Glazed Banana Cookies Recipe
If you’re looking for a new favorite treat to brighten your afternoon or surprise your family, Glazed Banana Cookies just might be your sweet spot. These pillowy-soft, cake-like cookies wrap up the classic banana flavor everyone loves in a cozy bite, then take things up another notch with a shimmering vanilla glaze. The result? Cookies that melt in your mouth, yet have enough structure to make them a joy to eat with a cup of tea or as an after-dinner indulgence. If you dream about banana bread but want something a little cuter and a lot more portable, these Glazed Banana Cookies are calling your name!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Glazed Banana Cookies is refreshingly straightforward, yet every item plays a crucial role in delivering that signature soft texture and comforting flavor. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need and why each element matters.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Makes the cookies tender and adds that unmistakable rich, buttery taste; make sure it’s at room temperature for easy creaming.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the cookies and helps them become fluffy when mixed with the butter.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and gives structure so the cookies hold their soft, cake-like shape.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, enhancing the banana flavor beautifully.
- Mashed ripe banana (1 cup, about 2 bananas): Packs a big banana punch and keeps the cookies moist and tender.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Gives the cookies body, holding all those delicious flavors together.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Ensures the cookies rise and achieve their signature lightness.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Reacts with the banana to lift the dough and contribute to the soft texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and wakes up all the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm, inviting spice that blends perfectly with banana.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup, for the glaze): Creates that irresistible sweet topping with a smooth finish.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons, for the glaze): Thins out the glaze for perfect drizzle consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1/4 teaspoon, for the glaze): Rounds out the sweetness in the glaze, adding aromatic vanilla notes.
How to Make Glazed Banana Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Pans and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, which makes for super easy clean-up and guarantees your cookies won’t stick. Getting this step out of the way means you can glide straight through the dough-making process without a hitch.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial: it adds air to your dough and sets the stage for that delightfully soft texture that’s the hallmark of Glazed Banana Cookies. Take a couple of minutes here; patience pays off!
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined, then stir in the mashed bananas. This is where that familiar banana bread aroma starts to fill your kitchen. Be sure to use bananas that are spotty and super ripe—they’ll give your cookies unbeatable flavor and moisture.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This helps evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices, so every bite of your cookies has the right lift and those beautiful hints of cinnamon warmth.
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. You don’t want to overmix; just fold it together until you don’t see any more pockets of flour. The dough will be soft and a little sticky—and that’s exactly how it should be.
Step 6: Portion and Bake
Using a rounded tablespoon—or a cookie scoop if you have one—drop dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges look lightly golden and the tops are set. Resist the urge to overbake; the magic of Glazed Banana Cookies is in their gentle softness.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling. They’re quite tender straight out of the oven, so this brief rest helps them firm up without losing their signature plush texture.
Step 8: Make and Apply the Glaze
While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until the glaze is smooth and pourable. Once your cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze generously over each one—don’t be shy! Let them sit for a few minutes so the glaze can set. This finishing touch brings that lovely twinkle and a sweet contrast that really makes these cookies sing.
How to Serve Glazed Banana Cookies
Garnishes
Dress up your Glazed Banana Cookies with a shower of chopped toasted nuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or even a few dried banana chips. The glaze acts as the perfect “glue” for little finishing touches that make your cookies feel bakery-special.
Side Dishes
These cookies are dreamy alongside a mug of freshly brewed coffee, chai, or an icy glass of milk. For dessert spreads, consider pairing them with a platter of fresh tropical fruit or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to amplify those creamy, sweet flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re gifting or hosting, stack Glazed Banana Cookies in clear cellophane bags tied with ribbon, or pile them high on a tiered cake stand. For an unexpected twist, sandwich a scoop of soft vanilla or cinnamon ice cream between two cookies to make impromptu ice cream sandwiches—big smiles guaranteed!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the glaze has fully set, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightfully moist and tasty for up to three days—perfect for snacking or lunchbox treats.
Freezing
Glazed Banana Cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. To prevent sticking, you can layer parchment between them. They’ll keep their soft texture and fresh banana flavor for up to two months.
Reheating
To enjoy that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, simply let frozen cookies thaw at room temperature. If you want them extra cozy, a 10-second zap in the microwave or a couple of minutes in a low oven will do the trick—just be careful not to melt the glaze.
FAQs
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Absolutely, you can swap in whole wheat flour for up to half of the all-purpose flour for a bit of nutty flavor and more fiber. The cookies will be slightly denser, but still super tasty and hearty.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Definitely! Stir in a handful of chocolate chips, walnuts, or pecans for even more flavor and a bit of crunch. Just fold them into the dough at the end, before portioning out the cookies.
How ripe should my bananas be for Glazed Banana Cookies?
The riper, the better! Bananas that are heavily speckled or even mostly brown are perfect. They mash easily and deliver the sweetest, most intense banana flavor.
Is it possible to make the glaze in advance?
Yes, you can make the glaze a day ahead; just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. If it thickens, whisk in an extra drop or two of milk to get that smooth drizzle-worthy consistency again.
Do these cookies travel well for lunchboxes or potlucks?
They sure do! Once the glaze is set, Glazed Banana Cookies are sturdy enough to pack for picnics, bake sales, or lunchboxes—just separate layers with parchment if you need to stack them.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to fall in love with banana flavor all over again, treat yourself (and your loved ones!) to a batch of Glazed Banana Cookies. They’re a joy to make, share, and especially to eat—so why not bake a tray and create a few smiles today?
Print
Glazed Banana Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Glazed Banana Cookies are a delightful treat with a soft, cake-like texture and a hint of banana flavor. Topped with a sweet glaze, they 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 banana (about 2 bananas)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla, then stir in the mashed banana.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are golden and tops are set.
- Cool and glaze: Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. For the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cookies and let set before serving.
Notes
- These cookies are soft and cake-like with a delicate banana flavor.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
