Chewy Banana Bread Cookies

If you love banana bread but are looking for a portable, chewy twist on the classic loaf, these Chewy Banana Bread Cookies are here to delight your taste buds.

Soft, moist, and packed with real banana flavor, these cookies are a cross between the comforting warmth of banana bread and the irresistible sweetness of a cookie.

Perfect for breakfast on the go, a snack with your afternoon coffee, or a simple dessert, these cookies are as versatile as they are delicious.

Whether you’re using up overripe bananas or baking for a crowd, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

Let’s dive in and see what makes these cookies so special!

Why We Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about these chewy banana bread cookies.

First, they’re a brilliant way to use overripe bananas.

Instead of tossing those speckled bananas, transform them into something delightful.

Second, they’re incredibly moist and flavorful.

The bananas add natural sweetness and keep the cookies soft for days.

Third, these cookies are quick and easy to make.

With a simple batter and no chilling required, you can go from mixing to baking in no time.

Another reason to adore this recipe is its unique texture.

The cookies are chewy, with just the right amount of softness that melts in your mouth.

Finally, they’re versatile.

You can dress them up with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even a drizzle of glaze, making them perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Preparation Details

  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Serves: 20 cookies

For the Cookies

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup mashed overripe bananas (about 1 large banana)

Optional Add-Ins

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

For the Glaze (Optional)

  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon.

Set aside.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.

This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Then, mix in the mashed banana until the batter is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed.

Stir just until combined—be careful not to overmix.

If you’re using add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in at this stage.

Step 6: Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.

Space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread slightly while baking.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.

The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.

Step 8: Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Add the Glaze (Optional)

If you’re using the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag.

Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Banana Bread Cookies

Use Overripe Bananas

The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.

Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots.

Don’t Overmix

Overmixing can make the cookies dense.

Mix just until the ingredients are combined.

Measure Flour Correctly

Spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off with a knife to avoid adding too much.

Use Room-Temperature Ingredients

Room-temperature butter and eggs ensure a smoother batter and better texture.

Customize to Taste

Add your favorite mix-ins, like chocolate chips, nuts, or even dried fruit, to make the cookies your own.

Variations to Try

Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies: Stir in 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a classic combination.

Nutty Banana Cookies: Add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.

Cinnamon-Sugar Banana Cookies: Roll the dough balls in cinnamon sugar before baking for a snickerdoodle-like twist.

Frosted Banana Cookies: Instead of a glaze, top each cookie with cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat.

Healthy Banana Cookies: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour and use coconut sugar for a healthier version.

Peanut Butter Banana Cookies: Swirl 1/4 cup of peanut butter into the batter before scooping for a nutty flavor.

Banana Oatmeal Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of rolled oats to the batter for a heartier cookie.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage

Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing.

Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully.

Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.

Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 3 months.

Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy warm cookies, reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

This will restore their soft, chewy texture.

Final Thoughts

Chewy Banana Bread Cookies are the perfect blend of nostalgic banana bread flavors and the convenience of a cookie.

They’re soft, moist, and full of comforting sweetness that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a snack for the kids, or a treat for yourself, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

So grab those ripe bananas, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of cookies that will quickly become a household favorite.

Happy baking!