Banana Cookies

Banana Cookies Recipe – Soft, Chewy & Easy Homemade

ByBella Skye
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Banana Cookies

Banana cookies are one of the easiest homemade treats you can bake when you want to turn ripe bananas into something soft, flavorful, and satisfying. Unlike traditional cookies that rely mainly on butter and sugar for their flavor, banana cookies gain natural sweetness, moisture, and a delicate fruity aroma from mashed ripe bananas. The result is a cookie with a tender center, lightly crisp edges, and a comforting flavor that pairs well with chocolate, nuts, spices, and oats.

More Dessert Ideas

One of the reasons banana cookies have become so popular is their versatility. They can be made as classic soft cookies, chewy banana cookies, or loaded with chocolate chips for a richer dessert. They are perfect for lunch boxes, afternoon snacks, holiday cookie trays, and weekend baking projects. Since most kitchens already have ripe bananas waiting to be used, these cookies are also an excellent way to reduce food waste while making something everyone enjoys.

The texture of banana cookies is slightly different from traditional sugar cookies. Because bananas contain natural moisture, the cookies stay soft for several days without becoming dry. They have a cake-like tenderness while still holding the shape of a classic cookie. When baked properly, the outside develops a delicate golden color while the inside remains moist and flavorful.

This recipe is designed for home bakers who want reliable results every time. Every ingredient has a purpose, and every step helps build flavor and texture. You’ll learn how to choose the best bananas, mix the dough correctly, and bake the cookies until they are perfectly soft without becoming undercooked.

If you enjoy experimenting with cookie recipes banana lovers appreciate, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your collection. It also fits naturally alongside other favorite banana desserts like Healthier Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Weelicious, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Peanutbutter, and Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Oats. Whether you are searching for cookie recipes using bananas, banana recipes cookies, or reliable cookie recipes with bananas, these homemade banana cookies offer consistent, delicious results that are easy enough for beginners and satisfying enough for experienced bakers.

By following this guide, you’ll create banana cookies that are rich in banana flavor, beautifully soft, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • These banana cookies stay naturally soft thanks to ripe mashed bananas.
  • The recipe uses everyday pantry ingredients that are easy to find.
  • The cookies bake evenly and develop a tender texture with lightly golden edges.
  • Ripe bananas add natural sweetness, allowing you to use less added sugar than many traditional cookies.
  • This recipe is beginner friendly and easy to follow.
  • The dough comes together quickly without requiring complicated techniques.
  • Banana cookies remain soft for several days when stored properly.
  • The recipe can easily be customized with chocolate chips, nuts, oats, or spices.
  • These chewy banana cookies are perfect for school lunches, snacks, and dessert platters.
  • The dough freezes well, making it convenient for baking fresh cookies whenever you want.
  • This recipe is a great way to use overripe bananas instead of throwing them away.
  • If you enjoy cookie recipes with bananas, you’ll appreciate how well the banana flavor balances with butter and vanilla.
  • These banana cookies pair beautifully with coffee, tea, milk, and hot chocolate.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Baking Time: 12 to 15 minutes
  • Cooling Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: About 50 minutes
  • Servings: 24 cookies

These banana cookies bake quickly, making them an excellent choice when you want homemade cookies without spending hours in the kitchen. Allow the cookies to cool completely before storing so they maintain their soft texture.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup mashed ripe banana, about 2 medium bananas

Mix Ins

  • 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Substitution Notes

  • Whole wheat flour can replace half of the all purpose flour for a heartier texture.
  • Coconut sugar can replace brown sugar for a slightly different flavor.
  • Salted butter may be used if you reduce the added salt by half.
  • Chopped dark chocolate works well instead of chocolate chips.
  • Pecans, walnuts, or almonds all make excellent additions.
  • Gluten free all purpose flour blend may be substituted for regular flour.
  • Dairy free butter can replace regular butter if needed.
  • Ground nutmeg can be added with cinnamon for a warmer flavor.
  • Old fashioned oats can be mixed into the dough for extra texture, similar to Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Oats.
Banana Cookies

Step-by-Step Instructions

crumble cookies vector

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Measure every ingredient before mixing to ensure the dough comes together smoothly. Mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until almost no large pieces remain. The smoother the banana mixture, the more evenly it will blend into the dough. Soft, ripe bananas with brown speckles provide the sweetest flavor and the best moisture for banana cookies.

crumble cookies vector

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and creamy. This usually takes about three to four minutes with an electric mixer. Proper creaming introduces tiny air pockets that help the cookies bake evenly and develop a soft texture. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat until fully combined. Mix in the mashed bananas until smooth. The mixture may appear slightly curdled because of the banana moisture, which is completely normal.

crumble cookies vector

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly mixed. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two or three additions, mixing on low speed just until no dry flour remains. Avoid overmixing because excessive mixing develops gluten, which can make banana cookies less tender. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts gently using a spatula so they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

crumble cookies vector

Step 4: Portion the Dough

Using a medium cookie scoop or two tablespoons, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about two inches of space between each cookie. Since banana cookies spread moderately during baking, proper spacing allows air to circulate evenly. If desired, press a few extra chocolate chips onto the tops of the dough balls for a more attractive finished appearance.

crumble cookies vector

Step 5: Bake the Cookies

Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges become lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking because banana cookies continue cooking slightly from residual heat after they are removed from the oven. A properly baked cookie should spring back gently when lightly touched in the center.

crumble cookies vector

Step 6: Cool Properly

Allow the banana cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting period allows the cookies to firm up enough to move without breaking while keeping their centers soft and moist. Cooling on a wire rack prevents condensation from forming underneath the cookies.

crumble cookies vector

Step 7: Check the Texture

Once cooled slightly, break one cookie in half to check the interior. The crumb should appear moist, tender, and evenly baked without wet streaks of batter. If the cookies seem overly soft, allow them to cool completely before judging the final texture. Banana cookies naturally become slightly firmer as they cool while remaining pleasantly soft inside.

crumble cookies vector

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange the cooled banana cookies on a serving platter or store them in an airtight container once completely cool. Their naturally sweet banana flavor pairs beautifully with milk, coffee, or tea. These homemade banana cookies are delicious on their own, but they also complement other banana favorites like Healthier Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Weelicious, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Peanutbutter, and other cookie recipes using bananas. Whether you are exploring banana recipes cookies for everyday snacks or searching for dependable cookie recipes with bananas, this recipe delivers soft, flavorful cookies every time.

How to Serve

Banana cookies are wonderfully versatile and can be served in many different ways depending on the occasion. Their soft texture and naturally sweet banana flavor make them suitable for everything from breakfast treats to elegant desserts.

  • For a simple everyday snack, serve banana cookies slightly warm with a glass of cold milk. The warmth makes the chocolate chips soft and enhances the banana aroma.
  • If serving guests, arrange the banana cookies on a white serving platter with fresh banana slices, strawberries, blueberries, and a few mint leaves for color. This presentation looks fresh without requiring extra effort.
  • For dessert, pair banana cookies with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or banana ice cream. The contrast between the warm cookie and cold ice cream creates a delicious combination.
  • Drizzle warm chocolate sauce, caramel sauce, or peanut butter sauce over the cookies for a richer dessert.
  • Serve alongside whipped cream for an extra creamy finish.
  • Create cookie sandwiches by spreading cream cheese frosting, chocolate frosting, or vanilla buttercream between two banana cookies.
  • Pair banana cookies with coffee, cappuccino, espresso, hot chocolate, chai tea, or black tea for an afternoon treat.
  • For children’s parties, decorate the cookies with a light drizzle of melted chocolate and colorful sprinkles.
  • These banana cookies also make an excellent addition to holiday cookie platters alongside brownies, oatmeal cookies, shortbread, and chocolate chip cookies.

Additional Tips

  • Use bananas with plenty of brown spots because they have the sweetest flavor.
  • Measure mashed bananas accurately to prevent excess moisture.
  • Always use room temperature butter and eggs for easier mixing.
  • Do not overmix the dough after adding the flour.
  • Chill the dough for 20 to 30 minutes if your kitchen is very warm.
  • Line baking sheets with parchment paper for even baking.
  • Bake one tray at a time for the most consistent results.
  • Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking if your oven has hot spots.
  • Remove the cookies when the centers still look slightly soft.
  • Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for several minutes before transferring them.
  • Store completely cooled cookies in an airtight container.
  • Add extra chocolate chips on top before baking for a bakery style appearance.
  • Toast chopped walnuts or pecans before mixing them into the dough for deeper flavor.
  • A small pinch of nutmeg pairs beautifully with cinnamon and bananas.
  • If you enjoy chewy banana cookies, avoid overbaking because a few extra minutes can make them dry.
  • These banana cookies are one of the easiest cookie recipes banana lovers can master because the dough is forgiving and simple to prepare.
Banana Cookies

Recipe Variations

  • Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies
  • Increase the chocolate chips to 1½ cups.
  • Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top before baking.
  • These resemble the flavors found in Healthier Chocolate Chip Banana Bread.
  • Oatmeal Banana Cookies
  • Replace ½ cup flour with old fashioned oats.
  • Add cinnamon and chopped walnuts.
  • The flavor is similar to Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Oats.
  • Peanut Butter Banana Cookies
  • Mix ½ cup creamy peanut butter into the butter mixture.
  • Add chocolate chips for a flavor combination inspired by Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Peanutbutter.
  • Double Chocolate Banana Cookies
  • Replace ¼ cup flour with unsweetened cocoa powder.
  • Stir in dark chocolate chunks.
  • Finish with chocolate drizzle after cooling.
  • Banana Walnut Cookies
  • Add one cup toasted walnuts.
  • Sprinkle chopped walnuts over each cookie before baking.
  • Coconut Banana Cookies
  • Fold shredded coconut into the dough.
  • Add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
  • Spiced Banana Cookies
  • Add nutmeg, ginger, and allspice.
  • Perfect during the fall and holiday season.
  • Breakfast Banana Cookies
  • Mix in oats, chopped almonds, flaxseed, and raisins.
  • These pair wonderfully with recipes like Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Weelicious for breakfast meal planning.

These variations also expand your collection of cookie recipes using bananas, banana recipes cookies, and cookie recipes with bananas while keeping the same dependable baking method.

Freezing and Storage

Room Temperature

  • Store banana cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
  • Keep away from direct sunlight and heat.

Refrigerator

  • Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
  • Allow the cookies to come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing Baked Cookies

  • Cool the cookies completely.
  • Freeze in freezer safe containers for up to 3 months.
  • Separate layers with parchment paper.

Freezing Cookie Dough

  • Scoop the dough into individual portions.
  • Freeze on a baking tray until firm.
  • Transfer to freezer bags.
  • Bake directly from frozen, adding 2 to 3 extra minutes.

Reheating

  • Microwave one cookie for 8 to 10 seconds to soften it.
  • Warm several cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes.

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per cookie

  • Calories: 165
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Total Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 22 mg
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 95 mg
  • Potassium: 110 mg
  • Calcium: 2% Daily Value
  • Iron: 4% Daily Value

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients used.

Final Words

Homemade banana cookies are proof that a few simple ingredients can create an incredibly satisfying dessert. Soft, moist, and naturally flavorful, they are an excellent way to use ripe bananas while filling your kitchen with the comforting aroma of fresh baking.

Whether you are making these banana cookies for family gatherings, lunch boxes, holiday trays, or an afternoon snack, they deliver reliable results every time. Their tender texture, balanced sweetness, and endless customization options make them suitable for both beginner and experienced bakers.

If you enjoy exploring cookie recipes banana enthusiasts recommend, these cookies deserve a permanent place in your recipe collection. They fit beautifully alongside favorites like Healthier Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Weelicious, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Peanutbutter, and other cookie recipes using bananas. They also complement many banana recipes cookies and cookie recipes with bananas because the dough serves as an excellent base for creative additions.

Once you bake these banana cookies, you’ll discover how easy they are to prepare and how quickly they disappear from the cookie jar. Keep a few ripe bananas on hand, bookmark this recipe, and enjoy fresh homemade cookies whenever the craving strikes.

FAQs

Yes. Thaw the bananas completely, drain any excess liquid if necessary, and mash them before adding to the dough.

Too much mashed banana or underbaking can make the cookies overly soft. Measure the bananas carefully and bake until the edges become lightly golden.

Bananas with yellow peels covered in brown spots provide the sweetest flavor and best moisture.

Yes. Slightly reduce the mashed banana, avoid overbaking, and cool the cookies completely for a chewier texture.

Yes. The cookies are delicious on their own or with chopped nuts, raisins, coconut, or dried cranberries.

Banana Cookies Recipe - Soft, Chewy & Easy Homemade
Print

Banana Cookies Recipe – Soft, Chewy & Easy Homemade

Recipe by Bella SkyeCourse: Desserts
Servings

24

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

15

minutes
Calories

165

kcal

Ingredients

  • Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon baking soda

  • ½ teaspoon baking powder

  • ½ teaspoon fine salt

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

  • ½ cup light brown sugar

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 large egg, room temperature

  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

  • 1 cup mashed ripe banana, about 2 medium bananas

  • Mix Ins

  • 1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

  • ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Directions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Measure every ingredient before mixing to ensure the dough comes together smoothly. Mash the ripe bananas thoroughly until almost no large pieces remain. The smoother the banana mixture, the more evenly it will blend into the dough. Soft, ripe bananas with brown speckles provide the sweetest flavor and the best moisture for banana cookies.
  • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and creamy. This usually takes about three to four minutes with an electric mixer. Proper creaming introduces tiny air pockets that help the cookies bake evenly and develop a soft texture. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then beat until fully combined. Mix in the mashed bananas until smooth. The mixture may appear slightly curdled because of the banana moisture, which is completely normal.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly mixed. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in two or three additions, mixing on low speed just until no dry flour remains. Avoid overmixing because excessive mixing develops gluten, which can make banana cookies less tender. Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts gently using a spatula so they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  • Using a medium cookie scoop or two tablespoons, portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about two inches of space between each cookie. Since banana cookies spread moderately during baking, proper spacing allows air to circulate evenly. If desired, press a few extra chocolate chips onto the tops of the dough balls for a more attractive finished appearance.
  • Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The cookies are ready when the edges become lightly golden while the centers remain soft. Avoid overbaking because banana cookies continue cooking slightly from residual heat after they are removed from the oven. A properly baked cookie should spring back gently when lightly touched in the center.
  • Allow the banana cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This resting period allows the cookies to firm up enough to move without breaking while keeping their centers soft and moist. Cooling on a wire rack prevents condensation from forming underneath the cookies.
  • Once cooled slightly, break one cookie in half to check the interior. The crumb should appear moist, tender, and evenly baked without wet streaks of batter. If the cookies seem overly soft, allow them to cool completely before judging the final texture. Banana cookies naturally become slightly firmer as they cool while remaining pleasantly soft inside.
  • Arrange the cooled banana cookies on a serving platter or store them in an airtight container once completely cool. Their naturally sweet banana flavor pairs beautifully with milk, coffee, or tea. These homemade banana cookies are delicious on their own, but they also complement other banana favorites like Healthier Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Weelicious, Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Peanutbutter, and other cookie recipes using bananas. Whether you are exploring banana recipes cookies for everyday snacks or searching for dependable cookie recipes with bananas, this recipe delivers soft, flavorful cookies every time.