If you’re searching for a cookie that’s soft, irresistibly moist, and absolutely loaded with comforting banana flavor, look no further than these Glazed Banana Cookies. They blend the nostalgic sweetness of ripe bananas with a delicate vanilla glaze, making each bite a celebration of classic homemade goodness! Whether you’re after a treat for your morning coffee or just want to use up those speckled bananas on your counter, this recipe turns simple pantry staples into pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s take a moment to appreciate how these simple ingredients come together to give Glazed Banana Cookies their signature taste and texture. Every element pulls its weight to create cookies that are tender, flavorful, and topped with a sweet vanilla drizzle.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that helps the cookies stay soft and moist.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness and aids in creating a light, fluffy texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together while contributing to the cookies’ cakey structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with banana.
- Mashed ripe bananas (1 cup, about 2–3 bananas): The real stars of the show—make sure your bananas have lots of spots for maximum sweet flavor!
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Gives structure and body to the cookies.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies puff up lightly as they bake.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances every flavor.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses a gentle hint of spice that’s just perfect with banana.
- Powdered sugar (1 1/2 cups, for the glaze): Forms the sweet, irresistible topping that sets these cookies apart.
- Milk (2–3 tablespoons, for the glaze): Helps achieve your preferred glaze consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon, for the glaze): Echoes the cookie’s vanilla notes and ties everything together.
How to Make Glazed Banana Cookies
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your dough is. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which helps ensure your Glazed Banana Cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup effortless.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for creating a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb, so give it a good 2–3 minutes with an electric mixer or some enthusiastic arm work!
Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Bananas
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed ripe bananas. Your dough will look silky and a bit loose at this stage—don’t worry, that’s normal. The bananas keep things extra moist and lend the cookies their signature fruit-forward taste.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
In a second bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Incorporating these dry ingredients separately ensures that the baking soda and spices are evenly distributed, guaranteeing cookies that bake up perfectly every time.
Step 5: Combine and Finish the Dough
Gradually stir the dry mixture into the wet banana batter. Mix just until everything is combined and a soft dough forms. Overmixing can make your cookies tough, so stop as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, drop rounded mounds of dough onto your lined baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between each to give them room to spread and puff. Bake for 10–12 minutes, keeping an eye out for lightly golden edges. The centers should spring back when gently touched.
Step 7: Cool on a Rack
Let your Glazed Banana Cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes—they’ll firm up and become easier to move. Then, transfer them carefully to a wire rack so steam can escape and they cool completely before glazing.
Step 8: Whisk Up the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until your glaze is smooth—even a little glossy! Use less milk for a thicker glaze or a bit more for a thinner drizzle, depending on your mood.
Step 9: Glaze the Cookies
Once your cookies are fully cooled, drizzle over the vanilla glaze with a spoon or a piping bag. Wait a few minutes for the glaze to set—then try not to eat them all at once!
How to Serve Glazed Banana Cookies
Garnishes
A simple dusting of cinnamon or even a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts can give these cookies an extra pop, both visually and flavor-wise. Try adding a pinch of extra powdered sugar, or if you’re feeling playful, a few banana chips perched on top of each freshly glazed cookie.
Side Dishes
Glazed Banana Cookies are right at home next to a steaming mug of coffee or black tea, but they’re also fun to pair with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a more decadent treat. If you’re serving brunch, a fresh fruit platter on the side makes them feel even more special.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your cookies on a tiered platter for easy reach, or bundle them in clear treat bags tied with ribbon for a heartfelt homemade gift. These Glazed Banana Cookies look beautiful on a cake stand, especially if you let the glaze drip dramatically down the sides, or try serving them alongside mini muffins for a bakeshop-style spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep extra Glazed Banana Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay soft and moist, and the glaze will hold up well, making them just as tasty on day three as when they’re fresh out of the oven.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a rainy day, place the cooled, unglazed cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then glaze just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Leftover cookies can be quickly revived: pop one in the microwave for about 8–10 seconds to bring back that just-baked softness. If you’ve frozen and thawed them, you can gently warm them in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes before glazing.
FAQs
Can I make Glazed Banana Cookies with gluten-free flour?
Yes! Substituting a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend works well in this recipe. Your cookies might be slightly more delicate, but the glaze and banana flavor still shine through beautifully.
What’s the best way to mash bananas for this recipe?
A fork works perfectly for ripe bananas, but you can also use a potato masher or even a hand mixer for an extra smooth mash. The goal is a fairly lump-free puree to keep the cookie texture light.
Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
No chilling required! Glazed Banana Cookies are designed for quick prep, and the dough goes straight from the bowl to the baking sheet. This means you can satisfy banana cookie cravings faster!
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips are wonderful mix-ins. Stir up to 3/4 cup in with the dry ingredients for a fun flavor twist without affecting the cookie’s soft texture.
How long does the glaze take to set?
The vanilla glaze typically sets within 20–30 minutes at room temperature. For a quicker set, you can pop the cookies in the fridge for about 10 minutes after glazing.
Final Thoughts
If you love a cookie that’s tender, fruity, and just a bit indulgent, you owe it to yourself to try Glazed Banana Cookies. They’re proof that a little creative baking and a few overripe bananas can turn an ordinary day into something deliciously special. Give these a whirl—you might just find yourself making an extra batch for friends (or for yourself) before you know it!
PrintGlazed Banana Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight your taste buds with these soft and flavorful Glazed Banana Cookies. Made with ripe bananas and a touch of cinnamon, these cookies are perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the glaze:
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla, and mashed bananas until smooth.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix the batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes.
- Cool and glaze: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet, then drizzle with the glaze mixture.
Notes
- For a thicker glaze, use less milk.
- These soft cake-like cookies are perfect for using up overripe bananas and pair well with a cup of coffee or tea.
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