Description
These Banana Bread Cookies combine the comforting flavors of classic banana bread with the delightful texture of soft cookies, topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze for an irresistible treat. Perfect for banana lovers looking for a quick and flavorful dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookies
- 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)
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Dry Ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugars. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add Wet Ingredients. Incorporate the large egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beating well until fully combined and smooth.
- Mix in Bananas. Add the mashed ripe bananas to the wet ingredients and mix until evenly incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet banana mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. If desired, fold in the chopped walnuts to add texture and flavor.
- Shape and Bake Cookies. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of cookie dough about 2 inches apart onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the Cookies. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers have set. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze. While the cookies cool, beat the softened cream cheese in a small bowl until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the glaze is smooth and easily drizzle-able.
- Glaze the Cookies. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze evenly over the tops of each cookie. Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy. Enjoy these moist, flavorful Banana Bread Cookies with the added richness of the cream cheese glaze for a perfect dessert or snack.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots for the best flavor and sweetness.
- Chopped walnuts are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender.
- The cream cheese glaze works best if the cookies are completely cooled to prevent melting.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- These cookies can be frozen without glaze for up to 3 months; glaze after thawing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana bread cookies, cream cheese glaze, banana dessert, soft cookies, walnut cookies
