The Best Banana Bread Cookies are a delicious twist on the classic banana bread, offering soft, chewy, and flavorful bites packed with the rich taste of ripe bananas, brown sugar, and warm cinnamon. These cookies are quick to make, require no fancy ingredients, and are perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. With their moist texture and delightful aroma, they capture everything you love about banana bread in an easy-to-eat cookie form.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, and stir until fully combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a thick batter forms. Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set.
- Remove from the oven, let cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings
Makes about 18–20 cookies.
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
Calories: 120 | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Sugar: 10g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 85mg
Notes
For the best flavor, use overripe bananas with plenty of brown spots. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Tips
- Chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before baking if you prefer thicker cookies.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
- Use whole wheat flour for a healthier version.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate or cream cheese frosting for a dessert-style finish.
- Freeze leftover cookies in a zip bag for up to 2 months; thaw before serving.
Health Benefits
Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and dietary fiber, which help support heart health and digestion. Using natural banana sweetness allows you to reduce added sugar, making these cookies a healthier treat option. Nuts provide healthy fats and protein, while cinnamon adds antioxidants and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Overall, these cookies are a wholesome indulgence that balances taste and nutrition.
