Name: Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 small bananas); 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Prepare to fall in love at first bite with these Banana Bread Cookies—a dreamy spin on a classic that blends all the nostalgia of banana bread into a soft, chewy cookie topped with a tangy cream cheese glaze. Every mouthful is like a little celebration of ripe bananas, toasty walnuts, and cozy cinnamon, finished off with just the right sweet, creamy drizzle. Whether you’re a long-time banana bread fan or you simply can’t resist a bakery-style treat, these Banana Bread Cookies are guaranteed to charm everyone, from kids to grown-ups, and might just be your new go-to for comfort baking.

Banana Bread Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Banana Bread Cookies starts with pantry staples—you probably have most of them already. Each ingredient brings something essential, from structure and softness to color and irresistible flavor, ensuring the cookies bake up with the perfect blend of homey comfort and bakery-level appeal.

All-purpose flour: Gives structure and allows the cookies to hold their adorable shape while keeping the texture tender.
Baking soda: Helps the cookies puff up just the right amount, creating a chewy bite.
Salt: A pinch brings out and balances all the sweet notes.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and that signature banana bread aroma.
Unsalted butter, softened: The base of any good cookie, providing richness and moisture for a soft result.
Granulated sugar: Delivers classic sweetness and helps with a slight crispness around the edges.
Brown sugar, packed: Lends a deep, caramelly note and a bit of chew.
Large egg: Binds everything together for cookies that hold up beautifully.
Vanilla extract: Accentuates all the flavors and gives that beloved bakery scent.
Mashed ripe bananas (about 2 small bananas): The star of the show—sweet, aromatic, and naturally moist.
Chopped walnuts (optional): Toss them in for classic crunch and a nutty dimension.
Cream cheese, softened (for glaze): Makes the glaze ultra-creamy with a pleasant tang.
Powdered sugar: Easily melts into the glaze, making it silky-smooth and sweet.
Milk: Loosens the glaze just enough to drizzle or spread.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): Enhances the cream cheese with a fragrant finish.

How to Make Banana Bread Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Station

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. It may seem like a simple start, but this step ensures even baking and effortless cleanup! Take a moment here to gather all your ingredients so the process flows smoothly—mise en place is your friend.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing the dry ingredients separately first means every bite of your Banana Bread Cookies will be perfectly spiced and evenly textured, without pockets of salt or leavening.

Step 3: Cream Together the Butter and Sugars

Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. This step builds the cookies’ tender crumb and helps incorporate lots of air—think of it as the starting point for the best-ever soft, chewy cookies.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well blended, then follow with the mashed bananas. The bananas do wonders for moisture and flavor, so be sure to use ones with plenty of freckles for the best sweetness and taste.

Step 5: Bring Together Wet and Dry Mixtures

Tip the dry ingredients into the banana and butter mixture in stages, mixing until just combined—no need to overdo it! For an optional burst of crunch, fold in those chopped walnuts at this stage.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping mounds of dough onto your lined baking sheet, leaving about two inches between each for spreading room. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and set.

Step 7: Cool, Then Glaze

Let the baked cookies cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Meanwhile, whip together the cream cheese glaze by beating the softened cream cheese until smooth, then adding powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. When the cookies are totally cool, drizzle or spread the glaze over each one for a bakery finish.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies

Garnishes

To make these Banana Bread Cookies extra special, sprinkle freshly grated nutmeg, more chopped walnuts, or even a light dusting of cinnamon on top of the cream cheese glaze before it sets. It’s a simple touch, but it adds an irresistible aroma and just a hint of crunch.

Side Dishes

Serve your cookies alongside a mug of hot chocolate, a creamy latte, or a tall glass of cold milk. For brunch, pair them with fruit salad or Greek yogurt. Banana Bread Cookies also shine as part of an easy dessert spread with ice cream or a fruit platter.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking glazed Banana Bread Cookies on a rustic cake stand for a bake sale vibe or arrange them on a serving board with other fruit-based treats. For parties or gifts, package a few cookies in clear bags tied with ribbon for a charming homemade touch that’s sure to delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Banana Bread Cookies keep best in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Place a sheet of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking. The glaze will stay soft but set, and the cookies remain moist and tender.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Banana Bread Cookies! Lay the glazed cookies in a single layer on a tray to freeze until solid, then stack them in a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for 2 to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

If you love a just-baked feel, pop a cookie in the microwave for 8-10 seconds—just enough to soften and awaken all those warm banana bread notes. For larger batches, a 300°F oven for a few minutes will do the trick.

FAQs

Can I make Banana Bread Cookies without nuts?

Absolutely! The walnuts are totally optional. If you prefer nut-free cookies or are baking for someone with allergies, feel free to leave them out. The cookies are just as delicious and soft without any mix-ins.

How ripe should the bananas be?

Use bananas that are well-speckled with brown spots or almost black. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your Banana Bread Cookies will turn out. Underripe bananas won’t lend the same deep, caramelized banana flavor or natural sweetness.

Can I make the dough ahead and bake later?

Yes! The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Simply scoop and bake as directed, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time if the dough is cold from the fridge.

What’s the best way to apply the cream cheese glaze?

You can either drizzle the glaze using a spoon for rustic flair, or spread it with a butter knife for a smooth, bakery-style look. If you’re feeling creative, scoop the glaze into a zip-top bag, snip off a corner, and pipe fun swirls over each cookie.

Can I use whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour?

For a slight nutritional boost, you can swap up to half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat. If you need gluten-free Banana Bread Cookies, use a good 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. The cookies might be a bit more delicate, but the flavors will still be wonderful.

Final Thoughts

There’s something undeniably comforting about an easy, homemade batch of Banana Bread Cookies—the sweet aroma, the tender crumb, and that irresistible cream cheese glaze. Whether you’re baking with family or just treating yourself, you’ll definitely want to put this recipe on repeat. Give them a try and see just how quickly they disappear!