Banana Cookies Recipe

The Sweetest Banana Cookies Recipe for Soft Homemade Treats

Sweet afternoons often call for a delightful banana cookies recipe that fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort.

These soft, chewy treats capture the essence of homemade goodness with minimal effort.

Ripe bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture to every delectable bite.

The simple ingredients blend seamlessly to create a nostalgic snack that reminds you of childhood memories.

Perfectly spiced and wonderfully tender, these cookies offer a delicious way to use overripe bananas.

A single batch promises to vanish quickly, leaving everyone craving more of these irresistible morsels.

Bake a batch and watch smiles spread across eager faces.

Banana Cookies That Steal The Show

  • Soft, chewy banana cookies deliver a warm hug of homemade goodness that reminds you of grandma's kitchen.
  • Transform those brown, spotty bananas into a delicious treat instead of tossing them in the trash, reducing food waste and saving money.
  • Requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making these cookies perfect for spontaneous baking sessions with kids or when craving something sweet.
  • Great for potlucks, school events, or casual gatherings where you want a universally loved dessert that isn't too complicated.

Ingredients For The Best Banana Cookies

Base Ingredients:
  • Flour: A key dry ingredient that provides structure to the banana cookies.
  • Banana: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cookie dough.
  • Butter: Creates a rich and tender texture in the cookies.
  • Brown Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and adds a deep caramel-like flavor.
Binding and Leavening Ingredients:
  • Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and provides structure to the cookies.
  • Cornstarch, Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Work together to create a soft and light cookie texture.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the banana cookies.

Tools For Baking Banana Cookies With Ease

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining wet and dry ingredients smoothly.
  • Small mixing bowl: Perfect for mixing dry ingredients before adding to wet mixture.
  • Electric mixer or hand mixer: Helps beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Silicone spatula: Great for folding flour mixture into banana mixture without overmixing.
  • Cookie scoop (1.5-tablespoon): Creates uniform cookie sizes and makes dropping dough easier.
  • Baking sheets: Two sheets lined with parchment paper for even baking.
  • Parchment paper: Prevents cookies from sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
  • Wire cooling rack: Allows cookies to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottoms.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements for perfect cookie texture.

Steps To Soft, Chewy Banana Cookies

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Set your oven to sizzle at 375°F.

Grab two baking sheets and line them with parchment paper for a smooth cookie adventure.

Step 2: Blend Dry Goodies

Grab a small bowl and toss in flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Give them a quick whirl to create a uniform powder mixture.

Step 3: Cream Butter And Sweet Goodness

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip butter and brown sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud.

Add mashed bananas, vanilla extract, and egg.

Mix until everything dances together smoothly.

Step 4: Marry The Mixtures

Take a silicone spatula and gently fold the dry ingredients into the banana blend.

Stir until everything looks perfectly combined with no sneaky dry patches.

Step 5: Cookie Placement

Grab your trusty cookie scoop and dollop rounds of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.

Space them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread their delicious wings.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Slide the sheets into the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

Watch for those edges turning a lovely golden brown.

Let cookies rest on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

  • Use overripe bananas with dark brown or black spots for maximum sweetness and intense banana flavor.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
  • Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to keep cookies soft and tender, preventing them from becoming dry or crumbly.
  • Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic twist on classic banana cookies.
  • Substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan butter to make the recipe suitable for dairy-free and vegan diets.
  • Gluten-Free Banana Cookies: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Banana Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax egg instead of regular egg, and choose dairy-free brown sugar.
  • Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies: Fold in 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter for extra richness.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Cookies: Use monk fruit sweetener or reduce brown sugar by half and add mashed dates for natural sweetness.
  • Tropical Breakfast Partner: Serve these banana cookies alongside a fresh smoothie for a delightful morning treat that brings sunshine to your plate.
  • Sweet Dessert Companion: Pair these soft cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with warm caramel sauce for an indulgent after-dinner delight.
  • Afternoon Tea Highlight: Arrange these cookies on a cute platter with herbal tea or coffee, creating a perfect mid-day snack that feels like a cozy comfort moment.
  • Lunchbox Surprise: Pack these cookies in kids' lunchboxes or as a workplace snack, offering a homemade touch that brings a smile with every bite.

Storing Banana Cookies For That Fresh-Baked Taste

  • Store cooled cookies in an airtight container layered with parchment paper for up to 5 days, keeping them fresh and soft.
  • Place cookies in a freezer-safe container, separating layers with wax paper, and store for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Warm individual cookies for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate to restore their soft, fresh-from-the-oven texture.
  • Warm cookies at 300°F for 3-5 minutes, restoring their crisp edges and soft centers without drying them out.

FAQs

  • Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?

Yes, overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe because they are softer, sweeter, and easier to mash, which helps create more flavor and moisture in the cookies.

  • Do I need any special equipment to make these banana cookies?

You’ll need a mixer or hand mixer to cream the butter and sugar, a cookie scoop for uniform cookies, and parchment paper to prevent sticking, but these are standard baking tools most kitchens have.

  • Are these banana cookies soft or crispy?

These banana cookies are soft and cake-like, with a tender texture that comes from the mashed bananas and the combination of cornstarch and baking powder in the recipe.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Banana Cookies Recipe

Banana Cookies Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Classic banana cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional desserts. Packed with ripe bananas and warm spices, these treats provide a comforting snack you’ll savor with each sweet, homemade bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 2/3 cups (217 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch

Wet and Sweet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (210 g) light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup (56 g) mashed ripe banana
  • 5 tablespoons (74 ml) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven at 375°F and line two baking sheets with parchment paper for optimal cookie baking.
  2. Whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate mixing bowl to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
  3. Cream butter and brown sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes airy and pale, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
  4. Incorporate mashed banana, vanilla extract, and egg into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly to create a uniform consistency.
  5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the banana mixture, stirring with a silicone spatula until just combined to prevent overmixing.
  6. Portion cookie dough onto prepared baking sheets using a cookie scoop, spacing each dollop approximately 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, watching for a light golden-brown color around the edges as an indicator of doneness.
  8. Allow cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set their structure, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling and final texture development.

Notes

  • Swap flour for gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour to create a celiac-friendly version of these soft banana cookies.
  • Reduce sugar content by using ripe bananas, which naturally increase sweetness and allow for less added sugar without compromising flavor.
  • Experiment with mix-ins like chopped walnuts, dark chocolate chips, or cinnamon to elevate the basic cookie recipe and add exciting texture variations.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer preservation, maintaining their delicate soft texture and banana essence.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 120 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Marcus Reed

Marcus Reed

Founder & Food Content Creator

Expertise

Single-recipe development, Seasonal and local ingredient utilization, Food photography and styling, Culinary writing and content creation​

Education

Culinary Arts Certificate, Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, WV
Focus: Fundamentals of culinary techniques, emphasizing hands-on experience in small-scale kitchen settings.


Marcus’s story begins in Asheville, where good food and family kitchens shaped his earliest memories. After hands-on culinary training and a lot of trial (and a little error), he realized that real cooking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.
At Pan and Oven, Marcus crafts recipes that are easy to follow, packed with flavor, and built for real kitchens.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star