Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are an irresistible twist on two beloved classics. Imagine the cozy flavors of banana bread baked into soft, chewy cookies and topped with a rich, creamy frosting that melts in your mouth. These sweet treats are perfect for dessert tables, lunchboxes, or afternoon snacks with coffee or tea. With simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, this recipe combines comfort and convenience in every bite. Whether you are a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these cookies are easy to make and sure to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
If you adore banana bread but want something a little more fun and portion-friendly, you are going to fall head over heels for these Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting. They take everything we love about classic banana bread — that warm banana flavor, a hint of cinnamon, and tender texture — and transform it into bite-sized delights that are perfect for sharing. The cream cheese frosting adds a layer of sweet tanginess that elevates these cookies to dessert superstar status. Perfectly spiced, soft, and comforting, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Whether for a party, bake sale, or everyday treat, these cookies impress without stress.
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread Cookies:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
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1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1 cup mashed banana (about 2 bananas)
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1 large egg
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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2 cups all purpose flour
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2 tsp ground cinnamon
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1 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp baking soda
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1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional)
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1/4 tsp salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
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8 oz cream cheese (softened)
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1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick, room temperature)
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1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Step-by-Step: How to Make Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and set aside.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
Beat together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until well combined and fluffy.
Step 3: Mix in the Wet Ingredients
Add the mashed banana, egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir everything together until smooth and fully blended.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
Sprinkle in the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Avoid overmixing — gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet until just incorporated.
Step 5: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets. Space them around 3 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
Bake for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted into a cookie comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool the Cookies
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the butter and mix until combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is creamy.
Step 9: Frost the Cookies
After the cookies have fully cooled, generously frost the tops of each with the cream cheese frosting. Serve and enjoy!
Helpful Tips
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Use ripe bananas: Brown-spotted bananas add more flavor and moisture.
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Room temperature ingredients: Ensure butter, cream cheese, and eggs are not cold for a smoother batter and frosting.
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Chill if needed: If your dough feels too soft, refrigerate it for 10–15 minutes before scooping to reduce spreading.
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Use a cookie scoop: This helps create uniform cookies for even baking.
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Cool before frosting: Make sure cookies are fully cooled before frosting or it will melt.
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Adjust sweetness: Add a pinch of salt to the frosting if it’s too sweet for your taste.
Substitutions And Variations
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Gluten-free option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
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Add-ins: Mix in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips for texture.
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Spice it up: Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for a deeper spice profile.
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Frosting alternatives: Swap the cream cheese frosting for a simple glaze or dust with powdered sugar.
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Banana extract: Add a touch of banana extract for an extra punch of flavor.
Storage Instructions
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Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
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Refrigerated: For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days due to the cream cheese frosting. Use parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
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Freezer: Freeze unfrosted cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a bag or container for up to 3 months.
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Frosting storage: Frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated for 3–5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutritional Information
Each cookie contains approximately:
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Calories: 183
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Carbohydrates: 23g
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Protein: 2g
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Fat: 10g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Cholesterol: 33mg
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Sugar: 15g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sodium: 71mg
These cookies deliver flavor and indulgence without overdoing it — a perfect treat any day of the week.
Serving Suggestions
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Coffee companion: Serve with a latte or cappuccino for a cozy snack.
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Dessert platter: Great addition to holiday dessert trays or potlucks.
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Lunchbox treat: Pack one in school or work lunches for a mid-day pick-me-up.
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With fruit: Pair with fresh berries for a balanced sweet snack.
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Party favorite: Arrange on a tiered tray for birthday or shower events.
Frequently Asked Questions About Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute dairy-free butter and cream cheese alternatives for a fully dairy-free version.
Do I need super ripe bananas?
Absolutely. Overripe bananas with brown spots are ideal — they mash easily and provide the best flavor.
Is the cream cheese frosting necessary?
Not at all. The cookies are delicious on their own, but the frosting definitely adds a decadent touch.
Why did my cookies spread too much?
Overly soft butter or warm dough can cause spreading. If needed, chill the dough briefly before baking.
Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?
Yes. You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking, which can enhance flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for trying this delightful recipe for Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting! I truly hope you found joy in baking and relished each bite just as I always do. These cookies are a warm, comforting treat that combine the best parts of banana bread and frosted cookies into one irresistible dessert. They are easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. I’m so glad you are part of the food-loving community, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy this recipe again and again. Happy baking and enjoy every delicious moment!
Print
Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 28 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting are soft, chewy, and full of banana flavor with a sweet and tangy topping. These easy cookies bring the comfort of banana bread and the fun of frosted treats together in one bite. Bake a batch today and share the goodness!
Ingredients
For the Banana Bread Cookies:
1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup mashed banana (about 2 ripe bananas)
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp nutmeg (optional)
1/4 tsp salt
For the Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick), room temperature
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line one or two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and set aside.
Beat together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until well combined and fluffy.
Add the mashed banana, egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir everything together until smooth and fully blended.
Sprinkle in the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Avoid overmixing — gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet until just incorporated.
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop about 1.5 tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets. Space them around 3 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the tops are set and a toothpick inserted into a cookie comes out clean.
Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheets for 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add in the butter and mix until combined. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until the frosting is creamy.
After the cookies have fully cooled, generously frost the tops of each with the cream cheese frosting. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For best flavor, use very ripe bananas with lots of brown spots.
Chill dough for 10 minutes if it’s too soft before baking.
Cookies can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days.
To freeze: Store unfrosted cookies in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
Add-ins like chopped walnuts or mini chocolate chips make great mix-ins!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 183
- Sugar: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 2g