Irresistible Handmade Banana Bread Cookies

If you love the moist texture and warm flavor of banana bread, you’re going to fall head-over-heels for Handmade Banana Bread Cookies. These soft, chewy cookies combine the comforting taste of traditional banana bread with the portability and ease of a grab-and-go treat. They’re handmade, wholesome, and completely irresistible.

Perfect for snack time, dessert, or even a sweet breakfast bite, these cookies are naturally vegan, soft-baked, and packed with banana goodness. And because they’re handmade with simple, nourishing ingredients, they’re a delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth without sacrificing your values or your health.

Whether you’re looking for a creative new take on banana bread, exploring vegan cookie options, or craving a handmade treat that’s baked with love, these banana bread cookies are the answer.

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What Are Banana Bread Cookies? A Soft, Chewy Twist on a Classic Favorite

Banana bread cookies are exactly what they sound like—a delightful hybrid of banana bread and soft-baked cookies. Think the same comforting flavors of mashed bananas, cinnamon, and vanilla—but in a small, handheld form.

Why you’ll love them:

• Soft and chewy with a tender crumb
• Naturally sweet from ripe bananas
• Vegan-friendly (no eggs or dairy required)
• Perfect for using overripe bananas
• Ideal for gifting, meal prep, or anytime snacks

They’re the ultimate banana bread-inspired dessert that’s portioned, portable, and completely addicting.

Ingredients for Handmade Banana Bread Cookies (With Exact Measurements)

This recipe yields about 12–16 cookies, depending on the size you scoop.

• 1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 large bananas)
• ½ cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
• ¼ cup melted coconut oil (or vegan butter)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour (or a 1:1 gluten-free blend)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Optional: ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• Optional: ½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips or raisins

These ingredients create a naturally sweet, warmly spiced cookie that bakes up soft and full of banana flavor.

Tools and Equipment Needed to Make These Vegan Cookies

No special tools are needed—just a few baking essentials:

• Mixing bowls (one large, one medium)
• Whisk or wooden spoon
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cooling rack

Because they’re handmade banana bread cookies, you won’t need a mixer—just simple ingredients and a bit of heart.

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Banana Bread Cookies at Home

Step 1: Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

Step 2: Mix wet ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed banana, coconut sugar, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.

Step 3: Add dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture, stirring until fully combined.

Step 4: Fold in extras
If using, fold in chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or raisins. The dough will be soft and slightly sticky.

Step 5: Scoop and shape
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten the tops with the back of the spoon.

Step 6: Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.

Step 7: Cool and enjoy
Allow cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

That’s it—delicious, vegan banana bread cookies made entirely by hand.

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Tips for Soft, Moist Cookies with Big Banana Bread Flavor

• Use overripe bananas – The browner, the better. They add natural sweetness and depth.
• Don’t overmix – Stir just until combined to keep the cookies tender.
• Slightly underbake – This ensures a soft, chewy center.
• Customize the spices – Add nutmeg, cardamom, or even pumpkin spice for extra warmth.

These baking tips help bring out the best in your handmade treats every time.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Adaptations for Banana Bread Cookies

This recipe is already vegan, but it’s also easy to make gluten-free or allergy-friendly:

For gluten-free:
Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

For nut-free:
Skip the walnuts or substitute with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

For added fiber:
Use half whole wheat flour or oat flour for a denser, heartier cookie.

These flexible options make these cookies a great fit for all kinds of diets and dietary needs.

Creative Mix-Ins and Flavor Variations: Chocolate Chips, Nuts, and More

Want to elevate your cookies even more? Try these mix-ins:

• Dairy-free chocolate chips for a banana bread + chocolate combo
• Chopped walnuts or pecans for a classic banana bread texture
• Coconut flakes for a tropical flair
• Raisins or dried cranberries for chewy sweetness
• Chia or flax seeds for a nutrition boost

With so many possibilities, these cookies are endlessly customizable.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Banana Bread Cookies

Here are some fun ways to serve these banana bread cookies:

• With coffee or tea – Perfect for a cozy afternoon break
• As a lunchbox snack – Kid-approved and naturally sweet
• Topped with nut butter – Almond or peanut butter for extra richness
• Crumbled into yogurt or oatmeal – A delicious breakfast topper
• Packed in a gift tin – A homemade, thoughtful treat

Whether warm from the oven or stored for later, they’re a satisfying and versatile option.

Storage and Shelf Life: How to Keep Them Fresh

Room temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator:
Extend freshness up to 7 days by keeping them in the fridge.

Freezer:
Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a container or freezer bag. Lasts up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10–15 seconds.

They’re one of the best banana bread-inspired desserts to batch-prep and freeze for later enjoyment.

Nutrition Info (Per Cookie)

Approximate values (based on 16 cookies):

• Calories: 110
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Sodium: 85 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

These cookies are naturally lower in sugar and fat than traditional baked goods, making them a smart choice for daily treats.

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Handmade Banana Bread Cookies FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes—just thaw and drain excess liquid before mashing.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store the dough in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Do I need to chill the dough?
Not required, but chilling can help the cookies hold their shape better during baking.

Are these cookies kid-friendly?
Yes! They’re soft, mildly sweet, and free from common allergens when adapted.

Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. These freeze well, so make a double batch and enjoy later.

Final Thoughts and Invite to Share or Subscribe

Handmade Banana Bread Cookies are a beautiful blend of comfort and convenience—a nostalgic bite of banana bread wrapped in a soft, portable cookie. They’re sweet without being overpowering, easy to make with pantry staples, and endlessly adaptable.

Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or your community, these cookies deliver flavor, texture, and a whole lot of heart.

If you loved this recipe, be sure to share it with your fellow cookie lovers, pin it to your dessert board, and subscribe to the blog for more vegan-friendly, handmade sweets that nourish and delight.

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