Satisfy your sweet cravings with our delightful Banana Bread Cookies recipe! Soft, chewy, and bursting with banana flavor, these cookies are a delightful twist on classic banana bread. Made with ripe bananas, buttery shortening, and topped with creamy frosting, they’re perfect for sharing with family and friends or enjoying as a comforting treat any time of day.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup butter flavored shortening
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed overripe bananas
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
Frosting Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup butter, softened
- 6 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 4 ½ cups powdered sugar
Directions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease or line a baking sheet and set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the shortening and granulated sugar until smooth. Add the egg and vanilla extract, beating for an additional 2 minutes. Fold in the mashed bananas until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until fully incorporated.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Grease a cookie scoop with nonstick cooking spray. Scoop out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies a few inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-9 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
- Prepare the Frosting:
- While the cookies are baking, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add the brown sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and salt, and continue beating until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until the frosting is creamy and well combined.
- Frost the Cookies:
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. Once cooled, spread a dollop of frosting on each cookie, using an offset spatula or knife to evenly distribute the frosting.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve and enjoy these delightful Banana Bread Cookies as a sweet treat for any occasion!
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 8-9 minutes per batch | Total Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 36 cookies | Calories: (Calories per serving may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.)
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serve Freshly Frosted:
- For the best taste and texture, serve the Banana Bread Cookies freshly frosted. The creamy frosting complements the soft and chewy cookies perfectly, creating a delightful flavor combination.
- Store in an Airtight Container:
- Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. This helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from becoming stale.
- Layer with Parchment Paper:
- If stacking the cookies in the container, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers to prevent them from sticking together and to maintain their appearance.
- Refrigerate for Longer Storage:
- If you need to store the cookies for a longer period, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to one week. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best taste.
- Freeze for Future Enjoyment:
- These cookies freeze well, making them perfect for future enjoyment. Place the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before frosting and serving.
- Frost Before Serving:
- If you plan to freeze the cookies, it’s best to frost them before serving. This ensures that the frosting maintains its creamy texture and doesn’t become too firm when thawed.
- Customize Frosting Quantity:
- Adjust the amount of frosting based on your preference. If you prefer a thinner layer of frosting, use less frosting for each cookie. Conversely, if you love a generous amount of frosting, feel free to pile it on!
- Garnish Before Serving:
- For an extra touch of sweetness and visual appeal, garnish the frosted cookies with banana slices, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon just before serving.
- Microwave for a Warm Treat:
- If you prefer warm cookies, you can microwave them for a few seconds before serving. This helps soften the frosting and enhances the flavors.
- Share and Enjoy:
- Share these delicious Banana Bread Cookies with family and friends for a delightful treat that’s sure to bring smiles to their faces. Whether enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or indulgent treat, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit!
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Banana Bread Cookies stay fresh, delicious, and ready to enjoy whenever the craving strikes.
Variations:
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies:
- Add chocolate chips to the cookie dough for a classic flavor combination. The melty chocolate pairs perfectly with the banana flavor for an extra indulgent treat.
- Nutty Banana Bread Cookies:
- Mix chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the cookie dough for added crunch and nutty flavor. Toast the nuts beforehand for enhanced taste.
- Oatmeal Banana Bread Cookies:
- Incorporate rolled oats into the cookie dough for a heartier texture and wholesome flavor. Oats add a nutritious boost and pair well with the bananas.
- Coconut Banana Bread Cookies:
- Fold shredded coconut into the cookie dough for a tropical twist. The coconut adds sweetness and texture, making these cookies reminiscent of a tropical vacation.
- Peanut Butter Banana Bread Cookies:
- Swirl creamy peanut butter into the cookie dough for a rich and nutty variation. The combination of peanut butter and bananas is a classic favorite.
- Spiced Banana Bread Cookies:
- Add warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the cookie dough for a cozy and aromatic flavor profile. These spices complement the sweetness of the bananas beautifully.
- Banana Bread Cookie Sandwiches:
- Sandwich a layer of creamy frosting between two banana bread cookies for an extra decadent treat. Experiment with different frosting flavors, such as chocolate or peanut butter, for variety.
- Banana Bread Cookie Bars:
- Press the cookie dough into a baking pan to create bars instead of individual cookies. Bake until golden brown and slice into squares for easy serving.
- Banana Bread Whoopie Pies:
- Sandwich a dollop of frosting between two banana bread cookies to create delicious whoopie pies. Customize the filling with different flavors, such as marshmallow or caramel.
- Banana Bread Cookie Truffles:
- Crumble the baked cookies and mix with cream cheese to form truffle balls. Dip them in melted chocolate and chill until set for irresistible bite-sized treats.
FAQs :
- Can I use margarine instead of butter flavored shortening?
- While margarine can be substituted, butter flavored shortening contributes to the cookies’ texture and flavor. Margarine may alter the final result slightly.
- Can I use bananas that aren’t fully ripe?
- Ripe bananas are preferred as they are sweeter and provide more flavor. Using underripe bananas may result in less intense banana flavor.
- Can I omit the frosting?
- Yes, the cookies can be enjoyed without frosting if desired. They are delicious on their own or with a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
- Can I freeze the unfrosted cookies?
- Yes, unfrosted cookies can be frozen in an airtight container for up to three months. Thaw before frosting and serving.
- Can I use a different type of flour?
- All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can experiment with alternative flours such as whole wheat or gluten-free blends.
- How should I store the frosted cookies?
- Store frosted cookies in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
- Can I use store-bought frosting instead of making it from scratch?
- Yes, store-bought frosting can be used as a convenient alternative. Choose a flavor that complements the banana bread cookies.
- Can I add raisins or dried fruit to the cookie dough?
- Yes, raisins or dried fruit can be added for extra sweetness and texture. Mix them into the dough along with the mashed bananas.
- Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
- Yes, adjust the size of the cookies according to your preference. Keep in mind that smaller cookies will require less baking time, while larger cookies will need more.
- Can I substitute the cream cheese in the frosting?
- Yes, you can substitute the cream cheese with mascarpone or Greek yogurt for a different flavor and texture. Adjust the amount of powdered sugar accordingly.
With their soft, chewy texture and irresistible banana flavor, our Banana Bread Cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your dessert repertoire. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a sweet indulgence, these cookies are guaranteed to delight your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Enjoy them as a delightful snack with a cup of coffee or tea, or share them with loved ones for a heartwarming treat that everyone will love.
