Description
Delightful Banana Bread Cookies combine the moist, fruity essence of classic banana bread with a soft, chewy cookie texture. Enhanced with warm cinnamon and optional crunchy walnuts, these cookies are finished with a luscious cream cheese glaze that adds a creamy sweetness perfect for an indulgent treat or comforting snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 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)
Optional
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined, then set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring the sugars dissolve well into the butter.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until fully incorporated, then mix in the mashed bananas evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts to add crunch and flavor.
- Form Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden brown, indicating they are done.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze: Beat the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the glaze is smooth and just pourable.
- Glaze Cookies: Once the cookies have fully cooled, drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze evenly over the top of each cookie, adding an extra layer of rich flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze as a delicious dessert or snack and enjoy their soft texture and sweet banana flavor with a creamy finish.
Notes
- Allow the bananas to be very ripe for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- You may omit walnuts or replace with pecans or chocolate chips based on preference.
- Ensure cookies are fully cooled before glazing to prevent melting the cream cheese glaze.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with suitable vegan alternatives.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana bread cookies, cream cheese glaze, easy cookie recipe, banana dessert, walnut cookies, cinnamon cookies
