If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the delightful comfort of banana bread in cookie form, you are absolutely going to adore this Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe. These soft, chewy cookies perfectly capture the warm, cozy flavors of classic banana bread, enriched with the sweet, buttery surprise of caramel bits tucked inside each bite. Every bite offers a symphony of banana, cinnamon, and caramel that feels like a hug on a plate, making them the perfect treat to share with family or enjoy solo with a cozy cup of tea.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that beautiful golden color in your Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe. Each element contributes something special, from the ripe banana’s natural sweetness and moisture to the caramel bits that bring irresistible gooey pockets throughout.
- 1 ripe banana (mashed): This supplies moisture and natural sweetness, keeping the cookies tender and flavorful.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and a smooth, creamy base for the dough.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Provides caramel-like depth and moisture to the cookie texture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and helps create a nice cookie structure.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and contributes to a soft, chewy center.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor, deepening the sweetness and warmth.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that holds the cookies, providing just the right amount of chew.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and become soft and tender.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Adds a bit of lift for a perfect crumb.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a warm, spicy note that complements the banana perfectly.
- 1/2 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies (chopped): The star ingredient that melts into gooey pockets of pure delight.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Provides crunch and a toasty flavor contrast to the soft cookie.
How to Make Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple first step ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and a little pale. This process traps air that helps give your cookies a lovely soft texture and delightful chewiness.
Step 3: Add the Banana, Egg, and Vanilla
Fold in the mashed banana, followed by the egg and vanilla extract, mixing gently but thoroughly. This will create a beautifully moist base filled with the warm, inviting aroma of vanilla and banana.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Incorporating these dry ingredients separately helps distribute the leavening agents and spices evenly through your dough, ensuring each cookie has that perfect balance.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overworking the dough. This results in tender cookies that hold their shape without becoming tough.
Step 6: Fold in Caramel Bits and Nuts
Gently fold in the caramel pieces and nuts if you’re using them. These bits will create those delightful pockets of chewy caramel and the satisfying crunch of nuts, elevating your Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe to a true treat.
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a light golden brown and the centers are set but still soft. This short bake time keeps the cookies moist and airy.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting step allows them to firm up just enough while keeping that melt-in-your-mouth softness you crave.
How to Serve Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Consider dusting your cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzling melted caramel on top for an eye-catching finish. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt can also balance the sweetness and emphasize the caramel’s richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a dessert that feels indulgent and comforting. A warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or even cold milk makes the perfect companion to highlight those banana and caramel notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, arrange the Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board alongside fresh fruit or a variety of nuts. You can also sandwich two cookies together with cream cheese frosting or peanut butter for a fun twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This preserves their soft texture and rich flavors, so they’re always ready for a quick snack or dessert.
Freezing
To save cookies longer, freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking, making it easy to grab just the amount you need whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
Warm frozen or room temperature cookies in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes to bring back their fresh-baked softness and melt the caramel bits slightly. A quick reheat brings out their irresistible gooey goodness.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect because they are sweeter and softer, which makes the cookies extra moist and flavorful.
Is it necessary to use both baking soda and baking powder?
Yes, using both helps achieve the right texture. Baking soda reacts with the banana’s acidity for tenderness, while baking powder adds additional lift for a soft crumb.
Can I substitute nuts or leave them out?
You can definitely leave out the nuts if you prefer or have allergies. For nuts, feel free to swap walnuts with pecans or your favorite nut for a unique twist.
How do I store these cookies to keep them soft?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Adding a slice of bread in the container helps keep them moist without getting soggy.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before baking. This often enhances the flavors and makes the dough easier to scoop.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe, you’ll be hooked on how effortlessly it blends nostalgic banana bread flavors with the chewy, caramel-studded magic of cookies. They’re a delightful treat to bake anytime you want a little sweet comfort in just under half an hour. So gather those ingredients, and happy baking—I’m sure these cookies will become one of your go-to favorites as they quickly did with me!
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
Delight in these Caramel Banana Bread Cookies, a perfect blend of soft, chewy banana bread flavor with pockets of gooey caramel and crunchy nuts. These easy-to-make cookies bring the comfort of classic banana bread in a fun, handheld treat ideal for dessert or snack time.
Ingredients
Main 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
- 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 Oven 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 Sugars: In a large bowl, beat together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Add Banana, Egg, and Vanilla: Stir in the mashed ripe banana, large egg, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to incorporate all wet ingredients smoothly.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the rising agents and spices.
- Form Cookie Dough: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet banana mixture, mixing until a consistent dough forms without overmixing.
- Fold in Caramel and Nuts: Gently fold in the caramel bits and chopped walnuts or pecans if using, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Shape Cookies: Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet with about 2 inches of space between each cookie for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookie edges turn lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing them to firm up perfectly.
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 caramel candies with a splash of milk and drizzle over cooled cookies before serving.
- These cookies capture the classic flavors of banana bread in a soft, chewy cookie form that’s perfect for any occasion.
