Hey there! Are you ready for a sweet and scrumptious treat? If you love the classic flavor of banana bread but also enjoy the irresistible crunch of cookies, then you’re in for a real treat with this recipe. In just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch of delicious banana bread cookies that will have everyone asking for more. So, let’s get started!
Ingredients for Banana Bread Cookies
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup mashed banana (about 2 bananas)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, room temperature)
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions for Making Banana Bread Cookies
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner.
Mix Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, mix together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about a minute.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add in the mashed banana, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until you have a soft batter. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
Scoop the Batter: Using a cookie scoop, place 1.5 TBS of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, keeping the cookies about 3 inches apart.
Bake: Bake the cookies for 7 to 9 minutes or until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking pan for 10 minutes, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Frosting: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the butter and blend it in. Then add the powdered sugar and vanilla, beating on low speed until the frosting is creamy.
Frost the Cookies: Spread the frosting evenly over the top of the cooled cookies.
Serving and Storage
These cookies are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you prefer to freeze them, do so without the frosting and thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.
Tips for Perfecting Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ripe Bananas: Use overripe bananas for the best flavor. They should be soft and have lots of brown spots.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and cream cheese are at room temperature for a smoother batter and frosting.
Creaming Process: Properly cream the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This incorporates air and gives the cookies a better texture.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
Consistent Size: Use a cookie scoop for even-sized cookies. This ensures uniform baking.
Spacing on Baking Sheet: Give enough space between each dough scoop on the baking sheet as the cookies will spread.
Baking Time: Watch the cookies closely as they bake. They should be just set and not overbaked to maintain a soft texture.
Cooling: Allow the cookies to cool completely before frosting. This prevents the frosting from melting.
Frosting Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, you can thin it with a little milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Flavor Variations: Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the frosting for added flavor and texture.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge if frosted. Unfrosted cookies can be kept at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make the dough ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can even enhance the flavors.
Q: Can I freeze these cookies? A: Absolutely. Freeze the unfrosted cookies on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Q: How do I know when the cookies are done baking? A: The cookies are done when the edges are set but the centers are still soft. They will firm up as they cool.
Q: Can I use a different type of flour? A: While all-purpose flour is recommended, you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a healthier version. Keep in mind this may alter the texture.
Q: Can I make these cookies gluten-free? A: Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Q: How can I make the frosting more flavorful? A: Add a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to the frosting to enhance its flavor.
Q: What can I do if my cookie dough is too sticky? A: If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before scooping.
Q: Can I make these cookies vegan? A: To make them vegan, use plant-based butter, a flax egg, and vegan cream cheese. However, this will change the taste and texture slightly.
Q: How long will the frosted cookies last? A: Frosted cookies will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure they are stored in an airtight container.
Q: Can I add nuts to the recipe? A: Yes, nuts like walnuts or pecans can be added to the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
