Name: Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 small bananas); 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional); 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar, packed

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 small bananas)

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup powdered sugar

1 tablespoon milk

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Step 4: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 5: Stir in the mashed bananas until evenly incorporated.

Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts.

Step 7: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: To make the cream cheese glaze, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the glaze is smooth and drizzle-able.

Step 10: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze over each cookie.

Tips & Variations

For added texture, try substituting walnuts with pecans or leaving out nuts for a nut-free version.

Make sure bananas are very ripe; the riper they are, the better the banana flavor in your cookies.

If you prefer, skip the glaze and sprinkle the cookies with a bit of cinnamon sugar before baking for a simpler finish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Yes, frozen bananas work well. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing and mixing into the dough.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Be sure the blend includes xanthan gum or add it separately for best results.