Growing up, my grandma’s Banana Cream Cookies were the talk of the town. Whenever she’d bring a fresh batch to our family gatherings, the entire house would fill with the most heavenly aroma – a blend of ripe bananas, buttery goodness, and a hint of vanilla that made your mouth water instantly. I can still vividly remember the way my cousin and I would steal glances at the cooling cookies, eagerly waiting for the moment we could snatch one (or three) straight off the sheet.
Grandma’s secret? She’d always say it was the way she mashed the bananas to the perfect consistency, or how she whipped the cream cheese frosting to silky perfection. But I think the real magic was in the love and care she poured into every batch. Those Banana Cream Cookies weren’t just a dessert – they were a piece of our family’s history, a delicious connection to our roots.
Even though Grandma’s no longer with us, I’ve held onto her beloved Banana Cream Cookies recipe, determined to keep that special tradition alive. And let me tell you, this isn’t just any old cookie recipe – it’s a true showstopper that’s bound to become your new go-to.
Table of Contents
Why This Banana Cream Cookies Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Banana Cream Cookies
What sets this Banana Cream Cookies recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The moist, cakey cookie base is infused with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, while the creamy, tangy cream cheese frosting provides a delightful contrast. But the real secret lies in the way the ingredients are combined and baked – it’s a technique Grandma perfected over the years, and it’s what gives these Banana Cream Cookies their irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ripe bananas: The key to amazing Banana Cream Cookies is using bananas that are just the right level of ripeness. You want them to be spotted and fragrant, as this will ensure maximum banana flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Creaming the butter with the sugar is crucial for achieving the perfect cookie texture.
- Granulated sugar: This provides the necessary sweetness to balance the banana flavor.
- Eggs: Binding the dough together and adding structure.
- Vanilla extract: Enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation for the cookie base.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Leavening agents that give the cookies their soft, cakey rise.
- Cream cheese: The star ingredient for the rich, tangy frosting.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetening and thickening the frosting to creamy perfection.
Step-by-Step Banana Cream Cookies Instructions
Preparing Your Banana Cream Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This recipe yields approximately 24 cookies, so you may need to bake them in batches, depending on the size of your oven. Gather all your ingredients and equipment, and let’s get started!
1- Mash the ripe bananas in a medium bowl until they’re completely smooth and free of any lumps. This step is crucial for ensuring the perfect banana flavor and texture throughout the cookies.
2- In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3- One at a time, beat the eggs into the butter-sugar mixture, incorporating each egg fully before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract.
4- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.
5- Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into evenly sized balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
6- Bake the Banana Cream Cookies for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Pro Tips for Success
- For the creamiest, most flavorful frosting, be sure to use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature.
- Gently press down on the cookie tops with a fork or the back of a spoon once they come out of the oven. This helps create the signature crackled appearance.
- Chill the frosted cookies for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the frosting to set up.
- Avoid over-baking the cookies, as this can result in a dry, cakey texture. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven as soon as the edges start to turn golden.
Serving and Storing Your Banana Cream Cookies
Perfect Pairings for Banana Cream Cookies
These Banana Cream Cookies are the perfect dessert to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. They also make a wonderful addition to any tea party or as a sweet treat for a picnic or potluck. The creamy, comforting flavors of the cookies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Unfrosted Banana Cream Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the unfrosted cookies for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw the cookies at room temperature and then frost them.
Frosted Banana Cream Cookies should be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week. You can also make the cream cheese frosting ahead of time and keep it chilled until you’re ready to assemble the cookies.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Banana Cream Cookies
Creative Banana Cream Cookies Variations
For a touch of indulgence, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the cookie dough. You can also experiment with different mix-ins, like chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Feeling festive? Swap out the vanilla extract for almond or lemon extract, and top the frosted cookies with a dusting of toasted coconut or crushed graham crackers.
Making Banana Cream Cookies Diet-Friendly
To make these Banana Cream Cookies gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and cream cheese alternatives, and replace the eggs with a flax or chia egg substitute.
If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can make Banana Cream Cookies by using a sugar-free sweetener in place of the granulated sugar, and swapping the all-purpose flour for a low-carb alternative like almond or coconut flour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! In fact, the riper the bananas, the more intense the banana flavor will be in the cookies. Just be sure to mash them thoroughly to eliminate any lumps.
Q: How can I achieve the perfect cream cheese frosting consistency?
A: The key is to let the cream cheese come to room temperature before you begin. This will ensure it whips up light and creamy. Be sure to beat the cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the frosting is completely smooth and free of any lumps.
Q: Can I make the Banana Cream Cookies ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! The unfrosted cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. The cream cheese frosting can also be made in advance and refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble the cookies.
Q: How many Banana Cream Cookies does this recipe yield?
A: This recipe makes approximately 24 cookies, depending on the size you scoop the dough. If you’d like to make a larger batch, simply scale up the ingredients accordingly.
Q: What can I do if my cookies spread too much during baking?
A: If your Banana Cream Cookies tend to spread excessively, try chilling the dough for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This will help the cookies hold their shape better. You can also try using a smaller cookie scoop or rolling the dough into taller, more cylindrical shapes before baking.
Banana Cream Cookies
- Total Time: 29
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
Indulge in the delectable flavors of these Banana Cream Cookies – soft, moist cookies with a rich, creamy banana filling. Perfect for any occasion, these homemade treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
Instructions
1. 1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. 3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the mashed bananas and vanilla extract.
4. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. 5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
6. 6. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. 7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden.
8. 8. Allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.
9. 9. In a medium bowl, beat the powdered sugar and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
10. 10. Pipe or spoon the cream cheese filling onto the flat side of half of the cookies, then top with the remaining cookies to create sandwiches.
Notes
Store the filled cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For a more pronounced banana flavor, use very ripe bananas. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cookie dough for extra warmth.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 14
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Banana Cream Cookies are a true classic that never go out of style. With their moist, cakey texture and creamy, tangy frosting, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or just because, this recipe is guaranteed to delight and satisfy.
So what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a batch of Banana Cream Cookies that will have everyone raving. Don’t forget to share your experience and photos with me – I’d love to hear how your cookies turned out!
