Banana Drop Cookies Recipe

Banana Drop Cookies are the irresistible answer to overripe bananas sitting on your counter. With their incredibly soft texture and bursts of comforting banana flavor, these sweet, cake-like treats are perfect for satisfying a sweet tooth or sharing with friends over coffee. They come together in under thirty minutes, making them the ultimate treat for busy days, spontaneous guests, or simple, everyday indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and a couple overripe bananas, you’ll be amazed at how these Banana Drop Cookies fill the house with a cozy aroma and deliver that tender, melt-in-your-mouth bite. Each ingredient plays a key role in hitting the perfect balance of moisture, flavor, and that iconic fluffy texture.

• Butter: Unsalted and softened, it creates a creamy, rich base for the dough.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the natural banana flavor.
• Egg: Binds everything together and keeps the cookies wonderfully soft.
• Ripe bananas: The star of the show—make sure they’re spotty and soft for maximum sweetness and moisture.
• Vanilla extract: A splash enhances the banana and rounds out all the lovely flavors.
• All-purpose flour: Gives each cookie structure while remaining light.
• Baking powder: Works with the baking soda to ensure a proper lift and fluffy crumb.
• Baking soda: Helps the cookies puff up and also neutralizes the acidity of the banana.
• Salt: Just a bit sharpens and balances the sweetness and spices.
• Ground cinnamon: Lends a subtle warmth and pairs beautifully with banana.
• Optional add-ins: Walnuts for crunch or chocolate chips for extra decadence—don’t hesitate to make them your own!

How to Make Banana Drop Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this step keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together your softened butter and granulated sugar. Keep mixing until the blend is light and fluffy, which should only take a few minutes. This helps the cookies bake up tender while giving them a gorgeous texture.

Step 3: Mix in the Egg, Bananas, and Vanilla

Add your egg to the creamed butter and sugar, mixing thoroughly. Next, stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract. The mixture may look a bit separated, but keep going—the bananas add delightful moisture and that unmistakable flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Blending the dry ingredients first ensures that the leaveners and spices get distributed evenly, so you won’t have any surprises in your final cookies.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to your wet ingredients. Stir gently, just until everything is blended and no flour pockets remain. If you’re adding walnuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now for that extra special touch.

Step 6: Drop, Bake, and Enjoy!

Using a rounded tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart (they’ll spread slightly as they bake). Pop them in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges look lightly golden. Let the Banana Drop Cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling—and try not to sneak too many while they’re warm!

How to Serve Banana Drop Cookies

Garnishes

Lightly dusting your Banana Drop Cookies with powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted chocolate can take these simple treats to a bakery-level presentation. For a playful twist, press a walnut half or a few chocolate chips into the top of each warm cookie right after baking.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a hot mug of coffee, chai, or even a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort combination. They are especially delightful as an after-school snack or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an effortless dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Pile Banana Drop Cookies into a rustic basket lined with a checkered napkin for brunch, or layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a cookie tin for gifting. If you love DIY, try sticking a cookie on a lollipop stick for whimsical “cookie pops” at parties—the possibilities are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover Banana Drop Cookies into an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay soft and moist for up to three days. They rarely last that long in most households, but you’ll appreciate their enduring freshness.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully! Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you crave that straight-from-the-oven coziness, simply pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds. The banana aroma is instantly revived, and the texture turns even softer—a delight for unexpected cravings.

FAQs

Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?

Absolutely! While the cookies will be a bit denser and nuttier, the natural sweetness of the bananas still shines. Try substituting half the flour first to see how you like the texture.

How ripe should the bananas be for Banana Drop Cookies?

The riper, the better! Bananas with brown spots or all-brown peels offer maximum sweetness and moisture, which contributes to the cookies’ tender, cake-like texture.

Is it possible to make Banana Drop Cookies vegan?

Yes, you can swap in a plant-based butter and a flaxseed “egg” (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tbsp water, set to thicken for a few minutes) for a vegan version. The cookies will still be super soft and delicious!

Are there any mix-in suggestions besides walnuts and chocolate chips?

Definitely! Try adding shredded coconut, dried cranberries, white chocolate chips, or even a pinch of nutmeg for a unique flavor boost. The base recipe is wonderfully flexible.

Can I double the recipe for a party?

You sure can! Simply double each ingredient, and prepare in batches or with multiple baking sheets. Just keep an eye on your cookies as baking time may vary slightly with larger batches.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve got a couple of ripe bananas and a craving for something cozy and homemade, don’t miss out on Banana Drop Cookies. They’re a sweet celebration of comfort, perfect for sharing or stashing as a secret treat—give them a try, and you’ll find yourself making them again and again!

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