There’s something undeniably comforting about the smell of ripe bananas baking into soft, chewy cookies. These Ripe Banana Cookies are my answer to the question, “What should I do with overripe bananas?” , and once you try them, they’ll be yours too.
Made with pantry staples like oats, flour, and mashed banana, they’re naturally sweet, satisfyingly soft, and come together in just one bowl. Whether you’re craving a quick breakfast bite, a healthy-ish dessert, or a snack for little hands, these cookies hit the mark every time.
In this post, I’ll guide you through exactly how to get that perfect soft texture, suggest variations to suit your mood (hello, peanut butter swirl!), and share my favorite storage tips. The best part? You won’t need butter, eggs, or a mixer, just ripe bananas and a craving for something cozy.
Ripe Banana Cookies-A Soft, Healthy Treat for Every Craving
A Rainy Day Recipe That Turned Into a Family Favorite
There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about the aroma of ripe bananas baking into something warm and comforting. It’s the kind of scent that draws everyone into the kitchen, eager for a taste before the tray even cools. These ripe banana cookies were born on a cozy Sunday afternoon when banana bread felt like too much effort, but a craving for something soft and sweet just couldn’t wait.
The idea came from necessity-spotty bananas, no butter in sight, and a desire to bake. With a few pantry staples, I stirred up a simple dough using oats, flour, and mashed banana. When I added a handful of chocolate chips and slid the tray into the oven, I didn’t expect much. But the first bite changed everything: soft, chewy, lightly sweet, and deeply comforting — like banana bread and oatmeal cookies had a delicious love child.
These Ripe Banana Cookies have since become a staple in our home and on my blog, where simple, nourishing treats shine. Whether you’re craving something sweet after lunch or need a grab-and-go breakfast, these cookies hit the spot every time. You can make them your own with nuts, nut butter, spices, or seeds — and they always disappear faster than you think.
Why Ripe Bananas Make the Best Cookies
The secret to these cookies’ success? Overripe bananas. Those soft, speckled fruits hiding on your counter are gold when it comes to baking. They add natural sweetness, eliminate the need for lots of added sugar, and create a soft, moist texture without extra fats.
When bananas are overly ripe, their starches break down into simple sugars, making them not just sweeter but more flavorful. That’s why this Ripe Banana Cookies works so well even without butter or a ton of sugar. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking, or keep them clean and banana-forward.
How to Make Ripe Banana Cookies Perfectly Every Time
Simple Ingredients, Maximum Comfort of Ripe Banana Cookies
The beauty of ripe banana cookies lies in their simplicity. You don’t need butter, fancy equipment, or even a mixer. Just a few wholesome pantry staples, and about 20 minutes are all it takes. Here’s what you’ll need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
- 1 ½ cups rolled oats
- ½ cup all-purpose or whole-wheat flour
- ¼ cup brown sugar (optional — for extra sweetness)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-ins:
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips or chopped walnuts
- 2 tbsp peanut butter or almond butter
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the cookie’s texture. The mashed banana brings natural sweetness and keeps the dough moist. The oats add fiber and structure, while the flour helps the cookies hold their shape. Cinnamon and vanilla create that familiar “fresh-baked” warmth.
Want a shortcut version of these ingredients? You can also check out the banana walnut bread for a similar pantry-friendly take, or get inspired by these healthy pumpkin truffles for your next wholesome dessert.
Step-by-Step for Chewy, Golden Cookies
These cookies are as easy as stir, scoop, and bake. Here’s how to make them:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mash the bananas in a large bowl until smooth — the riper, the better.
- Add vanilla (and nut butter, if using) and stir until well combined.
- Mix in the dry ingredients: oats, flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir until you get a thick, sticky dough.
- Fold in the extras like chocolate chips, nuts, or coconut flakes.
- Scoop the dough onto your baking sheet using a spoon or cookie scoop. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
- Cool on a rack — the cookies will firm up slightly but remain soft and chewy.
Pro tip: For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 15 minutes before baking. It’s optional but makes a noticeable difference if you prefer a chunkier bite.
From pantry to plate in under 30 minutes — these cookies are proof that baking doesn’t have to be complicated to be deeply satisfying.
Variations & Pairings for Every Mood
Creative Twists for Every Banana Cookie Lover
One of the best things about ripe banana cookies is how endlessly customizable they are. Think of the base recipe as your cozy canvas — you can add texture, spice, richness, or crunch depending on your cravings.
Here are a few flavor-packed variations that elevate these cookies from everyday to unforgettable:
Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies
The classic. Add ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for melty sweetness in every bite. Kids love them — and so do adults.
Banana Nut
Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch and a nutty depth that pairs beautifully with banana.
Peanut Butter Banana
Stir in 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter for extra richness. It adds a salty-sweet contrast that turns these into a protein-packed snack.
Coconut Banana Cookies
Mix in ¼ cup shredded coconut for a tropical vibe. Perfect with a cup of iced matcha or herbal tea.
Spiced Banana
Boost the warmth with nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom. A small pinch goes a long way in adding complexity.
Feeling inspired? These cookies are just as versatile as the ingredients in your pantry. For a similar spin on seasonal flavor and soft textures, check out matcha crinkle cookies or explore the earthy notes in these carrot cake loaves. Both offer comforting bakes with creative flavor profiles.
What to Serve With These Soft, Chewy Bites
Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or on the go, these banana cookies pair well with both sweet and savory accompaniments. Try these:
- Coffee or latte: The slightly caramelized banana flavor is perfect with rich espresso.
- Cold milk or almond milk: A childhood classic — simple, satisfying, and always a hit.
- Greek yogurt with honey: Adds protein and tang to make this a full breakfast or post-workout bite.
- Vanilla ice cream: Sandwich between two cookies for a 5-minute dessert you won’t forget.
Want more ideas for pairing or presentation? Serve these alongside a cozy brunch spread featuring cottage cheese banana pancakes or keep it ultra-simple with a side of homemade hot chocolate for a winter weekend treat.
However you serve them, these cookies deliver warmth, softness, and soul in every bite.
Baking Tips, Storage & Make-Ahead Secrets
Expert Tips for Cookie Perfection
Want perfectly soft and chewy banana cookies every time? These simple pro tips ensure your batch turns out just right:
Use Very Ripe Bananas
Brown-spotted bananas are key. The riper they are, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Green or firm bananas won’t mash well and won’t yield the same moisture.
Don’t Overmix
Gently stir the dough until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can make the cookies dense or rubbery.
Chill for Thicker Cookies
If you like thicker cookies with a bit more structure, chill the dough for 15–20 minutes before scooping. This helps control spread and improves the texture.
Parchment Paper is Your Friend
It prevents sticking and encourages even browning. Plus, cleanup is a breeze.
Mix-Ins Go Last
Fold chocolate chips or nuts in gently at the end so they stay evenly distributed and don’t break apart the dough.
Avoid Overbaking
The edges should be golden while the centers may look slightly soft — they’ll firm up as they cool. Overbaking leads to dry cookies.
Want more baking insights? Browse recipes like these chocolate crinkle cookies that also benefit from chilling and quick bakes, you’ll see the power of simple tricks across all your go-to recipes.
How to Store, Reheat, and Prep Ahead
Banana cookies are at their best when freshly baked, but they also hold up beautifully for snacking later. Here’s how to keep them soft and flavorful:
Room Temp:
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Add a slice of bread to the container to help retain moisture.
Fridge:
You can refrigerate them for up to a week. Just let them come to room temp or warm them briefly before eating.
Freezer:
To freeze baked cookies, let them cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic or place in a sealed freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Make-Ahead Dough:
Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze unbaked portions. Once frozen, transfer to a bag or container. When ready to bake, pop them in the oven straight from the freezer — just add 2 extra minutes.
For meal preppers or busy mornings, this make-ahead option turns a wholesome snack into a time-saving lifesaver.
Ripe Banana Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mash bananas in a mixing bowl until smooth, then stir in vanilla and optional nut butter.
- Add oats, flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir until a thick dough forms.
- Fold in chocolate chips, nuts, or desired mix‑ins. Scoop dough onto the sheet and flatten slightly.
- Bake 12–15 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Cool on a rack to set.
Nutrition
Notes
From your stove to our hearts
share your delicious take!FAQs- Ripe Banana Cookies
1. What can I bake with ripe bananas?
Ripe bananas are baking gold! You can use them in cookies, muffins, pancakes, cakes, and quick breads. Their natural sweetness and moisture make them perfect for soft, flavorful desserts like banana cookies, banana muffins, or banana bread
2. What does banana replace when baking?
Mashed banana can replace oil, butter, or eggs in many baked goods. It keeps cookies moist while adding natural sweetness and a subtle fruit flavor. For every egg, use about ½ banana, and for every cup of butter, replace up to ½ cup with mashed banana (Healthline.com).
3. How to prepare banana cookies?
Mash ripe bananas and mix with oats, flour, sugar, and your favorite mix-ins — like chocolate chips or nuts. Scoop onto a baking sheet and bake until golden. The result? Soft, chewy cookies with a hint of banana bread flavor — comforting, simple, and delicious.
4. When not to use bananas for baking?
Avoid bananas that are blackened or leaking liquid, those are over-fermented and can alter flavor or texture. Perfect baking bananas should be soft with brown spots, not completely black or mushy.
Conclusion-Ripe Banana Cookies
Ripe Banana Cookies are the kind of feel-good recipe that makes you wonder why you ever threw out overripe bananas. Soft, naturally sweet, and full of comfort, they come together in minutes and disappear just as fast. Whether you bake them with chocolate chips, nuts, or a swirl of peanut butter, these cookies are endlessly customizable and always satisfying.
They’re also a favorite in our kitchen because they strike that rare balance between wholesome and indulgent — perfect for kids, quick breakfasts, or post-dinner treats. Once you’ve made them a couple of times, you’ll find yourself experimenting with mix-ins and doubling the batch.
If you’re ready for more quick baking joys, explore other cozy bites like carrot cake loaf or chocolate crinkle cookies — proof that simplicity and flavor go hand in hand.
Sometimes, the best treats start with just a banana and a bowl.
