If you’re searching for a delightfully soft, lightly spiced treat that captures all the magic of ripe bananas, look no further than Glazed Banana Cookies. Each cookie is pillowy and moist from real mashed bananas, then crowned with a sweet vanilla glaze that transforms an everyday snack into a little bite of pure comfort. Whether you have overripe bananas to use up or just crave something cozy and irresistible, these cookies are about to become your new go-to treat—perfect for sharing, gifting, or savoring with your favorite warm drink.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Glazed Banana Cookies only require a handful of simple (but mighty!) kitchen staples that you probably have on hand already. Each ingredient brings something special—softness, fluffiness, a pop of flavor, or that dreamy glaze—contributing to cookies you’ll want to make on repeat.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Butter brings richness and a tender crumb, so make sure it’s perfectly soft for easier creaming.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Gives the cookies a gentle sweetness and helps with that soft cake-like texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds just the right amount of richness.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon, plus ½ teaspoon for glaze): Classic vanilla completes the cookie and infuses the glaze with warm flavor.
- Mashed ripe banana (1 cup; about 2 medium): The star ingredient adds flavor, moisture, and a beautiful golden hue.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups): Forms the backbone of the cookies and keeps them light rather than dense.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Teams up with baking soda for ultimate fluffiness.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise and spread just right.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings the banana flavor forward.
- Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Just a touch for warmth and that irresistible homemade aroma.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup; for glaze): Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that sets prettily on top.
- Milk (1–2 tablespoons; for glaze): Loosens the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
How to Make Glazed Banana Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures the Glazed Banana Cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, making clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy. This usually takes about 2 minutes and guarantees a soft, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, mixing just until combined. Scrape down the sides if needed. Next, stir in the mashed banana—this transforms your dough with natural sweetness and moisture.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures all the leaveners and spices are evenly distributed for perfectly flavored Glazed Banana Cookies every time.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet batter, mixing on low just until you don’t see streaks of flour. Be gentle here—a light touch keeps your cookies fluffy and tender.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each. The cookies will puff up but not spread too much. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
Step 7: Cool Down
Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps them finish baking and keeps them from breaking apart.
Step 8: Glaze
While the cookies cool completely, make your glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth and pourable. Drizzle or spread the glaze over each cookie, then let it set before serving or storing. Now you have yourself a batch of perfect Glazed Banana Cookies!
How to Serve Glazed Banana Cookies
Garnishes
You can’t go wrong with a little extra flourish! Try a scatter of finely chopped toasted walnuts, mini chocolate chips, or even a light dusting of cinnamon atop the glaze for added crunch and visual appeal—your Glazed Banana Cookies will look as good as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these soft banana treats with a mug of creamy coffee, spiced chai, or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate afternoon pick-me-up. For a dessert platter, serve alongside other fruity bites or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a finishing touch.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Glazed Banana Cookies on a rustic cake stand, or layer them in a decorative tin lined with parchment for gifting. For parties, arrange them on a platter in a circular pattern with extra glaze in a bowl for dipping—a surefire showstopper on any dessert table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once glazed and fully set, store your Glazed Banana Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Their soft texture actually makes them stay deliciously moist, but always keep them away from humidity to preserve the glaze.
Freezing
Freeze unglazed cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid; they’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw and glaze for freshest taste and the prettiest finish.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth, microwave unglazed cookies for 8–10 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 3–4 minutes. Avoid reheating after glazing, as it can make the icing melt or turn sticky.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas?
Absolutely! Just thaw the bananas completely and drain off any excess moisture before mashing. Their intense sweetness makes Glazed Banana Cookies even more flavorful.
What other mix-ins can I try?
Nuts like walnuts or pecans and mini chocolate chips are classic, but try shredded coconut or a sprinkle of sea salt for a twist. Add mix-ins after folding in the dry ingredients for even distribution.
Do I have to glaze the cookies?
No, but the glaze is what transforms these from everyday banana cookies to Glazed Banana Cookies! For a lighter option, omit or drizzle lightly; you’ll still love the soft, banana-kissed base.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should look lightly golden and the centers fully set (not wet or doughy). Every oven is different, so check at 10 minutes and add another 1–2 if needed.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Simply double all ingredients and mix in a larger bowl. You may need to rotate baking sheets midway for even browning, but the results will be just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
Don’t wait for your bananas to turn brown before giving Glazed Banana Cookies a try—they might just become your family’s new obsession. Each tender bite, topped with that shimmering glaze, is a little celebration of simplicity and comfort. Happy baking!
Print
Glazed Banana Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Glazed Banana Cookies are soft, cake-like treats bursting with ripe banana flavor. Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, they are perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.
Ingredients
Cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mashed ripe banana (about 2 medium bananas)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ½ 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. Add the egg and vanilla, mixing until well combined. Stir in the mashed banana.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.
- Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Cool and glaze: Let the cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. While the cookies cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cooled cookies. Let the glaze set before storing.
Notes
- These soft, cake-like cookies are perfect for using up overripe bananas.
- Add chopped nuts or mini chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.
- 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
