why make this recipe
Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are a tasty twist on a classic treat. If you love the rich flavor of banana bread and the creamy sweetness of frosting, these cookies are perfect for you! They are soft, flavorful, and incredibly simple to make. Plus, they are great for sharing with friends and family or enjoying as a sweet snack anytime.
how to make Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, browned
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the ripe bananas and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add in the browned butter, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix thoroughly.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the cookies are fully cooled, frost them with the cream cheese frosting and serve.
how to serve Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
These cookies are delicious on their own, but the cream cheese frosting takes them to another level! Serve them warm or at room temperature. You can also add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts on top of the frosting for an extra crunch. They are perfect for dessert, snack time, or with a cup of coffee or tea.
how to store Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just be sure to let the cookies come to room temperature before serving if they have been chilled.
tips to make Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the best flavor.
- Brown the butter carefully; it should be golden and nutty but not burnt.
- Don’t overmix the dough; mix until combined for softer cookies.
- If you want a richer frosting, you can add a bit more powdered sugar.
- Try using different nuts or adding chocolate chips for a fun twist!
variation
You can make these cookies gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour. Additionally, feel free to swap out the walnuts for pecans or even omit them altogether if you prefer nut-free cookies.
FAQs
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze initially. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or a zip-top bag for up to three months.Can I use other types of sugar?
You can use granulated sugar instead of brown sugar, but it will change the flavor slightly. Brown sugar gives a richer taste and helps keep the cookies moist.What can I use instead of cream cheese in the frosting?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or even a simple buttercream frosting made with margarine instead of cream cheese.
Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 ripe bananas Make sure they’re very ripe for best flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar Brown sugar gives richer taste.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, browned Brown carefully until golden and nutty.
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour blend.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts Optional, can substitute with pecans or omit.
For the Cream Cheese Frosting
- 1/2 cup cream cheese Can use dairy-free alternative.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar Add more for a richer frosting.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix together the ripe bananas and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add in the browned butter, egg, and vanilla extract, and mix thoroughly.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts if using.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- To make the cream cheese frosting, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the cookies are fully cooled, frost them with the cream cheese frosting and serve.