Easy Banana Cookies: Soft, Fluffy Treats for Overripe Bananas

Soft & Fluffy Homemade Banana Cookies

These irresistibly soft banana cookies are the perfect solution for those overripe bananas sitting on your counter! With their cake-like texture and sweet banana flavor, these cookies make a delightful treat that both kids and adults will love. The natural sweetness from the bananas creates a wonderful depth of flavor that makes these cookies truly special.

Why You’ll Love These Banana Cookies

There’s something magical about the combination of ripe bananas and warm cookies. These banana-flavored treats offer:

• Perfect texture – Wonderfully soft and cake-like
• Simple ingredients – Uses pantry staples you likely already have
• Kid-friendly recipe – Great for baking with little helpers
• Banana bread alternative – A quicker way to use those browning bananas
• Versatile base – Customize with add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts

Ingredients for Homemade Banana Cookies

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 very ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Electric mixer (or strong arm for hand mixing)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
• Cooling rack

How to Make the Best Banana Cookies

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
5. Mix in the mashed bananas until incorporated. The mixture might look slightly curdled, but that’s normal!
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
7. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts or chocolate chips.
8. Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are set.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe Tips for Perfect Banana Cookies

• Use very ripe bananas – The browner and spottier, the better! They provide more sweetness and stronger banana flavor.
• Room temperature ingredients – For the best texture, make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature.
• Don’t overmix – Mix just until the ingredients are combined to ensure tender cookies.
• Chill the dough – If you find the dough too sticky, refrigerate it for 30 minutes before scooping and baking.
• Storage – Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.

Delicious Variations to Try

• Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies – Add ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
• Banana Nut Cookies – Mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans
• Banana Oatmeal Cookies – Substitute ½ cup of flour with old-fashioned oats
• Spiced Banana Cookies – Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg
• Banana Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting – Top cooled cookies with cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 cookie):

• Calories: 166 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Cholesterol: 24mg
• Sodium: 186mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 12g

Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Cookies

Can I freeze these banana cookies?

Absolutely! These cookies freeze beautifully. Place completely cooled cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

How ripe should my bananas be?

The riper, the better! Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots or even mostly black peels. These overripe bananas provide the best flavor and natural sweetness for your cookies.

Can I make these banana cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can reduce the sugar by up to ¼ cup, especially if your bananas are very ripe and sweet. The cookies won’t spread as much and will be less sweet but still tasty.

Perfect Pairings for Banana Cookies

These soft and fluffy banana cookies pair wonderfully with:

• A cold glass of milk
• Hot coffee or tea
• Vanilla ice cream (make cookie sandwiches!)
• Peanut butter (spread a little between two cookies)
• Fresh fruit for a balanced snack

Whether you’re looking for a way to use up those overripe bananas or simply craving a sweet treat with the comforting flavor of bananas, these homemade banana cookies are sure to become a family favorite!