The warmth of banana bread meets the convenience of a cookie in this cozy and satisfying treat. These Banana Bread Cookies are soft in the center, slightly crisp on the edges, and filled with gooey chocolate chips and a hint of cinnamon. They’re perfect for when you want a nostalgic, comforting dessert without committing to a whole loaf.
Whether you enjoy them with a morning coffee or serve them as an after-school snack, these cookies deliver everything you love about banana bread—moist texture, mellow sweetness, and cozy spice—in the perfect handheld form. You can even add walnuts for a little crunch, or skip them if you’re going nut-free.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 ripe bananas, mashed
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 cup old-fashioned oats
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3/4 cup chocolate chips
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1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
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Fold in the oats, chocolate chips, and walnuts (if using).
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Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 145 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies
Why Banana Bread Cookies Are a Must-Try Treat
Banana bread cookies bring together two of the most beloved comfort foods—banana bread and soft-baked cookies—into one warm, flavorful, and satisfying treat. They’re everything we love about banana bread—moist, comforting, sweet, and nostalgic—but in the handheld, snackable form of a cookie. These cookies are soft and chewy, slightly crisp at the edges, and carry that unmistakable aroma and taste of ripe bananas, cinnamon, and chocolate chips.
Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack, banana bread cookies are versatile and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re baking for family, a potluck, a school event, or just to use up some overripe bananas sitting on your counter, these cookies are the ideal solution.
The Appeal of Ripe Bananas in Baking
One of the key components that make these cookies shine is ripe bananas. Not only do they add natural sweetness and a moist texture to the dough, but they also deepen the flavor of the cookie with their rich, mellow taste. Overripe bananas—those speckled, slightly squishy ones you might usually toss—are baking gold. They help bind the ingredients, eliminate the need for excessive added sugar, and enhance the depth of flavor.
In banana bread cookies, the banana flavor is front and center but not overwhelming. It complements the mix-ins, like chocolate chips and oats, without overpowering them. The result is a well-balanced cookie that tastes both familiar and a little bit different.
Texture: The Best of Both Worlds
Banana bread cookies are known for their unique texture—soft, dense, and chewy in the middle with a slightly crispy exterior. The oats provide a hearty texture that contrasts nicely with the softness of the bananas, while the chocolate chips add a little melty richness with every bite. If you choose to include chopped walnuts, you’ll also get a delightful crunch, which adds a new dimension to the eating experience.
Unlike traditional cookies that are buttery and crisp or cakey and fluffy, banana bread cookies strike a perfect balance. They are thick and tender, with just enough structure to hold together and not crumble apart, but soft enough to melt in your mouth.
Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved
These cookies are a huge hit with kids thanks to their soft bite and sweet banana-chocolate flavor. Parents love them because they’re a great way to sneak in some whole ingredients like oats and fruit, making them a more wholesome treat than many packaged snacks. Plus, because they’re easy to make in large batches and don’t require any fancy ingredients, they’re great for meal prepping snacks for school lunches or after-dinner treats.
They’re also easy for kids to help make. Since the recipe is straightforward and forgiving, it’s a great introduction to baking for younger helpers. Mashing the bananas, mixing the dough, and dropping spoonfuls onto the tray are all steps little hands can participate in.
Perfect for Any Time of Day
One of the most attractive things about banana bread cookies is how versatile they are in terms of when you can enjoy them. In the morning, they pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea as a quick breakfast bite. In the afternoon, they’re the ideal energy-boosting snack. And for dessert, they satisfy that sweet tooth without feeling overly indulgent.
They also make a great addition to a brunch spread, holiday cookie tin, or bake sale. Whether warm out of the oven or stored in a cookie jar on the counter, they hold their flavor and texture well for several days.
Customizable to Your Preferences
Banana bread cookies are also wonderfully customizable. Prefer dark chocolate instead of semi-sweet? Go for it. Want to skip the chocolate entirely and add raisins or cranberries instead? No problem. Looking to make them gluten-free? Just substitute a gluten-free flour blend and oats. Need a nut-free version? Simply omit the walnuts.
You can also spice them up with different flavorings like nutmeg, cloves, or even a dash of espresso powder for a mocha-banana twist. The base dough is incredibly flexible, and it’s easy to adapt to whatever your pantry or dietary needs require.
Storage Tips for Freshness
To keep banana bread cookies tasting fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them for up to a week, though this may slightly change the texture. If you want to make a double batch and save some for later, these cookies freeze beautifully. Simply place them in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, and they’ll last up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to revive that just-baked softness.
Healthier Than Your Average Cookie
While they’re still a treat, banana bread cookies lean healthier than many other desserts. Thanks to the bananas, they use less processed sugar and fat than traditional cookies. The oats add fiber and nutrients, while the optional walnuts offer heart-healthy fats and protein. For an even lighter version, you can substitute part of the butter with applesauce or Greek yogurt, and use coconut sugar or maple syrup in place of refined sugar.
This makes banana bread cookies a smarter option for those who want to indulge mindfully. They still feel like a treat—because they are!—but with ingredients that add a little more nutrition than the average cookie.
A Cozy Choice for Seasonal Baking
Banana bread cookies shine especially in the cooler months, when baking feels like a cozy ritual and warm spices like cinnamon become everyday staples. Their comforting taste and soft texture make them a go-to recipe when you want something homemade and heartwarming.
That said, they’re just as welcome in the spring or summer when you want a no-fuss dessert that travels well and doesn’t require frosting or decoration. They’re naturally delicious, which means minimal effort for maximum satisfaction.
What Makes Them Stand Out
What sets banana bread cookies apart from other cookies is their heart and nostalgia. They evoke the memory of your mom’s banana bread or the first time you learned to bake something from scratch. They’re simple, homey, and packed with flavor. There’s nothing flashy about them, but their charm lies in that very simplicity.
They also offer the satisfaction of creating something from ingredients you likely already have at home. Instead of throwing away overripe bananas, you’re turning them into something golden and comforting—a gesture of love and resourcefulness.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe
Banana bread cookies are more than just a way to use up ripe bananas—they’re a warm, chewy, chocolatey bite of comfort that fits just about any moment. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and bring together the best of both banana bread and cookies. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this is a recipe that invites creativity, rewards your time, and satisfies every single time.
From their soft texture and rich flavor to their adaptability and nostalgic charm, banana bread cookies deserve a spot in every home baker’s repertoire. Once you make them, you’ll find yourself reaching for the recipe again and again—because some things are just too good not to repeat.