Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
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.
- Author: Lila
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18-20 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate Bananas: Mix in the mashed ripe bananas until evenly distributed throughout the wet ingredients, boosting moisture and natural sweetness.
- 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.
- Add Walnuts (Optional): If using, gently fold in the chopped walnuts to provide crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer to Cooling Rack: Move the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely to prevent sogginess from residual heat and moisture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 35g)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 105 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
Keywords: Banana bread cookies, cream cheese glaze cookies, soft banana cookies, walnut banana cookies, easy banana cookie recipe