If you adore the comforting flavors of banana and crave a delightful sweet treat, you are going to fall head over heels for this Glazed Banana Cookies Recipe. These cookies strike the perfect balance between soft, chewy banana goodness and a sweet, smooth glaze that adds just the right touch of indulgence. The warm cinnamon undertone complements the ripe banana beautifully, making each bite a mouthwatering experience you’ll want to revisit time and again. Whether you need a cozy afternoon snack or a charming dessert to share, this recipe has it all rolled into one delicious package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, well-chosen ingredients is key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your cookies. Each component plays its role, from the creamy butter that keeps the bite tender to the mashed bananas that impart moisture and natural sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the cookies tender and moist.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with cookie structure and browning.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Gives a subtle molasses flavor plus extra chewiness.
- Egg (1 large): Acts as a binder, ensuring all ingredients meld perfectly.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon plus 1/2 teaspoon for glaze): Infuses a warm, aromatic depth that elevates the banana flavor.
- Mashed ripe banana (1/2 cup, about 1 medium): Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and that unmistakable banana taste.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation of the cookie’s structure, providing a tender crumb.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps cookies rise and achieve a light texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a cozy spice note.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): The base for the glossy, sweet glaze.
- Milk (2-3 tablespoons, or more as needed): Adjusts glaze consistency for the perfect drizzle.
How to Make Glazed Banana Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures that your cookies bake evenly and release easily once done, saving you from any sticky situations.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and smooth. This creaming process is essential for a soft, tender cookie with the perfect texture—and it smells heavenly too.
Step 3: Incorporate Egg, Vanilla, and Mashed Banana
Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed banana to your creamed mixture. Mix well until the batters blend beautifully. The mashed banana imparts moisture and sweetness, while the vanilla enriches the flavor to bring those comforting, home-baked vibes.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to evenly distribute all dry elements. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing. This keeps your cookies soft and tender.
Step 5: Scoop and Space the Dough
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give the cookies plenty of room to spread as they bake evenly.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. After baking, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes so they firm up slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This is key for cookies that are soft inside but hold their shape beautifully.
Step 7: Whip Up the Glaze
While your cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk quantity to get a thick but pourable glaze. This glossy topping will add sweetness and a slight crunch when set.
Step 8: Glaze Your Cookies
Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies with a spoon or a small spatula, then let the glaze set at room temperature before enjoying. The glaze transforms these cookies from delightful snacks into irresistible treats.
How to Serve Glazed Banana Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your finished cookies with a light dusting of cinnamon or chopped toasted walnuts for added texture and a hint of nuttiness. A few banana chips on top can also add a fun, crunchy contrast that complements the glaze beautifully.
Side Dishes
These glazed banana cookies shine alongside a warm cup of coffee or tea, making for a comforting afternoon pick-me-up. For a more decadent dessert spread, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the creamy sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, arrange the glazed banana cookies on a pretty platter lined with banana leaves or colorful parchment paper. You can also stack them in a cookie jar for a charming, rustic look that invites guests to indulge. Drizzle extra glaze in a zigzag pattern right before serving to amp up the eye appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and glazed, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They keep their moist, tender texture for up to 3 days, making it easy to enjoy them fresh without any fuss.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these cookies in advance, you can freeze them without glaze, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and then add the glaze fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring your cookies back to their soft, fresh-baked magic, warm them gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat since the glaze will soften — it’s best served slightly chilled or just set.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect because they mash smoothly and add natural sweetness.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just ensure your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free certified for best results.
Can I substitute the milk in the glaze?
Definitely. Feel free to use any milk alternative like almond milk, oat milk, or even a bit of orange juice for a citrus twist. Just adjust the amount to achieve the right glaze consistency.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies spread too much, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. Also, make sure your baking soda is fresh to help maintain structure and rise properly.
How long does the glaze stay fresh on the cookies?
The glaze sets at room temperature and stays fresh for a couple of days if stored properly. Avoid refrigerating glazed cookies as the glaze may become tacky or overly soft.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Glazed Banana Cookies Recipe enough if you’re craving a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth treat with a hint of warmth and sweetness. It’s simple to make, irresistibly delicious, and guaranteed to bring smiles to anyone lucky enough to try it. So grab your bananas and get baking — these cookies might just become your new favorite comfort snack!
Print
Glazed Banana Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully soft and flavorful glazed banana cookies made with ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for a quick treat or snack that combines fruit and classic cookie goodness in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium banana)
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk (or more as needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the large egg, vanilla extract, and mashed ripe banana until fully incorporated, providing moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Shape Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden. Then, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Glaze: While cookies cool, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk if necessary.
- Glaze Cookies: Drizzle or spread the glaze over cooled cookies and allow it to set before serving, adding a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas with brown spots for optimum sweetness and flavor.
- For a thicker glaze, reduce the amount of milk.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- These cookies can be frozen without glaze for up to 1 month; glaze after thawing.
- Optional: sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon or chopped nuts on top of glaze before it sets for added texture.
