If you adore the comforting flavors of banana bread but crave something a bit more portable and delightfully chewy, this Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is everything you never knew you needed. Imagine the rich, sweet essence of ripe bananas mingling with buttery caramel bits, all wrapped up in a soft, tender cookie that’s perfect with your afternoon coffee or as an anytime treat. These cookies capture the beloved warmth of banana bread while adding a luscious caramel surprise in each bite, making them an instant favorite for every season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe means gathering some wonderfully simple ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the perfect cookie. From the ripe banana that lends natural sweetness and moisture, to the comforting spices and soft caramel bits, every component shapes the taste, texture, and inviting appearance.
- 1 ripe banana (mashed): The star ingredient providing natural sweetness and a lovely moist texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps create tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes and contributes to the soft chewiness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the cookie’s slight crisp edges.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds that perfect hearty structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet undertones.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation providing the necessary structure for the cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise lightly for a tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds an extra lift for softness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Sprinkles in warm spice that perfectly complements bananas and caramel.
- 1/2 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies (chopped): The irresistible caramel pockets that make these cookies unforgettable.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a nutty crunch that contrasts the chewy texture delightfully.
How to Make Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Mix Sugars with Butter
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper so your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly. Then, in a large bowl, cream together the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air, laying the foundation for soft, tender cookies.
Step 2: Add Banana, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, add the mashed ripe banana, followed by the egg and vanilla extract. Mix everything just until combined—this will infuse your dough with that signature banana flavor and keep the texture moist and tender. It’s amazing how something simple like a ripe banana can elevate the entire dessert.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Mix into Wet Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. These dry components help balance the sweetness and provide structure, lifting the cookies to a perfect softness. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a consistent dough forms but avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
Step 4: Fold in the Caramel Bits and Nuts
Carefully fold in the caramel bits or chopped soft caramel candies, plus the optional chopped walnuts or pecans if you love a little crunch. These pockets of caramel melt slightly while baking, creating pockets of gooey sweetness that make this Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe stand apart from any cookie you’ve tried before.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread slightly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft — this balance guarantees the perfect chew.
Step 6: Cool Before Enjoying
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up just a bit. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling helps the cookies set while keeping that lovely soft texture inside, making them ideal for every bite.
How to Serve Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To really impress, drizzle a little melted caramel over the cooled cookies for that extra glossy sweetness. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt enhances the flavor even more, balancing sweetness with a subtle savory note.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, a creamy latte, or even a glass of cold milk. For a cozy dessert, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies on a pretty plate or wrapping them individually in parchment for gifting. You can also sandwich a little softened cream cheese frosting or dulce de leche between two cookies for an indulgent twist that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After baking, store your Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making them a great treat to have on hand for spontaneous snack cravings.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, you can freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag. When wrapped well, they maintain their texture and flavor for up to two months—just thaw overnight at room temperature before enjoying.
Reheating
For that freshly baked feel, warm your cookies in a microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. This will revive the softness and bring those caramel bits back to ooey-gooey perfection.
FAQs
Can I use regular caramel candies instead of caramel bits?
Absolutely! If you’re using soft caramel candies, just chop them into small pieces before folding them into the dough. They melt beautifully during baking and add that delightful caramel flavor in every bite.
Is it necessary to add nuts to the cookies?
Nuts are totally optional. They provide a nice crunch and extra flavor but the cookies are just as delicious without them, especially if you prefer a soft, pure banana and caramel experience.
How ripe should the banana be for this recipe?
The riper, the better! Look for bananas that are speckled with brown spots or even mostly brown. They offer more natural sweetness and moisture, which makes these cookies wonderfully tender and flavorful.
Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour?
You can swap in whole wheat flour, but expect a slightly denser texture and nuttier flavor. To maintain softness, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour as a compromise.
What’s the best way to prevent cookies from sticking to the baking sheet?
Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat is the easiest way to keep cookies from sticking. This also helps in even baking and easy cleanup.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about this Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe that brings all the cozy, nostalgic flavors you love into one effortless, irresistible cookie. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, these cookies deliver comfort and joy in every bite. I promise once you try them, you’ll find yourself making this recipe on repeat — so go on, grab those ripe bananas and get baking!
Print
Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Caramel Banana Bread Cookies combine the moist, flavorful essence of banana bread with the chewy, sweet delight of caramel bits. Soft and tender with a hint of cinnamon and the added crunch of walnuts or pecans, these cookies are perfect for dessert or a snack anytime you crave a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies (chopped)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a soft cookie texture.
- Add Banana and Flavorings: Mix the mashed banana, egg, and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugars until the batter is well combined and smooth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a cohesive dough forms without overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in Caramel and Nuts: Gently fold in the caramel bits and chopped nuts if using, ensuring they’re evenly dispersed throughout the dough.
- Portion Cookies: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them firm up and develop a chewy texture.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For an extra caramel touch, melt additional soft caramels with a splash of milk and drizzle over cooled cookies.
- These cookies capture the flavor of banana bread in a soft, chewy cookie.
