If you have a soft spot for both classic banana bread and gooey caramel, you are about to fall head over heels for this Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe. These tender, chewy cookies capture all the comforting warmth of banana bread with irresistible pockets of melted caramel throughout. The subtle touch of cinnamon and the occasional crunch of nuts (if you choose to add them) bring depth and texture that make every bite a little celebration. Baking these cookies feels like treating yourself to the best of both worlds, and sharing them will surely brighten anyone’s day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each of these simple ingredients plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect balance of softness, sweetness, and flavor in your cookies. From the ripe banana lending natural moisture to the caramel bits delivering those luscious gooey surprises, every item here matters.
- 1 ripe banana (mashed): Adds natural sweetness and dreamy moisture for that banana bread vibe.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Ensures rich, tender cookies with that wonderful buttery flavor.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Brings a deep caramel-like sweetness, enhancing the overall taste and color.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the perfect cookie texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds a lovely chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the flavor with its warm, fragrant notes.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of these cookies, offering structure without heaviness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, tender crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda to create that light texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a comforting spice that pairs beautifully with banana and caramel.
- 1/2 cup caramel bits or soft caramel candies (chopped): The star ingredient that melts into golden pockets of heaven.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and a mild nuttiness if you like some texture contrast.
How to Make Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cream the Butter and Sugars
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. 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 essential because it helps incorporate air, giving your cookies that tender, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Step 2: Add Banana, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in the mashed ripe banana, egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars. These ingredients bring moisture and richness that make the cookies wonderfully soft and full of flavor. Be sure to combine everything until it’s smooth and homogenous — the banana’s sweetness is what truly transforms these cookies into banana bread magic.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This dry mixture ensures your cookies rise beautifully and have that perfect hint of spice that complements the caramel and banana perfectly.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet and Fold in Caramel and Nuts
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix — you want your cookies soft, not tough. Then fold in the caramel bits and, if using, the chopped nuts. These little caramel morsels are what make this Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe truly shine, creating pockets of buttery sweetness in every bite.
Step 5: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, giving them about 2 inches of space to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown and the centers feel set but still soft. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of indulgence, drizzle some melted caramel sauce over the cooled cookies. You can make a simple drizzle by melting soft caramel candies with a splash of milk until smooth. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top can also enhance the caramel’s sweetness and bring out the buttery notes in the cookies.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a warm cup of coffee, chai tea, or a cold glass of milk. If you want to serve them as part of a dessert spread, consider adding fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the rich caramel and banana flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests by stacking the cookies alongside small jars of homemade caramel sauce for dipping. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a smear of cream cheese frosting or peanut butter for a playful twist. Wrapping a few in parchment with a sprig of cinnamon makes for a charming homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days — perfect for snacking or sharing with friends throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep these treats on hand longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies are best enjoyed within 2 months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To revive that freshly-baked softness, warm your cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or pop them in a low oven (about 300°F / 150°C) for 5 minutes. This simple step brings back the gooey caramel and makes them taste freshly made all over again.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually perfect for this Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe because they are sweeter and mash easily, contributing maximum flavor and moisture.
Do I really need to use both baking soda and baking powder?
Yes, using both helps create the ideal texture. Baking soda reacts with the banana’s acidity for rise, while baking powder ensures a light, tender crumb without making the cookies cakey.
Can I substitute caramel bits with something else?
If you don’t have caramel bits, chopped soft caramel candies work well. Just be careful to chop them finely so they distribute evenly and melt nicely throughout the dough.
Are nuts necessary in the cookies?
Nuts are optional but recommended if you like a bit of crunch and a nutty depth. Walnuts or pecans complement the banana and caramel beautifully, but feel free to leave them out if you prefer a simpler cookie.
How do I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough for 15 to 30 minutes if it feels very soft before baking. Also, spacing your cookies properly on the baking sheet helps prevent them from sticking together as they bake.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about bringing together banana bread and caramel in cookie form, and this Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s easy to make, delightfully flavorful, and perfect for sharing or savoring as your new favorite treat. Once you try baking these, you’ll find yourself reaching for them again and again, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy every gooey, cozy bite!
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 the soft, chewy texture of these Caramel Banana Bread Cookies, combining the rich flavors of ripe bananas, warm cinnamon, and gooey caramel bits. Perfect for an easy dessert that tastes just like your favorite banana bread in cookie form.
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 oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- 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 will help create a tender cookie texture.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix in the mashed ripe banana, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined, ensuring even flavor throughout the dough.
- 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 leavening agents and spices.
- Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until a dough forms, taking care not to over-mix to keep cookies tender.
- Fold in add-ins: Gently fold in the caramel bits and chopped nuts (if using) to distribute them evenly without breaking the dough.
- Shape 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 for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft for a chewy texture.
- Cool cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they hold their shape and texture.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and softness.
- For extra caramel flavor, melt additional soft caramels with a splash of milk and drizzle over cooled cookies before serving.
- These cookies capture the comforting taste of banana bread in a convenient, handheld cookie form, perfect for any occasion.
