Introduction
If you’re a fan of classic banana bread and love cookies, this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe will be a delightful treat to add to your baking lineup. These cookies capture the cozy flavors of banana bread but with the convenience and portion-friendly nature of cookies. With a tender, moist texture, subtle spices, and a creamy maple frosting, this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is perfect for both everyday snacking and special occasions. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to use up ripe bananas before they go to waste!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Versatile and Customizable: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, these cookies can be tailored to suit various dietary preferences.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe comes together quickly.
Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to ripe bananas, these cookies stay soft and moist with a naturally sweet banana flavor.
Maple Frosting: The maple cream cheese frosting adds a creamy, rich layer that complements the banana flavor perfectly.
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: With bananas and walnuts, this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe provides fiber, protein, and healthy fats, making it a satisfying treat.
Instructions
Making the Cookies
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes).
Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract and maple syrup. Mix until well incorporated.
Incorporate Bananas: Add the mashed bananas to the mixture and blend until combined.
Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid over-mixing.
Add Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts.
Chill Dough: Chill the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help it firm up.
Bake the Cookies: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Scoop the dough using a cookie scoop, spacing each scoop about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges develop a light golden hue.
Making the Frosting
- Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a mixing bowl, beat the butter and cream cheese together until smooth and fluffy.
- Add Maple Syrup and Powdered Sugar: Add the maple syrup and gradually beat in the powdered sugar on low speed until combined. Increase the speed and mix for an additional 2-3 minutes for a fluffy texture.
- Frost the Cookies: Spread a layer of frosting on each cooled cookie and top with chopped walnuts.
Nutrition Information
Iron: 1mg
Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories: 203 kcal
Carbohydrates: 26g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 31mg
Sodium: 94mg
Sugar: 16g
Fiber: 1g
Vitamin A: 261 IU
Calcium: 24mg
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Maple Syrup: Adds depth of flavor to the frosting in this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe; if unavailable, honey or agave can be used as a substitute
Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy, slightly tangy frosting that pairs perfectly with the banana flavors in this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe. Non-dairy cream cheese can be used for a dairy-free option.
Bananas: Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness. If overripe bananas are all you have, they’ll work too, adding even more moisture.
Expert Tips for Success
- Measure Flour Correctly: Too much flour can lead to dry cookies, so use the spoon-and-level method or a kitchen scale.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can lead to dense cookies, so mix until ingredients are just combined.
- Sprinkle Sea Salt: For an added flavor twist, sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt on the frosting for a sweet-salty contrast.
Variations and Customizations
- Add Chocolate Chips: If you love chocolate, add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a richer treat.
- Use Different Nuts: Swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a unique flavor.
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Instead of frosting, sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar mixture on top before baking for a lighter option.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store in a loosely covered container at room temperature for up to a week. For long-term storage, you can refrigerate, but allow them to reach room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: To freeze, place the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
- Reheating: If you prefer warm cookies, heat them in a microwave for 10-15 seconds.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies pair well with a cup of coffee or tea and are perfect for brunch, dessert, or a midday snack. They also make a delightful addition to holiday cookie spreads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Why use ripe bananas for these banana bread cookies?
- Ripe bananas are sweeter and softer, which makes them easier to blend into the dough and enhances the cookie’s flavor.
- Can I use overripe bananas?
- Yes, overripe bananas add extra sweetness and moisture, making the cookies even more flavorful.
- How should I store these banana bread cookies?
- Store in a partially covered container at room temperature for up to a week. Seal the container if they begin to dry out.
Related Recipes
- Instant Oatmeal Cookies: Try these wholesome, chewy cookies for a quick and satisfying treat.
- Peanut Butter Cookies Without Butter: Perfect for peanut butter lovers and dairy-free diets.
- No-Bake Chocolate Oat Bars: A quick, no-fuss treat for chocolate lovers.
- Classic Banana Bread: For those days when you want the traditional loaf.
Conclusion
With this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe, you’ll have a delicious, moist, and flavorful cookie that’s the perfect balance between classic banana bread and a soft, chewy treat. These cookies make a wonderful addition to any cookie platter or snack-time rotation, and the hint of maple frosting adds a delightful sweetness that complements the banana and walnut flavors. Whether you’re baking for family gatherings or simply using up ripe bananas, this recipe brings a comforting, home-baked taste that’s sure to become a favorite.
Try this Banana Bread Cookies Recipe today, and don’t forget to experiment with toppings and add-ins to make it your own. Enjoy the taste of banana bread in every bite-sized piece!
