If you are craving a comfort-filled treat that feels both wholesome and indulgent, this Banana Cookies Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. With the natural sweetness of ripe bananas blending perfectly with warm spices, oats, and a touch of vanilla, each cookie melts in your mouth with a chewy and soft texture that makes it impossible to stop at just one. Whether you bake them for a quick snack, a lunchbox surprise, or a dessert to share, these cookies bring that perfect homemade goodness wrapped up in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together easily, each playing a key role whether it’s adding flavor, texture, or that classic cookie softness. Grab these pantry staples, and you’ll be surprised how quickly and beautifully they transform into something magical.
- 1 ripe banana (mashed): The natural sweetener and binder that keeps the cookies moist and tender.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed): Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the banana perfectly.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and contributes to a slight crisp edge on the cookies.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds structure to the dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that supports all the other ingredients and creates the perfect cookie base.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft inside.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a hint of spice that pairs beautifully with bananas.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 1 cup rolled oats: Gives texture, chewiness, and a wholesome touch to the cookies.
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts (optional): Perfect for adding extra flavor and texture, whether you prefer sweet or nutty.
How to Make Banana Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, which makes cleanup so much easier.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration process is key to giving your cookies a lovely texture and a slightly crispy edge.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
Beat in the mashed ripe banana, then add your egg and vanilla extract, mixing everything until the wet ingredients are fully combined. The banana adds moisture and natural sweetness that will shine through every bite.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing these ingredients separately ensures even distribution of the rising agent and the spice throughout the dough.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender instead of tough.
Step 6: Fold in Oats and Optional Add-ins
Now gently fold in the rolled oats and your choice of chocolate chips or chopped walnuts if you’re using them. These give your cookies that satisfying texture and a flavor boost without overpowering the banana’s star quality.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping mounds of dough onto your lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges just begin to turn golden.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
After removing the cookies from the oven, let them cool on the pan for about 2 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cookies set perfectly while retaining their softness inside.
How to Serve Banana Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar on top of the cookies for an inviting finish. You can even melt a little bit of chocolate and drizzle it over for an extra touch of decadence that will impress your friends and family.
Side Dishes
Pair these banana cookies with a cool glass of milk, a cup of steaming coffee, or even a dollop of Greek yogurt for a delightful snack or dessert combo. The creaminess of your beverage or side enhances the softness and natural flavors of the cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies stacked with layers of sliced banana or peanut butter spread between them for a fun sandwich twist. Or arrange them alongside fresh fruit and nuts on a dessert platter to showcase a balanced and colorful treat display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover banana cookies keep wonderfully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You’ll find that the flavors deepen slightly over time, making each bite even better.
Freezing
To store banana cookies for longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a resealable freezer bag once solid. This method preserves their freshness for up to 2 months and lets you enjoy them whenever a cookie craving strikes.
Reheating
Warm frozen or stored cookies in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds, or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This refreshes their softness and brings back the freshly baked feeling as if you just took them out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely, overripe bananas are perfect because they are sweeter and softer, which means your cookies will have enhanced flavor and moistness.
What can I substitute for all-purpose flour?
You can try whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste and extra fiber, but keep in mind the cookies might be a bit denser. Gluten-free all-purpose blends also work if you need a gluten-free option.
Are these banana cookies healthy?
While these cookies are still a treat, they include wholesome ingredients like oats and bananas that add fiber and natural sweetness, making them a better choice than many traditional cookies.
Can I omit the butter or use a healthier fat?
Replacing butter with coconut oil or avocado oil is possible, but it may slightly change the texture and flavor. Be sure to use solid coconut oil at room temperature for best results.
How can I make the cookies chewier?
Try baking them for a minute or two less than suggested and allow them to finish setting on the baking sheet after removing them from the oven. This technique keeps the cookies wonderfully chewy inside.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting about baking a batch of banana cookies that fill your kitchen with warmth and a scent that invites everyone to gather around. This Banana Cookies Recipe is one of those easy, satisfying recipes you’ll reach for again and again whenever you want a homemade snack that feels special but never fussy. So go ahead, bake a batch and share a little bit of cozy happiness with those you love!
Print
Banana Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and chewy banana cookies made with ripe bananas, rolled oats, and a hint of cinnamon, perfect for a wholesome dessert or a quick snack. These cookies combine the natural sweetness of bananas with the satisfying texture of oats and optional chocolate chips or walnuts for added flavor and crunch.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup rolled oats
Optional Add-ins
- ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the mashed banana, egg, and vanilla extract until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the batter is smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make cookies tough.
- Fold in Oats and Add-ins: Fold in the rolled oats and your choice of chocolate chips or chopped walnuts if using. This adds texture and additional flavor.
- Scoop Dough: Drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are done but still soft inside.
- Cool Cookies: Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes to set before transferring them carefully to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they hold their shape.
Notes
- For chewier cookies, slightly underbake them and let them finish setting on the pan.
- Add a handful of raisins or shredded coconut for extra texture variations.
- These cookies freeze well, making them a convenient option for meal prep or lunchbox treats.
