If you love the cozy, comforting flavors of banana bread but want to switch things up a bit, this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine soft, chewy cookies infused with ripe banana sweetness, a hint of cinnamon warmth, and just the right touch of chocolate chips to satisfy your sweet tooth. These cookies combine the best of banana bread and cookie worlds into an easy, utterly delicious treat you’ll find yourself baking again and again. Trust me, once you try this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe, it’s going to become one of your very favorite go-to recipes for snack time or any time at all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is a breeze because it relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that all play a vital role. Each one adds a unique texture, flavor, or aroma that makes these cookies irresistible from the very first bite.
- Unsalted butter: Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty depth that takes these cookies to the next level.
- Mashed banana: Provides natural sweetness and a tender, moist crumb that keeps the cookies soft.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor with a warm, inviting aroma.
- Gluten free flour: Keeps these treats allergy-friendly without sacrificing texture.
- Coconut sugar or light brown sugar: Adds caramel undertones and balances sweetness.
- Cinnamon: Infuses the cookies with a subtle spicy warmth.
- Gluten free rolled oats: Gives a satisfying chew and a rustic twist.
- Sea salt: Just a pinch sharpens all the flavors beautifully.
- Baking soda: Ensures these cookies rise just right and stay tender.
- Mini chocolate chips: Little bursts of melty chocolate that make every bite pure joy.
How to Make Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Butter
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a saucepan over low to medium heat. Stir it occasionally as it transforms from melted to golden brown, releasing those irresistible nutty aromas that are so important for the flavor depth in these cookies. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn, then set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten free flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, rolled oats, sea salt, and baking soda. Stir these dry components together thoroughly so that the flavors and leavening agent are evenly distributed, which helps the cookies bake perfectly every time.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
Pour the browned butter into the dry ingredient mixture along with the mashed banana and vanilla extract. Stir gently but thoroughly until you have a beautiful, thick dough starting to form. The bananas add moisture and natural sweetness, while the brown butter infuses every bite with richness.
Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Now it’s time for the fun part — gently folding in the mini chocolate chips. These little pockets of chocolate melt slightly during baking and complement the banana and cinnamon flavors perfectly. Aim for an even distribution so that every cookie has just the right amount of chocolatey goodness.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
Pop your dough into the fridge for 20 minutes. This step helps firm up the dough, making it easier to handle and ensuring that your cookies bake evenly with the perfect texture — tender centers and slightly crisp edges.
Step 6: Prepare to Bake
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. When ready, scoop balls of dough onto the baking sheet using a cookie scoop or spoon. Aim for uniform sizes so they bake consistently.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 12 to 14 minutes. You’ll want to look for edges turning a lovely golden brown while the centers stay a bit gooey — this ensures softness and chewiness in every bite. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Serve Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These Banana Bread Cookies are delicious all on their own, but if you want to get a little fancy, sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or even a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just as they come out of the oven. It adds a delicate crunch and accentuates the warm flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pairing these cookies with a chilled glass of milk or a fragrant cup of chai tea makes for an unbeatable snack or dessert combo. The milk’s creaminess balances the rich banana and chocolate, while chai’s spices echo the cinnamon notes in the cookies.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Banana Bread Cookies Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or spread a dollop of cream cheese frosting on top to really wow your guests. You could even sandwich two cookies together with peanut butter or Nutella for a delightful treat that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and chewy, ready to satisfy your sweet cravings whenever you need a quick pick-me-up.
Freezing
If you want to keep these Banana Bread Cookies around longer, freeze them in a sealed container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. To prevent sticking, layer parchment paper between the cookies before freezing.
Reheating
To enjoy frozen cookies, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in a microwave for about 15 seconds to recapture that fresh-baked softness and gooey chocolate melt.
FAQs
Can I use regular flour instead of gluten free flour?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in regular all-purpose flour if gluten is not a concern. The texture might be slightly different but just as delicious.
What type of bananas work best for these cookies?
The riper the banana, the better—look for bananas with lots of brown spots or that are very soft. They’ll bring out the sweetest, richest flavor.
Can I omit the chocolate chips?
Yes, you can leave out the chocolate chips if you prefer a purer banana bread flavor or want to add nuts or dried fruit instead.
Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?
To make this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe vegan, substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative and make sure your sugar and chocolate chips are vegan-friendly.
How should I store the dough if I want to bake cookies later?
Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 1 day, or freeze it for longer storage. Thaw in the fridge before scooping and baking as usual.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is a heartfelt favorite that brings together the best qualities of banana bread and cookies in one delightful treat. They’re simple to make, full of warm flavors, and perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying any time you want a sweet little pick-me-up. I really hope you have as much fun baking and indulging in these cookies as I do. Go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’re going to love it!
Print
Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Banana Bread Cookies combine the comforting flavors of classic banana bread with the delightful texture of cookies. Made with gluten-free flour and naturally sweetened with coconut sugar and ripe bananas, they offer a chewy, soft treat dotted with mini chocolate chips. Perfect for a quick snack or dessert, these cookies are easy to prepare and bake in under an hour.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- ½ cup mashed banana (about 1 medium ripe banana)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups gluten free flour
- ¾ cup coconut sugar or light brown sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ⅔ cup gluten free rolled oats
- ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
Add-ins
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Brown the Butter: In a small saucepan over low-medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir occasionally until it turns a golden brown color, indicating a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the gluten free flour, coconut sugar, cinnamon, gluten free rolled oats, sea salt, and baking soda. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all dry components.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Pour the browned butter, mashed banana, and vanilla extract into the dry ingredients. Stir well until a cohesive dough forms.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for 20 minutes. This firms up the dough, making it easier to scoop and helps the cookies keep their shape while baking.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: After chilling, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Scoop Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them adequately to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden brown while the centers remain soft and slightly gooey.
- Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes. This allows the cookies to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Using ripe bananas enhances the sweetness and flavor of the cookies.
- Substitute coconut sugar with light brown sugar if preferred; this may slightly affect the flavor and moisture.
- Ensure to brown the butter carefully to avoid burning which can result in a bitter taste.
- Gluten free flour blend should be suitable for baking to achieve the best texture.
- These cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For nut-free version, verify all ingredients are processed in nut-free facilities.
- Freezing the cookie dough balls before baking can help control spreading and yield thicker cookies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
