These Banana Bread Cookies are the perfect way to satisfy your craving for banana bread in a convenient, cookie-sized treat. With only six simple ingredients, these cookies are easy to make and offer all the flavors you love in classic banana bread—sweet, moist, and packed with banana flavor. They are soft, chewy, and a delightful twist on the traditional loaf, making them ideal for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert. Best of all, they’re ready in a fraction of the time it takes to bake a full loaf of banana bread!
Whether you have overripe bananas on hand or are simply in the mood for a quick and comforting treat, these banana bread cookies are sure to become a favorite. Plus, they’re kid-friendly and perfect for sharing.
Table of Contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Cook Notes & Tips
- Recipe Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Conclusion
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/3 cup melted coconut oil (or unsalted butter)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, melted coconut oil (or butter), sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well combined. The bananas should be ripe enough to easily mash, as they provide moisture and sweetness to the cookies.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
- Add the baking powder and all-purpose flour to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. The dough will be slightly sticky but should hold together.
Step 4: Scoop and Bake
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and drop them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Gently press each dough ball down slightly to form a cookie shape.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should remain soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook Notes & Tips
- Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter the cookies will be. Look for bananas that are heavily speckled or almost black for the best results.
- Mixing: Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the flour, as this can result in tough cookies. Stir just until all the flour is incorporated.
- Soft Cookies: These cookies are meant to be soft and slightly chewy. Do not overbake them, as they can become dry.
Recipe Variations
- Add Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a delicious chocolatey twist that pairs perfectly with the banana flavor.
- Walnut Crunch: Add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts for added texture and a nutty flavor that complements the banana.
- Cinnamon Spice: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Add a swirl of peanut butter to the dough for a peanut butter-banana combination that’s always a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A: Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum to help with the texture.
Q: How do I store these cookies?
A: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week.
Q: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A: Absolutely! Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Q: Can I use butter instead of coconut oil?
A: Yes, melted unsalted butter can be used in place of coconut oil. It will give the cookies a slightly different flavor, but they will still be delicious.
These Banana Bread Cookies are the perfect combination of ease and flavor, with just six simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. They offer all the comforting flavors of banana bread in a fun, cookie form that’s ready in no time. With their soft, moist texture and rich banana flavor, these cookies are ideal for any occasion—from breakfast to dessert. Try out the different variations and find your favorite way to enjoy these delightful treats. Happy baking!
