet treat, pack them in your lunchbox as a snack, or even enjoy them as an after-dinner dessert. Here are a few ideas:

• With Milk: These cookies are perfectly complemented by a glass of milk. The sweetness of the banana and the glaze pairs beautifully with the creamy milk.
• On a Dessert Platter: Make a large batch of Banana Bread Cookies and serve them as part of a dessert platter for a party or family gathering.
• With Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even banana ice cream to really enhance the flavor!

Storing Banana Bread Cookies

• At Room Temperature: These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. They stay soft and chewy, just like banana bread!
• In the Freezer: If you have leftover cookies, you can freeze them for later enjoyment. Place the cookies in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Unbaked Dough: You can also freeze the unbaked dough! Roll the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, place the frozen dough balls on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 12-14 minutes, adding a couple of extra minutes to account for the frozen dough.

Nutrition (per cookie)

Nutrition Fact	Amount
Calories	120
Total Fat	6g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	50mg
Carbohydrates	16g
Fiber	0g
Sugars	8g
Protein	1g

Conclusion

These Banana Bread Cookies are a game-changer! They capture the essence of banana bread in a fun, cookie form, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or just craving a soft and chewy cookie, this recipe is sure to be a favorite. The added glaze on top takes them to the next level, making them both irresistible and Instagram-worthy.