If you love the marriage of banana bread flavors with the soft, pillowy texture of a perfect cookie, Glazed Banana Cookies are about to be your newest baking obsession. Sweet, fragrant, and topped with a simple vanilla glaze, these cookies are irresistible straight from the wire rack—moist, cakey, and loaded with cozy spice. They’re a wonderful way to use up overripe bananas and bring a bit of homemade, nostalgic comfort to the dessert table. Trust me, this is a recipe you’ll want to keep in your baking repertoire!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic in Glazed Banana Cookies is how a handful of humble ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each one plays a unique role, from building the cookie’s tender crumb to imparting that unmistakable banana aroma.
- All-Purpose Flour: The backbone for these cookies, providing structure and a soft bite.
- Baking Powder: Gives the cookies their delightful lift and cake-like texture.
- Baking Soda: Ensures the cookies rise beautifully and helps them stay tender.
- Salt: Just enough to balance all the sweetness and enhance every flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: Adds warmth and aromatic depth that makes these cookies super inviting.
- Ground Nutmeg: A gentle touch for a cozy background note that pairs perfectly with banana.
- Unsalted Butter, Softened: Provides necessary richness; softened butter helps you get that creamy, fluffy start.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the dough and contributes to those wonderfully golden edges.
- Large Eggs: Bind everything together and add to the plush, soft texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash infuses the dough and glaze with comforting, aromatic flavor.
- Mashed Ripe Bananas: The magical ingredient—be sure your bananas are deeply speckled for the best flavor.
- Powdered Sugar (for Glaze): Dissolves into a shiny, sweet topping that sets just right.
- Milk (for Glaze): Makes the glaze smooth and spreadable, so it drizzles beautifully over the cookies.
How to Make Glazed Banana Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Set yourself up for success: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. That little bit of parchment ensures easy removal and keeps cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step helps distribute the leaveners and spices evenly, so every bite of your Glazed Banana Cookies is perfectly tender and fragrant.
Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This is where you build the airy texture into your cookies, so don’t rush!
Step 4: Add Eggs, Vanilla, and Mashed Banana
Beat in the eggs one at a time for smoothness, then mix in the vanilla extract and mashed bananas. The bananas not only add signature flavor but also give the cookies that lovely moisture you’ll fall in love with.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually stir the dry mixture into your wet batter, mixing until just combined. You want the dough soft and unified, but be careful not to overmix—that’s the secret to the cookies’ tender crumb!
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about two inches between each one. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and centers look set. Let them cool on the sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Step 7: Glaze Those Cookies
Once your cookies are completely cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze. Drizzle it generously over the cookies and let each one set up with a pretty, glossy finish. That’s when the real magic happens!
How to Serve Glazed Banana Cookies
Garnishes
A scattering of finely chopped toasted walnuts or pecans over the glaze looks lovely and adds a hint of crunch. If you’re feeling playful, a little dusting of cinnamon or even a few mini chocolate chips will make your Glazed Banana Cookies extra tempting.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot coffee, a frothy chai latte, or even a glass of cold milk for retro snack vibes. For a brunch spread, arrange them next to a fruit salad or some yogurt parfaits to keep the banana theme going strong.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking cookies high on a vintage cake stand to let their glaze glisten in the sun. For parties or school lunches, wrap a few Glazed Banana Cookies in wax paper and tie them with string—homemade goodness, ready to gift. Or, sandwich two together with a little buttercream or cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the glaze has set fully, store Glazed Banana Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They’ll keep their softness and flavor, though you might find they disappear much more quickly than that!
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully! Layer them between pieces of parchment in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Freeze the cookies (unglazed or glazed) for up to two months. If you want the glaze extra fresh, add it after thawing.
Reheating
If you enjoy your cookies a bit warm, pop one in the microwave for about 5-8 seconds. The glaze will soften slightly and those banana flavors will bloom just like fresh-from-the-oven Glazed Banana Cookies.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for Glazed Banana Cookies?
Absolutely! Just thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. Frozen bananas are fantastic for baking and actually make cookies extra moist and flavorful.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Be sure to check that the blend includes a binder like xanthan gum for the best texture.
Why are my Glazed Banana Cookies coming out cakey?
That’s totally normal! These cookies are meant to be soft and cake-like rather than crunchy. The mashed bananas and the leavening give them a banana bread-meets-cookie vibe.
Can I add chocolate chips or nuts?
Go for it! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or mini chocolate chips are delicious additions. Fold them in gently right before scooping out your dough for a fun texture boost.
How long does the glaze take to set?
Usually about 20-30 minutes at room temperature. If you’re in a hurry, pop the cookies onto a tray and set them in the fridge for a few minutes to speed things up.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that makes everyone smile, take a chance on Glazed Banana Cookies. They’re the kind of treat that brings instant comfort and joy to any table. Don’t be surprised when these soft, lightly-spiced gems become the star of your baking rotation!
Print
Glazed Banana Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Glazed Banana Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly blend the sweetness of ripe bananas with a hint of warm spices. Soft and moist, these cookies are topped with a simple vanilla glaze that adds a touch of sweetness to every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas until combined.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Drizzle over cooled cookies.
Notes
- Add finely chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for extra texture.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
