Banana Bread Cookies Recipe: Soft, Chewy, and Deliciou

Banana bread meets cookie perfection. Learn how to make the most delicious banana bread cookies with this easy and comprehensive guide.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Banana bread cookies are a delightful fusion of banana bread and cookies, combining the warm, comforting flavor with the chewy, slightly crisp texture of a cookie. If you’ve ever found yourself with overripe bananas on the counter, and you’re tired of making the same banana bread over and over again, these banana bread cookies are the perfect alternative. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and the perfect balance between a cookie and a slice of banana bread.

If you’re interested in learning more about the science behind banana baking, or tips on perfecting your baked goods, check out these resources on food chemistry and baking techniques.

Why You’ll Love Banana Bread Cookies

These cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with banana flavor. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, looking for a healthier alternative to standard cookies, or just craving something new, banana bread cookies have it all:

They are easy to make and require only a handful of ingredients.
A great way to use up overripe bananas.
You can easily adapt them to be vegan or gluten-free.
Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or a comforting dessert.

The History of Banana Bread and Its Evolution into Cookies

Banana bread has been a beloved treat in American households since the early 20th century, when baking soda and baking powder became widely available, making quick bread easier to prepare. The concept of banana bread gained popularity during the Great Depression, as homebakers found ways to use overripe bananas to avoid food waste. The classic banana bread recipe has since evolved into numerous variations, including muffins, cakes, and, more recently.

The idea of turning banana bread into cookie form brings the convenience of individual servings with a delightfully chewy texture that appeals to both kids and adults. It’s a perfect solution for those who love the flavor of banana bread but want the portability and quick enjoyment of a cookie.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making banana bread cookies is a breeze, and the ingredients list is simple, focusing on items you likely already have in your kitchen.

Overripe Bananas: The key to that rich banana flavor is very ripe bananas. The riper they are, the sweeter your cookies will be.
All-purpose Flour: The base of any good cookie.
Butter or Coconut Oil: Use butter for a traditional taste, or coconut oil for a vegan alternative.
Brown Sugar: This adds moisture and depth of flavor.
Egg or Flax Egg: Use an egg to bind your ingredients or opt for a flax egg to keep it vegan.
Baking Soda: Helps the cookies rise and keeps them light.
Vanilla Extract: For that extra hint of sweetness.
Cinnamon: Brings a warm spice that pairs perfectly with bananas.
Optional Add-Ins: Chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or oats to enhance the texture.

Optional Add-Ins Explained

Chocolate Chips: Adding chocolate chips can turn these cookies into an indulgent dessert.
Chopped Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch that contrasts with the soft cookie texture.
Oats: Oats give the cookies a hearty texture, making them perfect for a breakfast treat.

How to Make

Making banana bread cookies is as easy as following these simple steps. The process is similar to making traditional cookies, but with the added bonus of mashed bananas.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mash the Bananas: In a medium bowl, mash your overripe bananas until smooth. The more ripe and spotty your bananas are, the sweeter your cookies will be.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create a soft texture.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the mashed bananas, egg (or flax egg), and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar. Mix well until everything is combined.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
Add Your Favorite Mix-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips, oats, or nuts for added texture.
Scoop and Bake: Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Cookies Too Flat: If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps prevent excessive spreading.
Cookies Too Dry: Make sure your bananas are ripe enough, as they provide the necessary moisture. Overbaking can also cause dryness, so keep an eye on your baking time.

Tips for Perfect

Use Overripe Bananas: The blacker the banana, the better! Overripe bananas bring a natural sweetness and moisture to your cookies.
Don’t Overmix: Once you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing leads to dense cookies.
Customize Your Cookies: Add in oats for banana bread cookies with oats, or go for dark chocolate chips to add richness.
Chill the Dough: If you want thicker cookies, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent them from spreading too much.

Variations on Banana Bread Cookies

Healthy Banana Bread Cookies

If you’re looking for a healthier version of banana bread cookies, consider these modifications:

Whole Wheat Flour: Substitute half or all of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Honey or Maple Syrup: Use honey or maple syrup in place of sugar for a natural sweetener.
Add Oats: Adding rolled oats can increase the fiber content and give your cookies a heartier texture.

Vegan Banana Bread Cookies

It’s easy to make these cookies vegan:

Butter Substitute: Use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
Egg Substitute: A flax egg works great here. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Gluten-Free Banana Bread Cookies

For those avoiding gluten:

Gluten-Free Flour Blend: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum to help with texture.
Almond Flour: Almond flour can also be used for a gluten-free, nutty twist on these cookies.

Banana Bread Cookies with Oats

Adding oats to your banana bread cookies provides a delightful chewiness and makes them more filling. Here’s how to incorporate oats effectively:

Rolled Oats: Use rolled oats for the best texture. You can add 1 to 1.5 cups of oats to the dough.
Quick Oats: If you prefer a finer texture, quick oats can be used, but they will make the cookies less chewy.

Health Benefits

Banana bread cookies can be a healthier choice compared to traditional cookies. Here’s why:

Bananas: Rich in potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, bananas add natural sweetness, reducing the need for refined sugar.
Oats: If you add oats, they provide fiber, which can help with digestion and keep you fuller for longer.
Healthy Fats: Using coconut oil or a flax egg can increase the healthy fat content, which is beneficial for heart health.

Low Sugar Alternatives

To reduce the sugar content:

Coconut Sugar: Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar, which has a lower glycemic index.
Stevia or Monk Fruit: Natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit can be used to reduce calories and sugar content without sacrificing sweetness.

A stack of banana bread cookies on a wooden plate

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Makes Banana Bread Cookies Different from Regular Cookies?

Banana bread cookies are softer and moister than traditional cookies, thanks to the mashed bananas. They have the characteristic banana flavor that makes them taste more like banana bread but with the convenience and shape of a cookie.

Can I Freeze Banana Bread Cookies?

Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Just make sure they’re completely cool before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Are Banana Bread Cookies Healthy?

Compared to standard cookies, banana bread cookies can be a healthier option, especially if you use whole wheat flour, natural sweeteners, and add-ins like oats or nuts. They also provide the benefit of bananas, which are a good source of potassium.

How Do I Make Banana Bread Cookies with Oats?

To make banana bread cookies with oats, simply add 1 cup of rolled oats to the batter. The oats will give the cookies extra texture and make them more filling.

How Long Will Banana Bread Cookies Stay Fresh?

These cookies will stay fresh for up to 5 days if stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months.

Can I Make Banana Bread Cookies Without Sugar?

Yes, you can substitute sugar with natural sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or even mashed dates. Keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture and sweetness of the cookies.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast Treat: These cookies are soft enough to enjoy for breakfast alongside a cup of coffee or tea.
On-the-Go Snack: Store them in an airtight container, and they make a great snack to take on the go.
Dessert: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
With Peanut Butter: Spread a layer of peanut butter on top of a banana bread cookie for an extra protein boost.
With Yogurt: Crumble the cookies over a bowl of Greek yogurt for a delicious and satisfying breakfast or snack.

Storage Tips for Banana Bread Cookies

To ensure your banana bread cookies stay fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

Room Temperature Storage

Airtight Container: Store the cookies in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
Layering: If stacking the cookies, place a sheet of parchment paper between each layer to avoid sticking.

Freezing

Freeze Individually: Place the cookies on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Thawing: To enjoy frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes or warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Creative Ways to Enjoy

Turn your banana bread cookies into an indulgent dessert by making ice cream sandwiches. Simply place a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies, press gently, and freeze for an hour. These make for a perfect summer treat!

Crumble Over Pancakes

For a fun twist on breakfast, crumble over a stack of pancakes. The cookies add a chewy, sweet element that pairs perfectly with maple syrup.

Layer crumbled cookies with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit to create a delicious parfait. This makes a great breakfast or a light dessert that combines the flavors of banana, creamy yogurt, and a hint of sweetness.

The Science Behind Banana Bread Cookies

Why Use Overripe Bananas?

Overripe bananas are essential for banana bread cookies because they contain more natural sugars, which enhance the flavor and sweetness of the cookies. As bananas ripen, their starches break down into simple sugars, resulting in a sweeter taste and a softer texture.

The Role of Baking Soda

Baking soda is used as a leavening agent in banana bread cookies. It reacts with the acidity in the bananas, producing carbon dioxide, which helps the cookies rise and become light and fluffy. Without baking soda, the cookies would be denser and less airy.

The Maillard Reaction

The Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned food its distinctive flavor. This reaction occurs during baking, contributing to the golden-brown color and rich flavor of the cookies.

Conclusion

Banana bread cookies are the perfect treat for any banana lover. They’re easy to make, highly customizable, and strike the perfect balance between the taste of banana bread and the texture of a cookie. Whether you prefer a classic version or want to adapt it to be healthier or vegan, these cookies are sure to satisfy.

Their versatility makes them perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even dessert. So, the next time you find yourself with overripe bananas, skip the traditional and give these cookies a try. They’re guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Give these banana bread cookies a try the next time you have overripe bananas in your kitchen—you won’t be disappointed!