There’s something deeply satisfying about discovering a recipe that delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort, and these Banana Bread Cookies accomplish exactly that with just six simple ingredients. This recipe emerged from one of those moments when you have overripe bananas on the counter but want something faster and more portable than traditional banana bread. After experimenting with different ratios and techniques, I discovered that the key to capturing authentic banana bread flavor in cookie form lies in using very ripe bananas and understanding that less mixing actually creates better texture. These cookies bridge the gap between healthy and indulgent, delivering all the nostalgic warmth of banana bread in a format that’s perfect for lunchboxes, afternoon snacks, or any time you need homemade comfort in under 20 minutes.
Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Cookies
- Incredibly simple recipe – Just 6 ingredients and one bowl for minimal cleanup
- Ready in under 20 minutes – Perfect for when you want homemade treats fast
- Uses overripe bananas – Transforms bananas you might otherwise throw away
- Soft and tender texture – Stays moist thanks to natural banana moisture
- Family-friendly appeal – Kids love the familiar banana bread flavors
- Highly customizable – Easy to add chocolate chips, nuts, or spices
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Essential Six:
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed – The spottier the better for maximum sweetness
- ½ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness without overpowering banana flavor
- ¼ cup melted butter – Provides richness and helps create tender texture
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Creates structure while keeping cookies soft
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda – Gives gentle lift and keeps cookies tender
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances flavors and balances sweetness
Optional Add-ins:
- ¼ cup chocolate chips – Classic addition that pairs perfectly with banana
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans – Adds crunch and nutty flavor
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon – Warm spice that complements banana beautifully
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare for Baking:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Create the Cookie Base:
Step 2: Mash the Banana In a medium bowl, mash the ripe banana until smooth. You should have about ½ cup of mashed banana for the best consistency.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients Mix in sugar and melted butter until well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Add flour, baking soda, and salt to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can make cookies tough.
Shape and Bake:
Step 5: Form the Cookies Drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection Bake for 8-10 minutes until edges are set and lightly golden but centers still appear soft. Don’t overbake—they’ll continue cooking on the hot pan.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Perfect Occasions These versatile cookies work beautifully for:
- After-school snacks – Wholesome enough for kids, satisfying for adults
- Coffee break treats – Pair perfectly with morning coffee or afternoon tea
- Lunchbox additions – Travel well and provide energy boost
- Casual entertaining – Easy to make in large batches for gatherings
Beverage Pairings Serve with cold milk for kids, coffee or tea for adults, or alongside vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Make-Ahead Tips
Planning Success These cookies are perfect for advance preparation:
Dough Preparation Mix dough and chill for up to 24 hours. Cold dough is actually easier to handle and may spread less during baking.
Batch Baking Double or triple the recipe—these disappear quickly and freeze beautifully for future snacking.
Storage and Leftovers
Optimal Storage Store in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
Freezing Success Freeze baked cookies for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the oven to restore fresh-baked texture.
Custom Variations and Add-Ons
1. Chocolate Chip Version Add ¼ cup chocolate chips for classic banana-chocolate combination.
2. Nutty Banana Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and additional protein.
3. Spiced Banana Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg for warm spice notes.
4. Peanut Butter Banana Swirl in 2 tablespoons peanut butter for protein-rich twist.
5. Oatmeal Banana Replace half the flour with quick oats for chewier texture and added fiber.
Nutrition Information
Per cookie (based on 18 cookies):
- Calories: ~85
- Fat: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 7g
Banana Bread Cookies FAQs
How ripe should the bananas be? The riper the better—brown spotted bananas are perfect as they’re sweeter and mash more easily.
Can I make these gluten-free? Yes, substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
Why are my cookies spreading too much? The dough might be too warm. Chill for 10-15 minutes before baking, or ensure your butter wasn’t too hot when added.
Can I reduce the sugar? You can reduce to â…“ cup, though the cookies will be less sweet and may not brown as nicely.
How do I know when they’re done? Edges should be set and lightly golden while centers still look slightly soft—they continue cooking on the hot pan.
Final Thoughts: Share the Love!
These Banana Bread Cookies prove that some of the best recipes are also the simplest ones. They transform ingredients you likely already have into something that delivers comfort, nostalgia, and satisfaction in every bite. Whether you’re using up overripe bananas, need a quick treat for unexpected guests, or simply want to fill your kitchen with the warm aromas of home baking, these cookies provide that perfect balance of ease and deliciousness that makes them destined to become a regular in your baking rotation.
