If you have a soft spot for banana bread and a sweet craving for caramel, this Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining the moist, tender crumb of classic banana bread with pockets of gooey caramel chips, these cookies are bursting with warm cinnamon spice, nutty oats, and optional walnut crunch. They bake up perfectly soft and cake-like, offering a comforting treat that feels like a hug in cookie form. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a delightful twist on banana desserts, these cookies will become a go-to favorite to satisfy every craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role, whether it’s the ripe banana for moisture and sweetness, the caramel chips for that luscious gooey surprise, or the oats and walnuts for a bit of chew and crunch.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and helps achieve that tender cookie texture.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed): Adds natural caramel notes and moisture, enhancing the cookie’s softness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps create a slight crispness on the edges.
- 1 large ripe banana (mashed): The star ingredient for moistness, natural sweetness, and banana flavor.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates the aroma and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the dough, providing structure without being tough.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Gives a bit of lift, helping the cookies rise just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warm, cozy spice that complements the banana and caramel perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup quick oats: Adds texture and a hearty chew to keep things interesting.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): For crunch and nutty notes, but totally optional if you prefer nut-free.
- 3/4 cup caramel chips or chopped soft caramels: The magical gooey caramel pockets that make these cookies unforgettable.
How to Make Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pans
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s at the perfect temperature when your cookies are ready to bake. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter with both the light brown and granulated sugars. Beat until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and light in color. This step is key for cookies that feel tender and melt-in-your-mouth.
Step 3: Add Banana, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in the mashed ripe banana, followed by the egg and vanilla extract. Stir everything until it’s fully combined and silky smooth. The banana infuses natural moisture and sweetness, making these cookies wonderfully soft.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening and spices, so your cookies bake evenly with subtle layers of flavor.
Step 5: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can toughen the cookies, so keep it gentle to maintain that light, tender crumb.
Step 6: Fold in Oats, Caramel, and Walnuts
Carefully fold in the quick oats, caramel chips or chopped soft caramels, and walnuts if you’re using them. The oats add a lovely chewiness, the caramel melts into sweet pockets, and walnuts contribute a welcomed crunch.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto your lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to leave room for spreading. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are just set. The cookies will be soft but hold their shape.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps them firm up just enough without losing their signature soft texture.
How to Serve Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are delicious on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of warm melted caramel over the top can elevate them for special occasions or an extra indulgent treat.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to turn them into a decadent dessert. A hot cup of coffee, chai tea, or creamy hot chocolate also complements their warm cinnamon and banana flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming snack or party plate, arrange Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe on a wooden board alongside fresh fruit slices like apples or pears. You could also sandwich two cookies together with cream cheese frosting or peanut butter for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This keeps them soft and flavorful, so each bite feels just baked fresh. Be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freezing
If you want to save these treats for later, freeze baked cookies in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving to enjoy their softness as if freshly baked.
Reheating
To warm up your cookies, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or reheat briefly in a 300°F oven. This revives the melty caramel and makes the cookie tender and just as delicious as when they came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw and mash the bananas completely before mixing. Frozen bananas often have extra sweetness and moisture, which works perfectly for this Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe.
What if I don’t have caramel chips? Can I substitute?
If you can’t find caramel chips, chopped soft caramels work great. Just make sure to chop them small enough so they distribute evenly and melt nicely throughout the cookies.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not as written, since this recipe uses all-purpose flour. However, you can try swapping with a gluten-free flour blend, keeping the same quantity, for a gluten-free version. Texture may vary slightly but still delicious!
Can I omit the walnuts?
Yes, walnuts are optional and can be left out if you prefer a nut-free cookie. They add a nice crunch but the cookies are wonderful without them.
How long do these cookies stay soft?
Stored in an airtight container, these caramel banana bread cookies remain soft for about 4 days at room temperature. Beyond that, they may start to dry out but can be refreshed with gentle reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe brings together the best of both worlds — the comfort of banana bread and the indulgence of caramel — in a fun, easy-to-make cookie. They’re perfect for sharing with friends, gifting during the holidays, or whenever you need a sweet pick-me-up. Give this recipe a try and watch these soft, chewy, caramel-studded goodies become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
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
Delight in the soft, cake-like texture of these Caramel Banana Bread Cookies, combining the rich flavors of ripe bananas and sweet caramel chips with a hint of cinnamon. Perfect as a comforting dessert or snack, these cookies offer a delicious twist on traditional banana bread.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large ripe banana (mashed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup quick oats
Add-ins
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 3/4 cup caramel chips or chopped soft caramels
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, creating a light base for the cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the mashed ripe banana, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined, integrating moisture and flavor throughout the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and maintain a tender cookie texture.
- Fold in Mix-Ins: Carefully fold in the quick oats, caramel chips, and optional chopped walnuts to add texture and bursts of flavor.
- Scoop Dough: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are set but soft.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture before serving.
Notes
- These cookies have a soft, cake-like texture reminiscent of banana bread, making them a comforting treat.
- Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- For extra gooey caramel pockets, press a few additional caramel bits onto the tops of the cookies before baking.
