There is something truly magical about combining the comforting flavors of banana bread with the convenience and crunch of a cookie. This Irresistible Handmade Banana Bread Cookies Recipe brings that perfect marriage right into your kitchen. Each bite bursts with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, the warm hug of cinnamon, and a delightful chewy texture thanks to quick oats. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply craving a homemade treat, this recipe delivers a cozy, satisfying experience that feels just like a warm hug from your favorite baking ritual.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple staples is the first step to creating something spectacular. Each ingredient here plays a vital role from flavor to texture, ensuring your cookies come out perfectly every time.
- 1 ripe banana (mashed): The superstar adding natural sweetness and moisture that keeps cookies soft.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and helps achieve that tender crumb.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed): Adds deep molasses notes and contributes to a slightly chewy texture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps cookies spread perfectly.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and gives structure to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all flavors with a warm, aromatic touch.
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds everything in place for just the right density.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Gives a gentle lift, keeping cookies light and tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Sprinkles a cozy spice note that complements the banana beautifully.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Amplifies sweetness and balances flavors.
- 1/2 cup quick oats: Adds subtle chewiness and a hint of wholesome texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Brings crunch and a nutty warmth if you love a bit of contrast.
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional): A divine burst of chocolate that melts into every bite.
How to Make Irresistible Handmade Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Kickstart the magic by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple prep sets the stage for baking success.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until they become a pale, fluffy mixture. This step is essential because it creates air pockets, helping the cookies stay light while ensuring that perfect chewy texture.
Step 3: Add Banana, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in the mashed banana, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. This combination infuses your dough with moisture and those luscious banana notes we all crave.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl. This ensures even distribution of leavening and spices, giving you consistent flavor in each cookie.
Step 5: Blend Dry and Wet Mixtures
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough. The batter at this stage should have a tender, thick consistency.
Step 6: Fold in Oats, Nuts, and Chocolate
Gently fold in the quick oats along with walnuts and mini chocolate chips if you’re using them. These add delightful texture variations and bursts of flavor that turn simple cookies into an experience worth savoring.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your lined baking sheet, making sure to leave about 2 inches between each. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges turn golden brown and centers look set. If you love a chewier cookie, pull them out just before fully done—they’ll firm up beautifully as they cool.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your banana bread cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time lets them set perfectly, making sure your first bite is pure bliss.
How to Serve Irresistible Handmade Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate can elevate these cookies instantly. For an extra touch, sprinkle a few chopped walnuts or a dash of cinnamon to hint at what’s inside.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent treat. A cup of hot coffee or chai tea also creates a cozy combo that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Irresistible Handmade Banana Bread Cookies Recipe stacked on a rustic wooden board with fresh banana slices and nuts scattered around. Alternatively, try sandwiching two cookies with a smear of peanut butter or cream cheese frosting for a fun twist everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their tender texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months, perfect for a quick homemade snack anytime.
Reheating
Warm your cookies in a preheated 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or pop one in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to bring back that freshly-baked sensation without drying them out.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect here because they bring out the richest banana flavor and add natural sweetness, making your cookies extra moist and delicious.
What if I don’t have walnuts or chocolate chips?
No worries at all. The cookies are fantastic without them, but adding nuts or chocolate chips just elevates the texture and flavor. Feel free to swap in your favorite mix-ins like dried cranberries or shredded coconut!
How do I make these cookies chewier?
To achieve chewier cookies, slightly underbake them. Pull the cookies out of the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look a touch soft—they will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure the blend is suitable for cookies to maintain the right texture.
Are these cookies suitable for freezing and later thawing?
Definitely! These banana bread cookies freeze well, and once thawed, they retain their moistness and flavor as if freshly baked.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like enjoying a batch of these warm, soft, and flavor-packed banana bread cookies straight from your oven. This Irresistible Handmade Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is bound to become a go-to favorite that you’ll cherish sharing with friends and family. So why wait? Grab those ripe bananas and let your kitchen fill with the most inviting aroma today!
Print
Irresistible Handmade Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These irresistible handmade banana bread cookies combine the moist, sweet flavor of banana bread with the convenience of a cookie. Soft and chewy with hints of cinnamon, oats, and optional walnuts and chocolate chips, these treats are perfect for a quick dessert or snack anyone will love.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup quick oats
Optional Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the mashed banana, egg, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugars until well combined, forming a wet batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing and ensure tenderness.
- Fold in Oats and Optional Add-ins: Gently fold in the quick oats, chopped walnuts, and mini chocolate chips if using, adding texture and flavor to the dough.
- Scoop Dough: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, place heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes or until cookie edges turn golden brown and centers are set, indicating doneness.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to finish setting, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake and allow them to finish setting on the baking sheet.
- Walnuts and chocolate chips add excellent texture and flavor but can be omitted according to preference or allergies.
- Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and a stronger banana flavor.
