If you’ve been searching for a warm, comforting treat that brings a perfect balance of soft texture and sweet banana flavor, look no further than this delightful Banana Drop Cookies Recipe. These cookies are lightly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, giving each bite a cozy depth. They’re wonderfully tender thanks to the ripe bananas and have just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy any craving. Whether you bake them for a family gathering, a casual afternoon snack, or just to treat yourself, this Banana Drop Cookies Recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Banana Drop Cookies Recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together effortlessly to create that soft, moist cookie everyone adores. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding sweetness, spice, or that tender crumb that makes these cookies so irresistible.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base that provides structure while keeping the cookies soft.
- ½ tsp baking soda: Helps the cookies rise nicely and become light and fluffy.
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, aromatic touch that complements the banana perfectly.
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg: A subtle spice to deepen the flavor profile.
- ¼ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for tender cookies.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and slight crispness on the cookie edges.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Brings chewy texture and a caramel-like flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds moisture for softness.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the banana’s sweetness and offers a lovely aroma.
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium): The star ingredient creating moistness and that unmistakable banana flavor.
- Optional Icing: 1 cup powdered sugar, 1-2 tbsp milk, ½ tsp vanilla extract to drizzle a sweet finishing touch.
How to Make Banana Drop Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Next, combine your flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl—whisk everything together well to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents. Setting this mixture aside will make the next steps much smoother.
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 looks light and fluffy—this usually takes a few minutes. This step is crucial because beating air into the butter and sugar helps your cookies achieve a soft, tender texture with just a hint of crisp edges.
Step 3: Add the Egg, Vanilla, and Bananas
Beat the egg and vanilla extract into your butter-sugar mixture until fully incorporated. Then, fold in the mashed ripe bananas, stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The bananas add both moisture and a natural sweetness that makes these cookies uniquely delicious.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could lead to tougher cookies. You’ll notice your batter turning thick and luscious, perfect for dropping onto your baking sheets.
Step 5: Drop the Dough and Bake
Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop portions of dough about 2 inches apart onto your prepared baking sheets. This spacing gives the cookies room to spread slightly while baking. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, watching for the edges to turn a delicate golden color. Let the cookies cool slightly on the sheets before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 6: Optional Icing Drizzle
If you want to add a little extra sweetness and flair, prepare a simple icing by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this over your cooled cookies for a pretty, sweet finish that’s just as tasty as it looks.
How to Serve Banana Drop Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are incredible on their own, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar or a few chocolate chips scattered on top before baking can take them to the next level. If you opted for the icing, a sprinkle of toasted chopped nuts adds texture and a lovely nutty flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve these soft banana drop cookies with a mug of hot coffee, a glass of cold milk, or a cup of herbal tea for a truly cozy experience. They also pair beautifully with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create an indulgent dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your Banana Drop Cookies Recipe extra special by stacking them on a rustic wooden board or arranging them in a pretty cookie tin as a thoughtful homemade gift. You can also sandwich them with cream cheese frosting or peanut butter for delightful treats that add a fun twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Banana Drop Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time or enjoying over a few days.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, these cookies freeze beautifully. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When wrapped well, they’ll keep for up to 3 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, pop your cookies into the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or warm them briefly in a low oven. This little trick revives the soft texture and makes each bite feel freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Drop Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are ideal because they’re sweeter and easier to mash, which enhances the flavor and texture of the cookies.
Can I substitute the butter with a healthier fat?
You can swap butter for coconut oil or margarine, but keep in mind it may slightly alter the texture and taste. Butter offers a rich, classic flavor that’s hard to beat in this recipe.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The original Banana Drop Cookies Recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you can try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend—just check the blend’s ingredients for best results.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges and a set surface; the cookies may seem soft in the center but will firm up as they cool, resulting in the perfect tender texture.
Can I add nuts or chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to fold in walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips to the dough before baking. These additions add wonderful texture and extra bursts of flavor.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Banana Drop Cookies Recipe inspires you to bake a batch of these delightful cookies soon. They bring the perfect mix of warm spices, sweet banana, and comforting texture that makes sharing and enjoying them so special. Once you try this recipe, I’m sure it will become a cherished favorite to bake again and again for your family and friends.
Print
Banana Drop Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Drop Cookies are a soft, moist treat bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfectly tender with a lightly golden edge, they make a delightful snack or dessert. Optionally topped with a simple vanilla icing, these cookies are easy to prepare and great for sharing or enjoying with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
Optional Icing
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to ensure the spices and leavening agent are evenly distributed.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar using a mixer or spoon until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps to aerate the batter.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture until well combined for added moisture and flavor.
- Incorporate Bananas: Stir the mashed ripe bananas into the wet mixture until smooth, adding natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently just until combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
- Form Cookies: Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are done but still soft inside.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage.
- Prepare Optional Icing: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Decorate: Drizzle the icing over the cooled cookies if desired, adding a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Make sure to use ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to prevent dense cookies.
- Parchment paper helps with easy cleanup and non-stick baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- The optional icing can be omitted or replaced with a simple dusting of powdered sugar for a lighter finish.
