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

If you’ve ever wished banana bread could be a bite-sized treat you could enjoy with your hands, these Banana Bread Cookies are your dream come true! Each cookie is perfectly soft in the center, with all those familiar, comforting banana bread flavors packed into a chewy, golden-hued round. Crowned with a silky cream cheese glaze, these irresistible Banana Bread Cookies are rich, moist, and full of cozy spice—proof that sometimes the best things in life really do come in small packages.

Banana Bread Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Banana Bread Cookies lies in their simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one works together to create cookies that are soft, gently spiced, and bursting with banana flavor. Here’s why every addition matters:

All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies structure while keeping them delightfully tender.
Baking soda: Offers just enough lift for soft centers and lightly puffy edges.
Salt: Enhances every sweet and spicy note.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warm, comforting depth to the cookies.
Unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and helps form that chewy texture we all adore.
Granulated sugar: Keeps the cookie crumb light and lends sweetness.
Brown sugar, packed: Gives moisture and a caramel-like undertone to every bite.
Large egg: Binds the dough and adds extra tenderness.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the banana flavor with a mellow, aromatic note.
Mashed ripe bananas (about 2 small): The star ingredient! Use those freckled, overripe bananas for maximum flavor and moisture.
Chopped walnuts (optional): Offer a delightful crunch and subtle bitterness that balances the sweetness.
Cream cheese, softened (for the glaze): The magic behind that rich, tangy topping.
Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Melts smoothly into the glaze for sweetness and shine.
Milk (for the glaze): Just enough to make the glaze drizzle beautifully.
Vanilla extract (for the glaze): Enhances the creamy glaze with fragrant complexity.

How to Make Banana Bread Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your Banana Bread Cookies come off cleanly and perfectly golden underneath.

Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This combo ensures the cookies bake up soft, flavorful, and evenly risen.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for chewy Banana Bread Cookies with perfectly tender centers.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Add the egg and vanilla extract to your fluffy butter mixture. Continue beating until everything’s smooth and well-blended—no streaks, just creamy goodness!

Step 5: Mix in the Bananas

Stir in the mashed ripe bananas, folding until evenly incorporated. The bananas are the secret to that unmistakable Banana Bread Cookie flavor and moist, irresistible texture.

Step 6: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture into the bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix just until you see no more dry streaks. If you’re a fan of a little crunch, now’s the time to gently fold in the chopped walnuts.

Step 7: Scoop and Bake

Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about two inches between each cookie. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are kissed with golden color. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Step 8: Prepare the Cream Cheese Glaze

While the cookies cool, beat your softened cream cheese until it’s just smooth. Add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, beating until the glaze is creamy, glossy, and perfect for drizzling or spreading.

Step 9: Glaze and Enjoy

Once your Banana Bread Cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze over each one. The tangy glaze sets into a luscious topping that takes the cookies over the top.

How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely chopped walnuts or a dusting of cinnamon makes each Banana Bread Cookie look bakery-worthy. For a little sparkle, try adding a dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. It’s all about those finishing touches!

Side Dishes

These cookies pair beautifully with a steaming mug of coffee or hot chocolate. If you’re hosting a brunch, serve Banana Bread Cookies alongside fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, or even a light salad for the ultimate sweet-meets-savory spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange glazed Banana Bread Cookies on a rustic wooden tray, stacked high for a cozy family-style snack. Or, pop them into bakery boxes and tie them with twine for the sweetest homemade gift. For parties, display them on a tiered stand with alternating rows of cookies and sliced bananas for extra flair!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the cream cheese glaze sets, transfer any leftover Banana Bread Cookies to an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to three days at room temperature. For longer storage, refrigerate to keep the glaze firm and the flavor bright.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy Banana Bread Cookies later, freeze them (without the glaze) in a single layer until solid, then store in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to two months. Simply add the fresh glaze after thawing for best results.

Reheating

To get that just-baked warmth, pop room-temperature or thawed cookies in the microwave for 8–10 seconds. If they’re unglazed, you can gently warm them in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes, then glaze before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas in this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw your frozen bananas and drain off any excess liquid before mashing. You’ll get the same sweet, concentrated flavor that makes Banana Bread Cookies shine.

Are the walnuts essential?

Not at all—if you’re not a walnut fan or you’re baking for someone with allergies, simply leave them out. The Banana Bread Cookies are still deliciously moist and flavorful without the nuts.

How do I get my cookies to look as pretty as bakery ones?

Scoop the dough with a cookie scoop for even shapes, and wait until the cookies are completely cool before glazing. For extra eye appeal, finish with a pinch of finely chopped walnuts or a drizzle pattern with the glaze.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! This Banana Bread Cookies recipe doubles beautifully. Just be sure to bake in batches and rotate the baking sheets halfway through for even cooking.

What if my glaze is too thick or too thin?

If your glaze is too thick, add an extra splash of milk, just a little at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar until it’s the perfect consistency for drizzling or spreading on your Banana Bread Cookies.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a new favorite treat or want to share a sweet surprise with friends, these Banana Bread Cookies are a guaranteed delight. Give them a try and see just how quickly they disappear—everyone will be asking for the recipe!