Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked banana bread wafting through the house, but as a busy mom, I often find myself wishing for a quicker, more shareable version. That’s where these Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting come in. Inspired by lazy Sunday afternoons and my kids’ endless love for sweet treats, this recipe brings all the comfort of banana bread, but in a handheld, bite-sized form perfect for on-the-go snacks or after-school treats. The soft, cake-like cookies are perfectly complemented by a velvety, tangy cream cheese frosting that feels indulgent but not too heavy.
I first whipped up this recipe on a whim when I had a couple of overripe bananas and not enough time to make a traditional loaf. As soon as the kids took their first bite, I knew I had struck gold. They couldn’t believe how soft and flavorful the cookies were, and my husband even went back for seconds (and thirds!). These cookies have since become a household staple. They’re great for potlucks, holiday cookie exchanges, or just a simple weeknight dessert. You’ll love how easy they are to make and how quickly they disappear off the plate. Give these Banana Bread Cookies a try, and I promise your family will be asking for more!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese frosting up to two days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and bring it to room temperature before spreading.
What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can also freeze them (frosted or unfrosted) for up to three months.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still taste great!
What You Need to Make Banana Bread Cookies
Ingredients:
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 cup brown sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Tools & Equipment:
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or stand mixer
Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
Cookie scoop
How to Make Banana Bread Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
Combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl: flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about two inches apart.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
Frost the cookies once they are completely cooled. You can use a piping bag for a decorative finish or simply spread the frosting with a knife.
Enjoy! Serve immediately or store as recommended.
Tips for Making the Best Banana Bread Cookies
Use ripe bananas for maximum flavor. The spottier the banana, the better the taste!
If the dough feels too sticky, you can refrigerate it for 20 minutes to make scooping easier.
For an extra twist, add a handful of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the dough.
If your frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk to thin it out.
Make it healthier by swapping half the flour for whole wheat or using coconut sugar in place of brown sugar.
Reader Reviews
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “These cookies are a hit in my house! They taste like little bites of banana bread heaven. Perfect for busy nights!” — Jessica M.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Loved these! The cream cheese frosting is the perfect complement. Next time, I might add some chopped pecans for crunch.” — Linda T.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Wow! Super soft and flavorful. My kids couldn’t stop eating them, and they were so easy to make.” — Rachel S.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Pretty good! They turned out a bit softer than I expected, but everyone loved the frosting. Will definitely make again.” — Michael B.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “This recipe saved me from tossing out my overripe bananas. Delicious and quick to make!” — Emily R.
Printable Recipe
Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a fun twist on classic banana bread. Soft, cake-like cookies topped with a rich, tangy frosting make for a perfect snack or dessert that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Tools & Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheets lined with parchment paper
- Cookie scoop
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- Combine the dry ingredients in a separate bowl: flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Scoop the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each cookie about two inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
- Prepare the cream cheese frosting by beating the cream cheese and butter together until smooth. Add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Frost the cookies once they are completely cooled. You can use a piping bag for a decorative finish or simply spread the frosting with a knife.
- Enjoy! Serve immediately or store as recommended.
Check Out Some Of Our Other Recipes / Crafts
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
We all know the magic of sharing a meal, especially when it’s homemade and bursting with love. If these Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting brought joy to your kitchen, spread the word! Post your cookie photos on social media, tag your friends, and use #BananaBreadCookies. Your support and love help this little community of food lovers grow, one delicious recipe at a time. Thank you for baking with me!
