As the first hints of autumn start to whisper through the air, I find myself craving cozy treats that conjure warm memories. That’s when the thought of these Banana Walnut Cookies hits me like a wave of nostalgia. You see, there’s something truly heartwarming about the smell of ripe bananas mingling with cinnamon, almost like a hug for your kitchen.
When I stumbled upon this recipe while tidying my pantry, it felt like fate. With just a handful of simple ingredients, these cookies transform into soft, chewy delights topped with a heavenly cream cheese glaze. In under half an hour, you’ll have a batch that not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also reinvents your idea of snack time. Whether it’s for an afternoon pick-me-up or a sweet addition to a gathering, these cookies are bound to impress and please everyone. Let’s dive into this delightful baking adventure together!
Why are Banana Bread Cookies so irresistible?
Warm aromas wafting from your oven make these cookies a treat for the senses! Soft and chewy, they capture the essence of comfort food. Quick to make in under 30 minutes, they fit perfectly into any busy schedule. Customization is key—swap in chocolate chips or pecans for your own twist. And let’s not forget, the luscious cream cheese glaze takes them to a whole new level of indulgence. Whether enjoyed with coffee or shared at a gathering, these cookies are sure to delight!
Banana Bread Cookies Ingredients
Get ready to bake these delightful banana bread cookies!
For the Cookie Base
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and a soft texture; substitute with gluten-free flour if needed.
• Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent to help the cookies rise perfectly.
• Salt – Enhances the flavor of the cookies, making every bite more delicious.
• Ground Cinnamon – Adds a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for cozy treats.
• Unsalted Butter – Creates a soft and rich cookie; margarine can work as an alternative.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookie dough; coconut sugar is a great low-glycemic swap.
• Brown Sugar – Contributes moisture and a hint of caramel flavor for deeper sweetness.
• Large Egg – Binds the ingredients together and helps with leavening for a delightful rise.
• Vanilla Extract – Boosts the flavor profile, making it irresistibly aromatic.
• Mashed Ripe Bananas – Provides natural sweetness and moisture; about 2 small bananas are ideal! Substitute with applesauce for a lightened version.
• Chopped Walnuts (optional) – Adds a crunchy texture; feel free to omit if nuts aren’t your thing.
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
• Cream Cheese – Provides that luscious, creamy finish; go for vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option.
• Powdered Sugar – Adds sweetness to the glaze; sugar alternatives can work too!
• Milk – Adjusts the glaze’s consistency; almond or soy milk is a wonderful substitute.
• Vanilla Extract – Infuses the glaze with additional flavor, making every splash extra special.
These banana bread cookies with a creamy glaze are here to brighten your day—and they’re just a few ingredients away! Enjoy your baking journey!
How to Make Banana Bread Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden brown.
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Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl. This mixture helps ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients for an optimal cookie texture.
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Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes and is crucial for creating a soft cookie.
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Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated. Your mixture should appear smooth and inviting at this point!
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Mix in the mashed ripe bananas until smooth. Aim for a homogenous blend to ensure every cookie has that delightful banana flavor.
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Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and chewy!
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Fold in the optional chopped walnuts if using. They add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor—perfect for banana cookies.
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Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. This allows the cookies to spread nicely during baking.
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Bake for about 12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Your kitchen will be filled with unbeatable aromas!
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Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set fully without falling apart.
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Prepare the glaze by beating the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Make sure it’s silky for a perfect drizzle!
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Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cookies just before serving. Not only does it add flavor, but it also looks beautiful on your sweet treats!
Optional: Add a sprinkle of cinnamon over the glaze for an extra touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Banana Bread Cookies
- Use Ripe Bananas: Choose very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and moisture, enhancing the flavor of your banana bread cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined to ensure your cookies stay soft and chewy rather than tough.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep a close eye on your cookies as they bake; removing them when edges are golden will yield the perfect texture.
- Cool Before Glazing: Allow the cookies to cool completely before adding the cream cheese glaze to prevent it from melting and losing its luscious texture.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to substitute walnuts with chocolate chips or pecans for a personal twist on your banana bread cookies!
What to Serve with Banana Walnut Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze?
There’s nothing quite like pairing a warm batch of soft cookies with delicious accompaniments that enhance their delightful flavors.
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Coffee or Tea: The rich flavors of coffee or herbal tea beautifully balance the sweetness of the cookies, making for a comforting afternoon break.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the warm cookies adds a luscious cold contrast that takes indulgence to the next level.
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Fresh Berries: Light and juicy berries like strawberries or raspberries offer a bright, fresh element that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese glaze.
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Milk: Nothing beats a classic glass of cold milk with cookies; it complements the sweetness while providing a nostalgic feel.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzling a bit of warm caramel sauce over the cookies enhances their sweetness and adds a luxurious touch that’s hard to resist.
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Creamy Yogurt Parfait: Layering these cookies with yogurt and fruit makes for a delightful twist, perfect for brunch or a fun dessert!
These pairings not only enhance your indulgence but create moments of joy and warmth around the table. Dig in and enjoy!
Make Ahead Options
These delicious Banana Walnut Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator to keep the flavors fresh. Simply scoop and portion the dough onto a baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven, place the chilled dough on a lined baking sheet, and bake as directed. To maintain that soft, chewy texture, avoid overmixing the dough when you prepare it ahead of time. The cream cheese glaze is best made fresh, but you can whip it up while the cookies cool for a delightful finishing touch!
Banana Bread Cookies Variations
Feel free to get creative and make these delightful cookies your own—each variation will bring a delightful twist!
- Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts altogether or substitute with sunflower seeds for a crunchy texture without the nuts.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a cookie that everyone can enjoy without sacrificing taste.
- Chocolate Lovers: Add 1 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent chocolate-banana fusion.
- Spiced Up: Enhance the flavor by adding 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg or cardamom for a warm, aromatic touch.
- Fruity Twist: Mix in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture and a burst of fruity goodness.
- Vegan Delight: Replace the egg with a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use vegan butter.
- Zesty Lime: Add the zest of one lime into the cookie batter for a refreshing citrus kick that brightens up the banana flavor.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Swirl in 1/4 cup of creamy peanut butter into the batter before baking for a nutty flavor contrast with the bananas.
Let your creativity run wild, and enjoy experimenting with these tasty variations!
How to Store and Freeze Banana Bread Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and softness.
Fridge: If you prefer chilled cookies, keep them in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 7 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual banana bread cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Banana Bread Cookies Recipe FAQs
What kind of bananas should I use for the cookies?
Absolutely, use very ripe bananas! The more ripe they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas that are starting to develop dark spots; this indicates maximum sweetness and moisture, giving you that luscious banana flavor in every bite.
How should I store the Banana Bread Cookies?
You can store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, place them in the fridge in a sealed container, where they will last about 7 days. Just ensure they’re stored properly to maintain their soft texture!
Can I freeze Banana Bread Cookies?
Yes! To freeze your cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until fully frozen. Then transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They can be stored like this for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or reheat gently.
What if my cookies turned out too flat?
Very! If your cookies spread too much, it might be due to using melted butter instead of softened butter. For the best results, ensure your butter is just softened. Also, be sure to measure your flour correctly—too little can lead to flat cookies. If that happens again, try chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before baking.
Can these cookies be made nut-free?
Absolutely, you can either skip the walnuts entirely or replace them with other add-ins like chocolate chips or just a sprinkle of cinnamon to keep it simple. These options ensure everyone, including those with nut allergies, can enjoy your delightful Banana Bread Cookies!
Can I use alternatives in the glaze?
Yes, definitely! You can use vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free option. Additionally, if you want to lower the sugar content, using a sugar alternative can work well in the cream cheese glaze. Just whisk it together with milk until you achieve the desired consistency.
Deliciously Soft Banana Bread Cookies with Creamy Glaze
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well incorporated.
- Mix in the mashed ripe bananas until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for about 12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Prepare the glaze by beating the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled cookies just before serving.