Soft & Chewy Banana Bread Cookies

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and prevents sticking, allowing the cookies to lift easily once baked.
2. Mix the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This step distributes the leavening and spices evenly so they blend smoothly into the dough later.
3. Cream the butter and sugars. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy. This aerates the mixture and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
4. Add the wet ingredients. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully combined. Then mix in the mashed ripe banana, ensuring it blends smoothly into the creamed mixture. The banana will make the dough slightly more fluid and fragrant.
5. Combine the mixtures. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing so the cookies stay tender and don’t become dense.
6. Fold in the oats and optional add-ins. Stir in the rolled oats, along with walnuts or chocolate chips if you’re using them. The dough will become thicker and slightly textured as the oats absorb moisture.
7. Shape the cookies. Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one. The dough may be slightly sticky—this is normal due to the banana content.
8. Bake the cookies. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges appear lightly golden and the centers are set. The cookies will still be soft when removed from the oven but will firm slightly as they cool.
9. Cool the cookies. Allow them to rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them settle without breaking and gives the flavor time to deepen as they cool.

Serving Notes

These cookies are soft, gently spiced, and perfect for enjoying warm or at room temperature. They pair well with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk, and store beautifully in an airtight container. Their tender, banana bread–inspired texture makes them a wonderful choice for breakfasts, snacks, or sharing with friends.

Prep Time: 15 minutes  |  Cook Time: 12 minutes  |  Total Time: 27 minutes

Servings: 24 cookies  |  Calories: 150 kcal per cookie