Name: Banana Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed; 1/2 cup white sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 large egg; 1/4 cup chopped walnuts; 1 tablespoon white sugar (for sprinkling)

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 19 reviews

If you’re searching for the ultimate way to use up those spotty bananas on your counter, say hello to Banana Cookies — a chewy, cake-like treat that instantly brightens any snack time or dessert table. Bursting with sweet banana flavor and a touch of crunch from optional walnuts, these crowd-pleasing cookies are a breeze to make in just one bowl. Moist, naturally sweet, and endlessly versatile, Banana Cookies transform humble ingredients into a cozy treat that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Banana Cookies are blissfully simple, relying on everyday staples you likely already have on hand. Each component brings something special, whether it’s flavor, texture, or that little bit of baking magic that makes these cookies so irresistible.

All-purpose flour: Gives the cookies their soft, tender structure without making them too dense or heavy.
Ripe bananas (2 medium, mashed): The secret to moistness and natural banana sweetness — use bananas with lots of brown spots for max flavor.
White sugar (1/2 cup, plus 1 tablespoon for sprinkling): Sweetens the dough and adds a delightful sparkle on top when sprinkled before baking.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, melted): Lends a subtle richness and creates that dreamy, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Chopped walnuts (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a little crunch and a nutty edge, pairing perfectly with banana — feel free to swap in chocolate chips or leave them out!
Large egg: Helps bind the dough and adds moisture for the perfect chewy-yet-cakey texture.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Reacts with the banana and helps the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and puffy.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): A tiny pinch brings out the banana flavor and balance in every bite.

How to Make Banana Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step guarantees your Banana Cookies won’t stick and helps them bake up evenly with golden bottoms.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Grab those overripe bananas and mash them thoroughly in a large mixing bowl until mostly smooth — a few little lumps are great for bursts of real banana flavor.

Step 3: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Stir the sugar, melted butter, and egg into the mashed banana until well combined. Then add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until everything comes together; this keeps your cookies delightfully tender, never tough.

Step 4: Fold in Walnuts

If you’re including nuts (or maybe a handful of chocolate chips), gently fold them in now. This is your chance to make Banana Cookies your own!

Step 5: Scoop and Sprinkle

Drop the dough by heaping three-tablespoon portions onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space for spreading. Don’t skip the final shower of sugar on top — it adds sparkle and a lightly crisp finish as the cookies bake.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the sheet into the oven and bake for 15–20 minutes. If you like your Banana Cookies on the chewier side, pull them at 15 minutes. Prefer cakey? Give them a bit longer until the centers are just set and edges are lightly golden.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes so they set up, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling — or sneak a warm one while the aroma is still filling your kitchen!

How to Serve Banana Cookies

Garnishes

Add a flourish with simple garnishes like an extra sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of melted chocolate. A few banana slices on the plate can highlight the fruit’s starring role, while chopped walnuts and even a pinch of cinnamon evoke that irresistible bakery vibe.

Side Dishes

Pair a couple Banana Cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, hot coffee, or even a fruity herbal tea for a satisfying snack. For a more decadent treat, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to make dessert time feel extra special.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the box! Stack Banana Cookies and tie them with twine for a sweet edible gift, or sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies for instant homemade ice cream sandwiches. They also make adorable mini-cookie parfaits layered with yogurt and fruit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Banana Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and moist for up to three days — perfect for lunchboxes, after-school treats, or midnight snacking.

Freezing

Banana Cookies freeze beautifully! Once cooled, layer them between sheets of parchment in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep their texture and flavor for up to two months. Just thaw at room temperature whenever you’re craving one (or two)!

Reheating

To enjoy Banana Cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds, or give them a few minutes in a low oven. This revives their soft, fresh-from-the-oven magic even days later.

FAQs

Can I make Banana Cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The cookies will still come out soft and delightful, with all that banana goodness shining through.

Do I have to use nuts or can I skip them?

The walnuts are totally optional. If you’re not a fan or need a nut-free version, just leave them out — or get creative and add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or seeds instead!

How ripe should my bananas be?

The riper, the better. Bananas with brown spots or even almost black skins yield sweeter, more flavorful Banana Cookies and ensure the cookies stay wonderfully moist.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Double all the ingredients and you’ll have roughly two dozen cookies. Use two baking sheets or bake them in batches so the cookies have room to spread and bake evenly.

Why are my Banana Cookies cakey instead of chewy?

This style of cookie leans toward cake-like thanks to the mashed bananas, but if you want chewier results, bake for a little less time and don’t overmix the dough. Using only the yolk (not the white) of the egg can also give a denser, chewier bite.

Final Thoughts

Bursting with comforting banana flavor and beloved for their soft texture, Banana Cookies bring a dose of homemade warmth to any day. Give this easy recipe a try — it’s the perfect way to treat yourself (and share a little sweetness with friends or family) whenever you’ve got ripe bananas calling your name.