If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the natural sweetness of bananas with a luscious sugary finish, this Glazed Banana Cookies Recipe will become your new go-to. These cookies are soft with a tender crumb, brought to life by warm cinnamon and ripe mashed bananas mixed right into the dough. Then, a simple yet irresistibly sweet glaze adds a glossy, melt-in-your-mouth topping that transforms everyday cookies into something truly special. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon or a crowd, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of comfort and joy in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Glazed Banana Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each chosen for their role in building flavor, texture, and visual appeal. You won’t need any fancy pantry items, but the combination of soft butter, ripe banana, and rich sugars guarantees that every bite is satisfying and full of character.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup softened): Provides a creamy, tender base and helps the cookies stay soft.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with texture.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup packed): Brings moisture and a hint of caramel flavor to the cookies.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon + 1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor profile in both dough and glaze with warm, sweet notes.
- Mashed ripe banana (1/2 cup, about 1 medium banana): The star of the show that adds natural sweetness and soft moisture.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides the cookie’s structure and body.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the dough rise and keeps the cookies light.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and highlights other flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a cozy, warming spice that pairs beautifully with banana.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): The base of the delicious glaze that adds a sweet sheen.
- Milk (2-3 tablespoons or more as needed): Adjusts the glaze to the perfect smooth, drizzle-friendly consistency.
How to Make Glazed Banana Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and transfer easily without sticking. This little prep step makes a huge difference in the texture and appearance of your finished cookies.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, resulting in tender cookies with a perfect crumb. Plus, the combination of granulated and brown sugar adds both texture and rich flavor.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring in the egg, vanilla extract, and your mashed ripe banana. Mix these in until everything is perfectly combined. The banana adds a natural moistness that keeps these cookies soft, while the vanilla deepens the overall flavor profile.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures that the leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed before folding into the wet ingredients, creating consistent flavor and rise throughout every cookie.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet Dough
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using gentle strokes until just combined. Being careful not to overmix will keep your cookies tender and soft rather than dense or tough.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown. This precise timing helps maintain a chewy center with softly crisp edges.
Step 7: Cool Before Glazing
Allow your cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up before moving them to a wire rack so they can cool completely. Cooling fully is key to prevent the glaze from melting and running off.
Step 8: Prepare and Apply the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable. You can add more milk if needed to get the right consistency. Then, drizzle or spread the glaze generously over your cooled cookies. Let the glaze set to that beautiful glossy finish before serving.
How to Serve Glazed Banana Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are gorgeous on their own, a sprinkle of finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans adds delightful crunch and a hint of earthiness. You can also dust lightly with cinnamon or even add a few mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Side Dishes
Pair your Glazed Banana Cookies Recipe with a comforting cup of chai tea or a rich, creamy coffee latte. The spices in the cookies blend beautifully with warm beverages, elevating your snack time into a cozy ritual. For a completely indulgent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd-pleasing dessert platter, stack the cookies on a rustic wooden board and drizzle some extra glaze in artistic swirls. You could also sandwich two cookies together with a smear of cream cheese frosting or peanut butter for an irresistible bite-sized treat that looks adorable on any dessert table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Glazed Banana Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container helps maintain moisture and keeps the cookies from drying out.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully, making them an ideal make-ahead treat. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They will keep well for up to 2 months, ready for whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Reheating
When you want to enjoy the cookies warm, simply pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or warm briefly in a low oven. This helps refresh their soft texture and slightly melts the glaze, recreating that just-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I substitute ripe bananas with overripe bananas?
Yes! Overripe bananas are actually ideal because they are sweeter and mash more easily, enhancing the flavor and moisture of your cookies. Just make sure they’re not spoiled.
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for the balanced texture, but you can experiment with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste. Keep in mind it may make the cookies a bit denser.
Is it possible to make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and the egg with a flax or chia egg substitute. Use plant milk for the glaze, and you’ll have delicious vegan glazed banana cookies.
How thick should the glaze be?
The glaze should be thick enough to hold its shape on the cookie but thin enough to drizzle or spread easily. Adjust with milk by adding a little at a time to reach a smooth, glossy texture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips into the cookie dough?
Yes! Stirring in chopped nuts or chocolate chips before baking adds an extra layer of texture and flavor. It complements the banana and cinnamon beautifully for an even more delightful treat.
Final Thoughts
This Glazed Banana Cookies Recipe is one of those joyful finds that feels both indulgent and wholesome. It’s simple enough to whip up any day but special enough to impress house guests or satisfy your own sweet tooth. I encourage you to grab those ripe bananas and dive into this recipe—you’ll be rewarded with soft, flavorful cookies that quickly become a beloved classic in your baking repertoire.
Print
Glazed Banana Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Glazed Banana Cookies are a delightful treat combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with a soft, tender cookie base, topped with a smooth, sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for a snack or dessert, these cookies are easy to make and irresistibly flavorful.
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 and Prep: Preheat the 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, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed banana into the creamed sugar and butter until well combined, which adds moisture and flavor to the dough.
- 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 Dough: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined, careful not to overmix to maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Shape Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating that the cookies are fully cooked yet soft inside.
- Cool Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing sogginess.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary to ensure an easy-to-spread glaze.
- Glaze Cookies: Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies evenly and allow it to set before serving, adding a sweet finishing touch to the banana-flavored cookies.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor in the cookies.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a thinner glaze, add more milk gradually.
- Store glazed cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- You can add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough for added texture and flavor.
