Soft & Chewy Banana Bread Cookies

Tender, Flavorful, and Perfectly Chewy

If you love the comforting aroma of banana bread but crave grab-and-go treats, these soft & chewy banana bread cookies are your perfect solution. They capture all the warmth, sweetness, and tender crumb of classic banana bread but in a convenient, handheld cookie.

The cookies are moist, chewy, and loaded with flavor. Mashed bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, while a touch of brown sugar enhances caramel-like notes. Optional chocolate chips or nuts create pockets of indulgence and texture in every bite.

This recipe is ideal for breakfast, snacks, lunchboxes, or dessert. It’s simple to prepare, requires minimal equipment, and bakes in just 10–12 minutes per batch. Best of all, these cookies stay soft and chewy for days when stored properly.

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Why Banana Bread Cookies Are a Game-Changer

Traditional banana bread requires slicing and careful storage, and sometimes it dries out if left for more than a day or two. Banana bread cookies solve that problem entirely. Each cookie has its own perfect portion, is naturally moist thanks to the banana, and can be frozen for later enjoyment.

Plus, the baking time is significantly shorter than a full loaf. With these cookies, you get all the flavor and comfort of banana bread in half the time.

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What Makes These Cookies Special

1. Texture: Soft edges with a chewy center.
2. Flavor: Natural banana sweetness complemented by brown sugar and vanilla.
3. Versatility: Can include chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans.
4. Convenience: Easy to portion, bake, and store.

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Ingredients

Soft & Chewy Banana Bread Cookies

• 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 0.5 tsp baking soda
• 0.25 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 0.5 cup brown sugar, packed
• 0.25 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (2–3 medium bananas)
• 0.5–0.75 cup chocolate chips (optional)
• 0.25 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined.
5. Stir in mashed bananas until smooth.
6. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
7. Fold in chocolate chips and/or nuts if using.
8. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden and centers are set but soft.
10. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Tips for Soft & Chewy Banana Cookies

• Use ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Do not overbake—cookies continue to set after removing from the oven.
• For extra chewiness, slightly underbake by 1–2 minutes.
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

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Variations to Try

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies

Add 0.75 cup chocolate chips for extra indulgence.

Walnut Banana Cookies

Fold in 0.25 cup chopped walnuts for texture and flavor.

Peanut Butter Banana Cookies

Replace half the butter with natural peanut butter for a nutty twist.

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Cookies

Add 1 tsp cinnamon to the batter for a warm, cozy flavor.

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What to Serve With

• A glass of milk for a classic treat
• Coffee or tea for breakfast or snack
• Ice cream sandwiches for dessert
• Spread peanut butter or Nutella for extra indulgence

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Storage and Freezing

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.

To freeze, place baked cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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Why This Recipe Works

The key is balancing moisture and structure. Mashed bananas and brown sugar create tenderness and sweetness, while a small amount of flour and egg provide structure to prevent collapse. Light mixing ensures a soft, chewy texture rather than dense or cakey cookies.

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Final Thoughts

Soft & Chewy Banana Bread Cookies are a perfect solution when you crave the warmth and flavor of banana bread without the fuss of slicing a loaf. Moist, tender, and lightly sweet, they’re ideal for any time of day and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.