Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
Introduction
These Banana Bread Cookies combine the comforting flavors of classic banana bread with the fun shape and texture of cookies. Topped with a smooth cream cheese glaze, they make a delightful treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 small bananas)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Cream Cheese Glaze:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
- Step 5: Mix in the mashed bananas until evenly incorporated.
- Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Step 7: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 8: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 9: To make the cream cheese glaze, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the glaze is smooth and drizzle-able.
- Step 10: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze over the top of each cookie.
- Step 11: Enjoy your Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze!
Tips & Variations
- For added texture, try folding in chocolate chips or dried cranberries along with the walnuts.
- If you prefer a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts without affecting the flavor.
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best sweetness and moisture.
- The glaze can be adjusted for thickness by varying the amount of milk.
Storage
Store the banana bread cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat frozen cookies briefly in the microwave for a soft texture, but add the glaze after warming if possible.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas work well. Thaw and mash them thoroughly before mixing to ensure even incorporation.
How do I make the cookies without the cream cheese glaze?
You can simply skip the glaze and enjoy the cookies plain, or sprinkle powdered sugar on top for a light finish.
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Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 18 cookies 1x
Description
These Banana Bread Cookies combine the beloved flavors of classic banana bread with the convenient, bite-sized form of cookies. Soft and moist, with a subtle cinnamon hint and optional crunchy walnuts, they are elevated by a smooth cream cheese glaze that adds a tangy sweetness. Perfect for a comforting snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 small bananas)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure cookies bake evenly and do not stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat the large egg and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture until thoroughly combined for a smooth batter base.
- Incorporate Bananas: Mix in the mashed ripe bananas until evenly incorporated to add moisture and natural sweetness to the dough.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies. Fold in chopped walnuts if using for added texture and flavor.
- Shape Cookies: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden. This ensures the cookies are cooked through but remain soft.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage while handling.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the glaze becomes smooth and drizzle-able.
- Glaze Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze evenly over each cookie, enhancing their flavor with a tangy sweetness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy your Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze as a delightful snack or dessert.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum flavor and sweetness.
- Walnuts are optional but add a nice crunch and nuttiness.
- Ensure cookies are completely cool before glazing to prevent melting the cream cheese glaze.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- To make the glaze thicker, reduce the milk slightly; to thin it out, add a bit more milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: banana bread cookies, cream cheese glaze, easy cookies, banana dessert, homemade cookies
