Oh, if you’re anything like me, you adore the comforting warmth of banana bread but are always on the lookout for a fun twist to surprise your taste buds. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe with you! These cookies capture the soft, cake-like texture of classic banana bread and elevate it with sweet caramel pockets that melt in your mouth. Each bite feels like a cozy hug paired with a luxurious caramel kiss. Trust me, once you start baking these, you’ll want to keep a batch ready for any craving that sneaks up on you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple and straightforward, the ingredients in this recipe are every baker’s pantry favorites, each playing its own part in creating these delightful cookies. Together, they build the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma that will fill your kitchen with warmth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich creaminess and moisture for that tender cookie crumb.
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed): Brings a deep, caramel-like sweetness and keeps the cookies soft.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Provides a touch of crispness to balance the softness.
- 1 large ripe banana (mashed): The star ingredient, offering natural sweetness and that classic banana bread flavor in cookie form.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together while adding richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall sweetness and adds fragrant warmth.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy base and structure of the cookies.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Lightens the dough for a soft, cake-like texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a subtle spice that perfectly complements the banana and caramel.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and elevates the flavors.
- 1/2 cup quick oats: Gives every bite a gentle chew and hearty texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional): Imparts a satisfying crunch and nutty depth.
- 3/4 cup caramel chips or chopped soft caramels: The luscious pockets of gooey caramel that make these cookies irresistibly decadent.
How to Make Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace
Start by warming up your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. Having everything ready helps the baking flow smoothly and prevents sticking, ensuring your cookies bake evenly every time.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and fluffy. This step is magical because it incorporates air that leads to soft, pillowy cookies.
Step 3: Add Banana, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, mix in the mashed banana, egg, and vanilla extract until the batter is well combined. The banana adds moisture and natural sweetness, while the egg and vanilla enhance the texture and flavor depth.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and spices, so every cookie has a perfect rise and delicious aroma.
Step 5: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add your dry ingredients into the wet banana mixture. Mix just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which keeps the cookies tender and soft.
Step 6: Fold in Oats, Caramel, and Walnuts
Gently fold in the quick oats, caramel chips, and walnuts if you’re using them. The oats create a lovely textured chew, the caramel adds those dreamy gooey surprises, and walnuts give a nice crunch contrast.
Step 7: Shape Cookies and Bake
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges turn a light golden and the centers are set but still soft. Let the cookies cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, dust the tops with a tiny sprinkle of powdered sugar or drizzle with melted caramel sauce right before serving. This adds a pretty presentation and a drizzle of sweetness that delights every time.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with vanilla ice cream or a scoop of salted caramel gelato for an indulgent treat. Or enjoy them alongside a cup of your favorite coffee or chai tea to balance the rich, sweet flavors with a warm, cozy sip.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform these cookies into a decadent dessert by layering them in a glass with whipped cream and banana slices, creating an easy “cookie parfait.” Another fun idea is to sandwich softened cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a delightful twist on an ice cream sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can keep your freshly baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. This helps retain their soft texture and sweet caramel goodness, making them perfect for a midweek snack.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Freeze the cookie dough balls on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers warm, pop cookies in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or gently warm them in a low oven. This revives their soft texture and re-melts those delightful caramel pockets for that freshly baked feel.
FAQs
Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of caramel chips?
Absolutely! While caramel chips are key to that luscious, gooey texture, regular or butterscotch chips will create a tasty alternative with a slightly different flavor profile.
Will these cookies be very sweet?
They have a lovely balance of sweetness—thanks to the brown sugar, banana, and caramel—without being overwhelming, so they pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking, and make sure your oats are certified gluten-free to keep everyone happy and safe.
How ripe should the banana be for the best flavor?
Use a banana that is heavily speckled with brown spots or even mostly brown. That’s when bananas are sweetest and most flavorful, adding beautiful moisture and natural sugar to the cookies.
Can I omit the walnuts?
Definitely. If you’re not a fan of nuts or have allergies, just skip them. The cookies will still be soft and full of flavor with the oats and caramel providing plenty of texture and taste.
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t recommend this Caramel Banana Bread Cookies Recipe enough for anyone wanting to indulge in the ultimate comfort treat with a twist. These cookies are simple to make, wonderfully soft, and studded with caramel that adds a wonderful surprise in every bite. So go ahead, try this recipe out and make your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery — your taste buds will thank you!
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 these soft and cake-like Caramel Banana Bread Cookies that combine the rich flavors of ripe bananas, gooey caramel, and warm cinnamon. Perfect for a sweet snack or dessert, these cookies offer a comforting twist on classic banana bread with the added indulgence of caramel chips and a crunchy oat texture.
Ingredients
Wet 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 and Prepare: 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, light, and fluffy, which helps create tender cookies.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Beat in the mashed ripe banana, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully blended and smooth, adding moisture and flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt together to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing that could result in dense cookies.
- Add Oats and Caramels: Fold in the quick oats, caramel chips (or chopped soft caramels), and chopped walnuts if using, to add texture and bursts of caramel flavor.
- Portion Dough: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, until the edges turn lightly golden and the centers are set but still 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.
Notes
- These cookies have a soft, cake-like texture reminiscent of banana bread.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- For extra gooey caramel pockets, press a few caramel bits onto the tops of the cookies before baking.
