Banana Cookies Recipe
There’s nothing quite like biting into a soft, pillowy cookie that’s bursting with banana flavor and a touch of nostalgia — and that’s exactly what you get with these Banana Cookies. Whether you’ve got a couple of ripe bananas on the counter begging to be used or you’re simply in the mood for a comfort-food treat, this recipe blends wholesome oats, warm cinnamon, and the irresistible goodness of banana into an old-fashioned delight that always draws a crowd. If you’ve never baked cookie dough with mashed banana before, you’re in for a melt-in-your-mouth surprise: these cookies turn out cakey and tender, ideal for breakfast, snack time, or a cozy dessert with friends. Trust me, once you make these Banana Cookies, they’ll become a regular on your baking rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Banana Cookies is refreshingly straightforward, but each component truly shines to create a cookie with flavor, chew, and just the right amount of sweetness. Here’s what goes into every magical bite:
- Bananas: Mashed ripe bananas bring natural sweetness, moisture, and that classic banana bread aroma — make sure yours are nice and spotty for the best flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the cookies richness and softness; be sure it’s fully softened for easy creaming.
- Brown sugar: Adds a caramelly depth and lovely tenderness, making the cookies melt-in-your-mouth.
- Egg: Binds everything together and adds lightness to the texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the banana flavor and rounds out the cookie’s sweetness.
- All-purpose flour: Gives structure so the cookies hold their shape and don’t spread too much.
- Baking soda: Helps the Banana Cookies rise just enough for that dreamy, cakey bite.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds a warm background note that’s classic in banana bakes.
- Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and amplifies every flavor.
- Old-fashioned oats: Bring heartiness, chewiness, and that wonderful rustic character.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Give the cookies a bit of crunch and a nutty finish — feel free to leave them out or swap for something similar.
- Chocolate chips or raisins (optional): For those who love an extra pop of sweetness, toss in your favorite mix-ins!
How to Make Banana Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This quick step ensures that your Banana Cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly. The aroma wafting from your oven is the best invitation to gather family to the kitchen!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar together until the mixture is fluffy and lighter in color. This helps create that classic tender cookie crumb. Don’t rush — a couple of minutes of mixing here makes a huge difference in the texture of your final cookies!
Step 3: Add Bananas, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in the mashed bananas, one large egg, and vanilla extract, blending until everything is well combined. Your dough may look a bit loose, but that’s exactly what gives Banana Cookies their signature cakey softness.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution, so your cookies rise properly and stay perfectly soft and spiced.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually fold the dry mixture into your wet banana mixture until just combined — overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so be gentle! Stir in the old-fashioned oats, and if you like, fold in the nuts and chocolate chips or raisins now. The dough will be delightfully chunky and fragrant.
Step 6: Portion and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake the Banana Cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are turning lightly golden. They stay soft, so don’t overbake!
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them set and makes moving them easier. The cookies will be soft when warm, then settle into the perfect pillowy texture once cooled — if you can wait that long!
How to Serve Banana Cookies
Garnishes
For extra flair, sprinkle your Banana Cookies with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of melted chocolate, or a few extra nuts on top right after baking. It’s an easy way to make these cookies feel bakery-special.
Side Dishes
Serve Banana Cookies alongside a cozy mug of hot coffee, a frothy chai latte, or cold milk for a comforting breakfast or snack. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a casual dessert.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Banana Cookies high on a rustic wooden board for an afternoon get-together, or pack them in a mason jar with a pretty ribbon for a sweet homemade gift. You can even sandwich two cookies together with a swipe of nut butter for a playful treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Banana Cookies stay soft-packed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Place a sheet of wax paper between layers if you’re stacking them so they don’t stick together — they’re just as delightful the next day!
Freezing
For longer storage, let the cookies cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a zip-top bag or airtight container. They’ll keep fresh for up to 2 months. Simply thaw at room temperature whenever a banana cookie craving strikes!
Reheating
Want that “fresh from the oven” warmth? Pop a Banana Cookie in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. They come out perfectly soft, just like the day they were baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for Banana Cookies?
Absolutely! Thaw the bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing and using. Their sweetness and flavor are actually intensified, making your Banana Cookies even more delicious.
Do I have to use nuts or chocolate chips?
Not at all — the mix-ins are entirely optional. The Banana Cookies are tender and flavorful all on their own, but feel free to add whatever extras you love or have on hand.
How ripe should my bananas be?
Aim for fully ripe, heavily speckled bananas for the best flavor and texture. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more aromatic your cookies will be.
Can I make Banana Cookies vegan?
Definitely! Swap the butter for a plant-based baking stick or coconut oil, and use a flaxseed egg instead of the regular egg. Your cookies will still come out moist and delicious.
Why did my cookies turn out cakey?
Banana Cookies are meant to be soft and cake-like, thanks to the mashed banana and brown sugar. If you’d prefer a firmer, chewier cookie, use a tad less banana and don’t overmix your dough.
Final Thoughts
There you have it: a batch of Banana Cookies that deliver on softness, flavor, and pure comfort. If you’re ready to fill your kitchen with the sweetest smells and treat your loved ones to something special, give these cookies a try — and don’t be surprised if they become an instant favorite!
Print
Banana Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These soft and cake-like Banana Cookies are the perfect treat for breakfast or snacking. Packed with ripe bananas, oats, and optional add-ins like nuts and chocolate chips, these cookies are both delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Ripe Bananas:
1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
Butter:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
Brown Sugar:
¾ cup brown sugar
Egg:
1 large egg
Vanilla Extract:
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
All-Purpose Flour:
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
Baking Soda:
½ teaspoon baking soda
Ground Cinnamon:
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Salt:
¼ teaspoon salt
Old-Fashioned Oats:
1 cup old-fashioned oats
Chopped Nuts (Optional):
½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Chocolate Chips or Raisins (Optional):
½ cup chocolate chips or raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well.
- Stir in Oats and Optional Ingredients: Fold in the oats and, if desired, add nuts and chocolate chips or raisins.
- Bake: Drop tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For a healthier version, substitute half the butter with applesauce or use whole wheat flour.
- These cookies freeze well for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
