If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the moist goodness of banana bread with the chewy, sweet charm of cookies, then you absolutely must try this Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the rich flavors of ripe bananas and buttery caramel chips, creating a cozy, comforting bite that’s perfect for any time you crave something sweet yet hearty. With a hint of cinnamon and the satisfying crunch of walnuts or pecans, this recipe is a heartwarming twist on classic banana bread that you’ll find yourself baking again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that work together to deliver amazing flavor and texture. Each component plays a crucial role, from the mashed bananas that add moisture and natural sweetness to the oats which bring a lovely chewiness and texture to every bite.
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas: Use very ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness and moist texture.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb.
- ¾ cup brown sugar: Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness and keeps the cookies soft.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure without drying out the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors with its warm aroma.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the cookie’s body and softness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the cookies gently for lightness.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements banana beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor depth.
- ½ cup quick oats: Gives a slight chew and heartiness to the cookies.
- ½ cup caramel chips: Bursts of gooey caramel magic in every bite.
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds crunch and nutty flavor to contrast the soft cookie texture.
How to Make Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies don’t stick and bake evenly while making clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for creating the perfect texture—fluffy but dense enough to hold all the flavors together.
Step 3: Add Bananas, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The bananas not only add moisture but also infuse the dough with that classic banana bread flavor we all love.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures that your leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dough for consistent flavor and texture.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and soft.
Step 6: Fold in Oats, Caramel Chips, and Nuts
Fold in the quick oats, caramel chips, and if you’re using them, the chopped walnuts or pecans. These add unique textures and little bursts of flavor that make these cookies truly special.
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges turn golden and the centers feel set but still soft.
Step 8: Cool Enjoyably
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling time helps them set perfectly while keeping their irresistible softness.
How to Serve Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted caramel on top of these cookies enhances their sweet, gooey appeal and makes them look as good as they taste. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can add a sophisticated contrast to the sweetness.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack. For dessert, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the flavors with cold creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, sandwich two Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe cookies with a layer of cream cheese frosting or peanut butter. You can also chop the cookies into chunks and mix them into yogurt or ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps them soft and flavorful and makes for an easy grab-and-go snack any time you need a sweet pick-me-up.
Freezing
You can freeze these cookies if you want to save them for later. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to two months.
Reheating
For that just-baked warmth and gooey caramel goodness, reheat the cookies briefly in the microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them into a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I substitute the nuts in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re allergic or just not a fan, you can leave the nuts out entirely, or swap them for seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a different crunch and flavor.
What type of bananas should I use?
The riper, the better! Overripe bananas with lots of brown spots are perfect because they are sweeter and softer, which will give your cookies a deliciously moist texture.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To veganize this Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe, use a dairy-free butter substitute, a flax or chia egg instead of a chicken egg, and make sure to select vegan caramel chips or omit them.
Why are my cookies spreading too much?
If your cookies are spreading out too much, your butter might be too soft or the dough too warm. Try chilling the dough in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking or use slightly firmer butter.
Can I use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats?
You can substitute old-fashioned oats, but they will give a chewier, heartier texture. Quick oats blend more smoothly into the cookie dough, so expect a slightly different texture with each.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is one of those magical kitchen creations that brings comfort and joy with every bite. I encourage you to make it your own, tweak the nuts or sweets, and most importantly, share these delightful cookies with the people you love. They are perfect for cozy evenings, lunchboxes, or anytime you want to treat yourself to something truly special.
Print
Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Caramel Banana Bread Cookies combine the moist, comforting flavors of banana bread with the delightful sweetness of caramel chips and the satisfying crunch of nuts and oats. Perfectly soft and chewy, these cookies make a delicious dessert or snack that’s easy to prepare and sure to please any banana lover.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup quick oats
Add-ins
- ½ cup caramel chips
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will give the cookies a tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined to infuse the dough with banana flavor and moisture.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly.
- Meld Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Oats, Caramel Chips, and Nuts: Incorporate the quick oats, caramel chips, and optional chopped nuts to add texture and bursts of caramel sweetness throughout the cookies.
- Shape the Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden and the centers are set but still soft, indicating the perfect chewy consistency.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, enhancing their chewiness and flavor development.
Notes
- For extra gooey caramel, press a few extra caramel chips on top of each cookie before baking.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
