Banana Bread Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic banana bread, offering all its comforting flavors in a soft, chewy cookie form. These cookies are perfect for those moments when you crave something sweet but wholesome, and they’re especially great for using up ripe bananas. With just three core ingredients—banana, sugar, and butter—they’re incredibly simple to make, yet the result is rich, aromatic, and satisfying.
This recipe is ideal for sharing with neighbors, gifting to friends, or serving at family gatherings. It’s also highly adaptable: you can add wellness-boosting ingredients like cinnamon, ginger, or flaxseed, or make them vegan and gluten-free with a few easy swaps. Whether enjoyed with a cup of herbal tea or packed in a lunchbox, these cookies bring warmth and joy to any occasion.
🧺 INGREDIENTS:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed (preferably speckled for maximum sweetness and flavor)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (can substitute with coconut sugar or jaggery for a wellness boost)
- ¼ cup melted butter (use vegan butter or coconut oil for a plant-based version)
Optional Add-ins for Wellness & Flavor:
- ½ tsp cinnamon or ginger powder (anti-inflammatory and aromatic)
- 1 tbsp ground flaxseed (adds fiber and omega-3s)
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (for crunch and heart-healthy fats)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for depth of flavor)
- Pinch of salt (to balance sweetness)
🥣 INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat & Prep Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil.
- Mash the Banana In a medium mixing bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
- Mix Wet Ingredients Add the sugar and melted butter to the mashed banana. Stir until fully combined. If using vanilla extract or coconut sugar, mix it in at this stage.
- Add Optional Ingredients Fold in any optional add-ins like cinnamon, flaxseed, or nuts. These elevate the nutritional profile and add texture and complexity.
- Shape the Cookies Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.
- Flatten & Pattern Use a fork to gently press down on each cookie, creating a crisscross pattern. This helps them bake evenly and gives a classic cookie look.
- Bake Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the tops are set. The cookies should be soft but not doughy.
- Cool & Serve Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them firm up without becoming dry.
- Enjoy & Share Serve warm or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. These cookies pair beautifully with herbal teas like chamomile or ginger-lemon.
🌿 Wellness Notes:
- Banana provides potassium, fiber, and natural sweetness.
- Coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar.
- Flaxseed adds plant-based omega-3s and supports digestion.
- Cinnamon and ginger offer anti-inflammatory benefits and warmth.
🧡 Serving Suggestions:
- Drizzle with a touch of honey or maple syrup for extra indulgence.
- Sandwich two cookies with almond butter or yogurt for a wholesome treat.
- Crumble over oatmeal or smoothie bowls for added texture.