There’s a certain comfort that comes from the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the kitchen, and that’s precisely what you’ll find with these Healthy Soft Banana Bread Cookies. When I accidentally had too many ripe bananas lying around, I decided to blend the traditional love of banana bread into a guilt-free cookie format. The result? Soft, fudgy cookies that taste just like your favorite banana bread, yet come together in a fraction of the time!
These cookies are not just delightful; they are also gluten-free, paleo-friendly, and can be easily adapted for dairy-free diets. Perfect for satisfying those afternoon cravings or packing into your kids’ lunchboxes, they strike a beautiful balance between wholesome ingredients and indulgent flavor. And for a luscious twist, I top them with a creamy cream cheese frosting—an irresistible addition that makes them a standout dessert or snack. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’ll soon become a family favorite!
Why love these Soft Banana Bread Cookies?
Delightful blend: These cookies capture the essence of classic banana bread, delivering a soft, fudgy texture that will leave you wanting more.
Wholesome ingredients: Made with gluten-free and paleo-friendly components, they offer a guilt-free treat.
Kid-approved: Perfect for lunchboxes or after-school snacks, these cookies are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Quick and easy: With minimal prep time, deliciousness is just a few simple steps away.
Versatile toppings: Customize with nuts or chocolate chips, or enjoy them simply frosted for a special touch!
Soft Banana Bread Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
• Coconut Oil – Provides moisture; can substitute with melted butter or vegan butter.
• Mashed Ripe Banana – Adds natural sweetness and binds ingredients together; use one medium ripe banana for best results.
• Organic Cane Sugar – For sweetness; coconut sugar can be a lower glycemic option but may darken cookies.
• Egg – Provides structure and moisture; ensure it’s at room temperature.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor for a more delicious cookie.
• Almond Flour – The main flour, offering a light and fluffy texture; avoid almond meal for best results.
• Coconut Flour – Adds fiber and texture; should not replace almond flour without adjusting liquid ingredients.
• Baking Soda – Helps the cookies rise and become fluffy.
• Cinnamon – Adds warmth and a familiar flavor that complements bananas.
• Salt – Enhances sweetness and helps balance flavors.
For the Frosting
• Powdered Sugar – Essential for a sweet and fluffy frosting.
• Cream Cheese – Provides a smooth texture for frosting; vegan cream cheese can be used.
• Butter – Adds creaminess; substitute with vegan butter for a dairy-free option.
• Almond Milk – Used to thin the frosting if necessary, making it easy to spread.
Optional Toppings
• Chopped Walnuts/Pecans – Adds a delightful crunch and nutrition; feel free to omit for nut-free options.
These Soft Banana Bread Cookies are like a warm hug in dessert form, perfect for any occasion!
How to Make Soft Banana Bread Cookies
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Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine melted coconut oil, mashed banana, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well blended, ensuring a rich, creamy base for your cookies.
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Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle in almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir gently to form a soft, cohesive dough, then chill it in the fridge for 5 minutes to help with handling.
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Preheat Oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and assist with easy cleanup.
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Shape Cookies: Roll the chilled dough into golf-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly with your palm to create an even shape, then bake for 9-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
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Prepare Frosting: For the frosting, beat together the powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until creamy. If needed, add a splash of almond milk to achieve your desired consistency.
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Cool and Frost: Once the cookies are baked, allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. After they’ve cooled, frost each cookie and top with chopped walnuts or pecans and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a delightful finish.
Optional: For added fun, try mixing in chocolate chips or dried fruit into the cookie dough before baking.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Soft Banana Bread Cookies?
Elevate your cookie experience by pairing these soft delights with complementary flavors and textures that satisfy all your cravings.
- Creamy Yogurt Parfait: A layer of yogurt topped with fruits and granola adds creaminess and crunch, creating a delightful contrast to the soft cookies.
- Nutty Granola: Sprinkle a handful of nutty granola on the side; the crunchy texture enhances the soft banana bread cookies’ fudge-like bite, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Fresh Berries: Serve with a mix of strawberries and blueberries; their tartness beautifully balances the sweetness of the cookies.
- Chai Tea: A warm cup of chai with its aromatic spices pairs wonderfully, creating a cozy treat reminiscent of fall evenings.
- Almond Milk: Sip alongside chilled almond milk; its subtle nuttiness complements the banana cookies while staying light and refreshing.
- Whipped Coconut Cream: Top the cookies with a dollop of whipped coconut cream for an indulgent tropical twist that enhances their soft, fudgy texture.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle dark chocolate over the frost to add an irresistible sweet finish; it’ll offer a delightful flavor contrast to the banana base.
- Ice Cream Float: Create an ice cream float with vanilla or banana ice cream; the cool creaminess will provide a deliciously decadent experience.
- Caramel Sauce: A side of warm caramel sauce for dipping will take your cookies to the next level of indulgence, making each bite even more satisfying.
Expert Tips for Soft Banana Bread Cookies
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Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough for 5 minutes makes it easier to handle, ensuring your soft banana bread cookies maintain their shape while baking.
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Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and moister your cookies will be. Aim for bananas with lots of brown spots for optimal flavor!
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Measure Flours Accurately: When using almond and coconut flours, be sure to measure correctly. This avoids dry cookies; a kitchen scale can help with precise amounts.
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Room Temperature Egg: For the best texture, use eggs at room temperature. This allows for better incorporation into the dough, leading to fluffy cookies.
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Customize Wisely: Want to add chocolate chips or nuts? Make sure to balance out the dough by reducing the amount of flour slightly to keep your soft banana bread cookies consistently delicious.
How to Store and Freeze Soft Banana Bread Cookies
- Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, perfect for snacking anytime.
- Fridge: For slightly longer storage, keep cookies in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. This also helps maintain their moisture and flavor.
- Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat anytime.
- Reheating: If you’ve frozen your soft banana bread cookies, simply reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked flavor again!
Make Ahead Options
These Healthy Soft Banana Bread Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts seeking a convenient treat! You can make the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply prepare it as directed, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. The dough will stay fresh and ready for baking whenever you are! Additionally, you can bake the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain their soft, fudgy texture, avoid stacking them—use parchment paper between layers if necessary. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply frost them (if not done already) and indulge in these delicious cookies that taste just as amazing as when fresh!
Soft Banana Bread Cookies Variations
Feel free to explore these variations and make this delightful recipe your own!
- Nut-Free: Substitute almond flour with sunflower seed flour to create a nut-free version that retains great texture.
- Vegan: Swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons water) to keep it plant-based.
- Chocolatey Delight: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder for a rich chocolate version, adjusting the dry ingredients slightly.
- Fruit-Filled: Add ½ cup of dried fruit, like cranberries or raisins, to bring a fruity burst to your cookies.
- Spicy Kick: Elevate flavors by adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an exciting twist on the classic recipe.
- Creamy Coconut: Replace almond milk with coconut milk in the frosting for an extra tropical touch that complements the banana flavor beautifully.
- Brown Butter: Use browned butter instead of coconut oil for a warm, nutty flavor that adds depth to each cookie.
- Higher Protein: Mix in a scoop of your favorite protein powder for an added boost without sacrificing taste.
Feel the creativity flow as you make these cookies uniquely yours!
Soft Banana Bread Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, choose bananas that have lots of brown spots, as these are sweet and perfect for baking. A medium ripe banana is ideal, as it will provide the moisture and sweetness needed for your cookies.
What is the best way to store the cookies?
To keep your cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their life, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just make sure to seal them well to prevent drying out.
Can I freeze my Soft Banana Bread Cookies?
Very! To freeze, place your cookies in a single layer in a zip-top bag or airtight container, ensuring they’re sealed tightly. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave for about 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked taste!
What should I do if my cookie dough is too sticky or dry?
If you find your dough too sticky, it’s often because of extra moisture in the banana; try adding a touch more almond flour to help firm it up. Conversely, if it’s too dry, you can add a teaspoon of almond milk to reach your desired consistency. Mixing in small amounts is key—just a little can make a big difference!
Are these cookies suitable for kids with nut allergies?
Absolutely! To make them nut-free, you can substitute almond flour with sunflower seed flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just remember, the texture might change slightly, so adjust wet ingredients if needed to keep your cookies moist and delightful.
What can I add to customize my Soft Banana Bread Cookies?
The more the merrier! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips, dried fruit, or an extra sprinkle of cinnamon for a flavor boost. If you’re adding chocolate chips, remember to reduce the flour slightly so that your cookies don’t become too dry. Enjoy experimenting!
Deliciously Soft Banana Bread Cookies You’ll Love Baking!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine melted coconut oil, mashed banana, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Sprinkle in almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Stir gently to form a soft, cohesive dough, then chill it in the fridge for 5 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Roll the chilled dough into golf-sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each ball slightly, then bake for 9-12 minutes.
- For the frosting, beat together powdered sugar, cream cheese, butter, and vanilla extract until creamy. Add almond milk if needed.
- Once the cookies are baked, allow them to cool completely. Frost each cookie and top with walnuts or pecans and cinnamon.