Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Introduction

These Banana Bread Cookies pack all the cozy flavors of classic banana bread into a delightful, handheld treat. Finished with a luscious cream cheese glaze, they make a perfect snack or dessert to enjoy any time of day.

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 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)

For the Cream Cheese Glaze:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Step 4: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until well combined.
5. Step 5: Mix in the mashed bananas until evenly incorporated.
6. Step 6: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts.
7. Step 7: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Step 10: Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze over the top of each cookie.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, simply omit the walnuts or substitute with chocolate chips for added sweetness.
• Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
• Chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before baking to help maintain cookie shape, if desired.

Storage

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can refrigerate them to keep the cream cheese glaze fresh for up to a week; bring to room temperature before serving. Reheat gently in a microwave for 10-15 seconds if you prefer them warm.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without the cream cheese glaze?

Yes, the cookies are delicious on their own and the glaze is optional. Without it, they resemble classic banana bread cookies with a soft texture.

Can I freeze these cookies?

You can freeze the baked and cooled cookies without glaze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before glazing and serving.

Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 65 reviews

Delight in the comforting flavors of banana bread transformed into easy-to-eat cookies topped with a luscious cream cheese glaze. These Banana Bread Cookies combine ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and optional crunchy walnuts for a soft, moist texture with a sweet, tangy finish. Perfect for snacks, dessert, or anytime treats, they’re quick to prepare and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 18 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cookie Dough

• 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 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

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices for balanced flavor.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: Using a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This helps create a tender, airy texture in the cookies.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture until fully combined, enriching the dough with moisture and flavor.
5. Incorporate Bananas: Stir in the mashed ripe bananas thoroughly to add moistness and natural sweetness throughout the dough.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. Fold in chopped walnuts if using for added crunch and nuttiness.
7. Shape Cookies: Spoon heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow spreading during baking.
8. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookie edges become lightly golden. Remove from oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. Prepare Cream Cheese Glaze: Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Slowly add powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, mixing until the glaze is creamy and drizzle-able.
10. Glaze the Cookies: Once cookies are fully cooled, drizzle or spread the cream cheese glaze on top of each cookie for a rich, tangy finish.
11. Serve and Enjoy: Your Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze are now ready to delight your taste buds. Enjoy as a snack or dessert!

Notes

• You can omit walnuts to make the cookies nut-free.
• For softer cookies, avoid overbaking—remove once edges are just golden.
• Use ripe bananas with brown spots for best flavor and sweetness.
• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate the glazed cookies for up to a week.
• Glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more milk to thin or more powdered sugar to thicken.

Keywords: banana bread cookies, cream cheese glaze, banana cookies, easy dessert, baked cookies, walnut cookies, cinnamon banana cookies