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Banana Bread Cookies Recipe

Banana Bread Cookies Recipe

5 from 12 reviews

Delight in these soft and moist Banana Bread Cookies topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze. Combining the warm flavors of ripe bananas, cinnamon, and optional crunchy walnuts, these cookies offer a perfect twist on classic banana bread in a convenient cookie form, ideal for snacking and sharing.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 small bananas)

Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Cream Cheese Glaze

  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and do not stick.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined. Set aside; these spices add warmth to the banana flavor.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
  4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture until fully incorporated, adding richness and flavor.
  5. Incorporate Bananas: Mix in the mashed ripe bananas until evenly distributed throughout the wet ingredients, boosting moisture and natural sweetness.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined to prevent overworking the dough, which can make cookies tough.
  7. Add Walnuts (Optional): If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts to provide crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
  8. Form Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
  9. Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. This ensures a soft yet fully cooked center. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring.
  10. Transfer to Cooling Rack: Move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely to prevent sogginess from residual heat and moisture.
  11. Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze: Beat the softened cream cheese in a bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the glaze becomes smooth and drizzle-able.
  12. Glaze the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze evenly over each cookie to add a rich, tangy sweetness.
  13. Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delicious banana bread cookies with cream cheese glaze fresh for the best texture and flavor, perfect for dessert, snack, or sharing with friends and family.

Notes

  • You can omit walnuts if you prefer a nut-free version or substitute with pecans.
  • For a more intense banana flavor, use very ripe bananas with brown spots.
  • Make sure the cookies are completely cool before glazing to prevent melting the cream cheese frosting.
  • These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to one week.
  • Freeze unglazed cookies for up to 3 months; thaw and then add glaze before serving.
  • You can adjust cinnamon quantity to your taste; some may prefer a pinch more for warmth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Banana bread cookies, cream cheese glaze cookies, soft banana cookies, walnut banana cookies, easy banana cookie recipe