Banana Cookies Recipe: Soft, Sweet, and Perfect for Any Day

Banana Cookie Recipe Easy

Let’s face it—overripe bananas can feel like a problem waiting for a solution. But don’t throw them away! With this banana cookies recipe easy enough for anyone, you can turn those bananas into a soft, sweet treat. Whether you’re a beginner or short on time, this recipe is quick, delicious, and uses simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen. Ready to get baking? Let’s dive in!

This banana cookies recipe easy enough for beginners and quick enough for busy weekdays is the perfect solution. It’s simple to make, tastes amazing, and uses ingredients you already have on hand. Plus, you can adjust it to match your dietary needs or favorite flavors. Ready to bake the best banana cookies ever? Let’s get started!

Ingredients for Easy Banana Cookies

Before jumping into the recipe, gather your ingredients first. This step will save you from running back and forth to the pantry for cooking.

Basic Ingredients Breakdown

  • 2 medium ripe bananas: These are the star of the show. The riper they are (think brown and soft), the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour: This gives the cookies their structure. Want to go gluten-free? You can substitute oat flour or almond flour in the recipe; just make sure to adjust the amount of liquid slightly. You can substitute oat flour or almond flour in your recipe; just be sure to adjust the liquid quantity slightly.
  • 1/4 cup sugar: Regular granulated sugar works, but brown sugar adds a caramel-like depth. You can even cut back if your bananas are super sweet.
  • 1/4 cup melted butter: Butter adds richness, but if you’re dairy-free, use coconut oil or a plant-based alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder: This helps the cookies rise, keeping them light and fluffy.

Optional Add-Ins to Customize Your Cookies

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips: Honestly, you can never go wrong with chocolate.
  • 1/4 cup chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans add crunch and balance the sweetness.
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon: A warm, cozy flavor that pairs perfectly with bananas.
banana cookie recipe easy

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Banana Cookies

Step 1: Get Your Prep Work Done

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Not only does this prevent sticking, but it also makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mash Your Bananas Like a Pro

Grab a large mixing bowl and toss in your peeled bananas. Use a fork or potato masher to crush them into a lumpy puree. It doesn’t have to be perfectly smooth—those little banana bits give the cookies a great texture.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Pour the melted butter into the mashed bananas, followed by the sugar. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. At this point, your mixture should look creamy and smell amazing.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix the flour and baking powder. Slowly add this dry mixture to your banana mash, stirring gently. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as there are no visible streaks of flour.

Step 5: Fold in the Extras

This is where the magic happens. Stir in chocolate chips, nuts, or whatever. Want a tropical twist? Try shredded coconut. Feeling indulgent? Double the chocolate chips.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop portions of dough onto your lined baking sheet. These cookies won’t spread much, so gently flatten them with the back of a spoon if you want a more uniform shape.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 10–12 minutes. The edges should turn golden while the centers stay soft. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the tray before moving them to a rack. Or—let’s be honest—enjoy one warm from the oven.

Why This Banana Cookies Recipe is a Must-Try

You might be wondering what makes these cookies so special. Here’s why they’re worth a spot in your recipe book:

  • Quick and Easy: With only 7 steps, this recipe comes together faster than your favorite TV show.
  • Uses Pantry Staples: No need for a special grocery run. You’ve probably got everything you need right now.
  • Perfect for Overripe Bananas: Waste not, want not! This is one of the tastiest ways to use bananas that are too soft for snacking.
  • Endlessly Customizable: From chocolate chips to spices, you can tweak this recipe to suit any craving.

Pro Tips for Banana Cookies Success

  1. Use Very Ripe Bananas
  2. The darker the peel, the better. Overripe bananas bring natural sweetness and a stronger banana flavor. If your bananas aren’t quite ready, you can ripen them quickly by baking them in the oven at 300°F for 15–20 minutes.
  3. Chill the Dough
  4. If your dough feels sticky, pop it in the fridge for 15 minutes. This makes it easier to scoop and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
  5. Don’t Skip the Parchment Paper
  6. Trust me, parchment paper is your best friend for evenly baked cookies and hassle-free cleanup.
  7. Taste Test Your Add-Ins
  8. Before you whisky, those chocolate chips or nuts, make sure they’re fresh. Stale add-ins can throw off the whole vibe.

Serving Suggestions for Banana Cookies

These cookies are perfect on their own, but why stop there? Here are a few creative ways to serve them:

  • With Coffee or Tea: The soft, sweet cookies pair beautifully with a hot drink.
  • As a Dessert Base: Crumble them over ice cream or yogurt for an easy dessert.
  • Cookie Sandwiches: Spread a layer of Nutella, peanut butter, or cream cheese frosting between two cookies.

FAQ: All About Banana Cookies

  1. How Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?

Easy! Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use a plant-based sweetener if needed.

  1. Can I Freeze Banana Cookies?

Yes! Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.

  1. Can I Make Them Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with oat flour, almond flour, or a gluten-free blend. You might need to adjust the amount slightly depending on the flour’s texture.

  1. What’s the Best Way to Store These Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you live in a humid climate, refrigerating them might help maintain freshness.

1. Do metal tins keep cookies fresh?

Yes, metal tins are an excellent option for keeping cookies fresh! They create an airtight seal that helps maintain the cookies’ texture and flavor. To make them even more effective, layer the cookies with parchment or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together. Store the tin in a cool, dry place to keep your banana cookies soft and delicious for several days.


2. How do you package cookies for gift-giving?

Packaging cookies for a gift can be both practical and beautiful! Here’s how to do it:

  • Choose the Right Container: Use a sturdy box, decorative tin, or glass jar with a secure lid.
  • Add Cushioning: Line the container with parchment paper, tissue paper, or even festive cloth to prevent the cookies from breaking.
  • Layer Carefully: Stack the cookies neatly, placing parchment paper between layers to keep them from sticking together.
  • Seal and Decorate: Finish with a ribbon, gift tag, or sticker to make it extra special.

3. How to pack homemade cookies as a gift?

If you’re packing cookies to share your banana cookie masterpiece with friends or family, here are some simple steps to follow:

  • Cool Completely: Make sure the cookies are fully cooled to avoid condensation inside the packaging.
  • Wrap Individually (Optional): For a polished look, wrap each cookie in plastic wrap or place it in a small treat bag.
  • Add Protective Layers: Use crinkled tissue paper or bubble wrap to fill any empty spaces in the box or tin. This prevents movement and breakage during transport.
  • Personal Touch: Include a handwritten note with the recipe or a sweet message to make it personal and memorable.

4. What are some fun banana cookies decorating ideas?

Decorating banana cookies recipe easy can be a fun and creative activity! Here are a few ideas to make your cookies stand out:

  • Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt some chocolate and drizzle it over the cookies for a quick and elegant touch.
  • Add Sprinkles: Before baking, sprinkle colored sugar or decorative sprinkles on top of the dough.
  • Banana Shapes: Use banana-shaped cookie cutters to create fun and thematic cookies.
  • Frosting Art: Whip up a simple icing and pipe designs like smiley faces, swirls, or even banana-themed patterns.
  • Nut or Candy Topping: Press a walnut, pecan, or chocolate candy into the center of each cookie before baking.

Fun Variations to Try

1. Banana Oatmeal Cookies

  • What to Do: Instead of using the full amount of flour the recipe calls for, swap out half of it with rolled oats. For example, if the recipe uses 2 cups of flour, use 1 cup of flour and 1 cup of rolled oats.
  • Why It’s Awesome: The oats make the cookies heartier and give them a chewy texture, making them feel like a wholesome breakfast option. Perfect for mornings or as a grab-and-go snack.

2. Banana-Chocolate Swirl Cookies

  • What to Do: Before baking, add spoonfuls of Nutella (or any chocolate-hazelnut spread) to the cookie dough and gently swirl it in with a knife or spatula. Don’t overmix—you want visible swirls.
  • Why It’s Awesome: The chocolate swirls create a fun, marbled effect and add a rich, creamy flavor to the banana cookies. It’s a treat that looks as good as it tastes.

  • What to Do: Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1 teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the dough when mixing the dry ingredients. You can adjust the spices to taste.
  • Why It’s Awesome: These cookies have a warm, cozy vibe with a hint of festive flavor—perfect for holidays or whenever you’re in the mood for something spiced and comforting

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—an easy, delicious way to turn overripe bananas into the ultimate treat. This banana cookies recipe easy enough to make with kids or as a last-minute dessert is one you’ll want to bookmark.

The best part? You can tweak this banana cookies recipe easy endlessly. So, whether you’re in the mood for classic banana flavor or something with a little extra flair, these cookies have you covered.

Looking for more inspiration?

Check out these protein cookie recipes for healthy and delicious treats.If you love cookies, don’t miss the festive peppermint bark cookies perfect for holiday gatherings.

Now it’s your turn! Try out the recipe, and let me know how it turned out in the comments. What add-ins did you choose? Any fun twists? I’d love to hear all about your banana cookie adventures. Happy baking!

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