If you have a soft spot for comforting, naturally sweet treats, this Banana Cookies Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine tender, cake-like cookies filled with the warm flavors of ripe bananas and oats, kissed with a hint of cinnamon, and dotted with delightful bursts of chocolate or nuts. These cookies feel like a warm hug in every bite and are so versatile—they’re perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy dessert. Plus, they come together with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Banana Cookies Recipe is a breeze, but each one plays an essential role in delivering that soft, flavorful cookie you’ll adore. From the creamy butter to the spice of cinnamon, and the wholesome oats to the sweet banana, every component adds something special to the mix.
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas: Use about two large ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture that keep the cookies soft.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ¾ cup brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness and keeps the cookies chewy.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together for structure without weighing down the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, fragrant note.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the cookie dough with a sturdy yet soft crumb.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a tender bite.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Introduces a subtle spice that pairs beautifully with banana.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and lifts the flavors.
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats: Adds chewiness and a hearty texture that complements the soft dough.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): For a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- ½ cup chocolate chips or raisins (optional): Sweet, melty pockets or chewy bursts add exciting texture variations.
How to Make Banana Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making clean-up a breeze. Preparation upfront keeps things moving smoothly as you mix your ingredients.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Taking the time to cream these ingredients well makes all the difference, creating a tender texture by incorporating air into the dough.
Step 3: Add Banana, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. The bananas add a lovely natural sweetness and moisture, while the egg binds the dough and the vanilla introduces a warm, rounded note.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Whisking these ensures they are evenly distributed, which results in consistent flavor and texture throughout every cookie.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can toughen the dough, so stop once everything looks incorporated.
Step 6: Stir in Oats, Nuts, and Chocolate
Fold in the old-fashioned oats and, if you like, the nuts and chocolate chips or raisins. These add wonderful texture contrasts that make each bite interesting— chewy, crunchy, and sweet all at once!
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a gentle golden color but the centers remain soft. Allow to cool on the sheet briefly before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
How to Serve Banana Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light spread of creamy peanut butter can elevate the presentation and offer an extra layer of flavor. If you love a bit of texture, sprinkle a few extra chopped nuts on top just before baking.
Side Dishes
Pairing the cookies with a cup of your favorite coffee, tea, or even a chilled glass of milk turns this into a delightful snack or breakfast treat. A side of fresh fruit or yogurt complements the banana flavors without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with a smear of cream cheese frosting or Nutella. You can also crumble the cookies over ice cream or yogurt as a quick, delicious topping with both crunch and sweetness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your banana cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them soft, placing a slice of bread in the container helps retain moisture wonderfully.
Freezing
These cookies freeze exceptionally well. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 2 months, ready for whenever a comforting treat calls your name.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy frozen or stored cookies, pop them in the microwave for about 15 seconds or heat briefly in a 300°F oven. This brings back that freshly baked softness and melts any chocolate chips just perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal for this Banana Cookies Recipe since they are sweeter and more flavorful, which makes the cookies naturally delicious.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not as written, since they use all-purpose flour. However, you can substitute gluten-free flour blends to make a gluten-free version with similar great taste and texture.
Can I replace the butter with something healthier?
Yes! You can swap half of the butter for applesauce to lighten the cookies and add more moisture without sacrificing flavor or texture.
What’s the best way to make these cookies dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter alternatives and choose vegan chocolate chips or skip the chips altogether. The bananas and oats provide plenty of moistness and flavor to carry the recipe.
How can I make these cookies more chewy?
Using old-fashioned oats as directed and not overbaking will give a wonderfully chewy texture. Also, incorporating mix-ins like nuts or raisins enhances chewiness.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong making this Banana Cookies Recipe your next baking adventure. It’s a simple, satisfying treat that brings the warmth and joy of fresh-baked goods right into your home. Whether you need a wholesome snack or a quick breakfast option, these cookies deliver every time—soft, flavorful, and downright irresistible. I can’t wait for you to try them and see just how easy and delightful banana cookies can be!
Print
Banana Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and cake-like banana cookies made with ripe bananas, oats, and a touch of cinnamon. Perfect for breakfast or a healthy snack, these cookies combine wholesome ingredients like mashed bananas, nuts, and chocolate chips for a flavorful treat that freezes well and is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips or raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies don’t stick during baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the mashed bananas, followed by the egg and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Dry Into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring gently to combine without overmixing to maintain a tender crumb.
- Add Oats and Optional Ingredients: Stir in the old-fashioned oats and fold in the optional chopped nuts and chocolate chips or raisins if using, evenly distributing them throughout the dough.
- Portion Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating the cookies are cooked through but still soft inside.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture.
Notes
- These cookies have a soft and cake-like texture, making them ideal for breakfast or as a wholesome snack.
- For a healthier variation, substitute half the butter with applesauce or swap all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour.
- Cookies freeze well for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature before eating.
