Soft, chewy, and bursting with banana flavor, these Frosted Banana Cookies are a delightful treat that’s ready in just 25 minutes. The tender cookies are perfectly balanced with a creamy, sweet frosting, creating a heavenly combination of textures. Each bite offers a comforting blend of warm spices and ripe banana, making them an irresistible snack or dessert.
With a prep time of only 15 minutes, these cookies are quick to whip up yet feel indulgent. The rich frosting adds a luscious finish, while the cookies themselves stay moist and flavorful. Whether you’re sharing with friends or enjoying a quiet moment, these treats are sure to bring a smile to your face.
Ingredients for Frosted Banana Cookies
- For the Cookies:
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ½ cup shortening (or substitute with additional butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 ripe bananas, mashed (the riper, the sweeter!)
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk (or substitute with ½ cup milk + ½ tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar)
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- For the Frosting:
- 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 3 cups powdered sugar (adjust for desired consistency)
- 2 Tablespoons milk (or as needed)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper.
- Make the cookie dough: In a large bowl, cream together the sugar, butter, shortening, and vanilla until light and fluffy. Add the mashed bananas and mix well. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then blend in the buttermilk.
- Add dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. (Do not overmix—the batter will be sticky.)
- Shape the cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake: Bake for 9-10 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely on the sheet before frosting.
- Make the frosting: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, mashed bananas, powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Mix until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or milk as needed.
- Frost the cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread the frosting evenly over the tops. Let the frosting set before serving.
Creative Frosting and Topping Ideas
While the banana frosting is delicious, you can mix it up! Try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the frosting for a warm, spiced flavor. For a crunchier twist, top the frosted cookies with chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, swap the banana frosting for a cream cheese frosting for a tangy contrast to the sweet cookies.
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions
These frosted banana cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee. For a fun dessert platter, serve them alongside other banana-based treats like banana bread or banana pudding. They also make a great addition to brunch spreads—just add a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced treat.
Storing and Keeping Them Fresh
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to 5 days, but let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze unfrosted cookies for up to 2 months—just thaw and frost when ready to enjoy!
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Bakers
To save time, mash your bananas ahead of time and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. If you’re short on buttermilk, make your own by mixing ½ cup milk with ½ tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes. For quicker cleanup, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough evenly onto the baking sheet.
Common Questions Answered
Can I use all butter instead of shortening? Yes, but the cookies may spread more and have a slightly different texture. What if I don’t have buttermilk? Use the milk-and-lemon juice substitute mentioned above. Can I make these gluten-free? Absolutely! Swap the flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, but note the texture may vary slightly.
Frosted Banana Cookies
Ingredients
Cookies
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 3 bananas, ripened and mashed
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3 1/4 cups flour
Frosting
- 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 bananas, ripened and smashed
- 3 cups powdered sugar, (more or less depending on the consistency that you like)
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350 ℉.
- Cream sugar, butter, shortening, and vanilla until light and fluffy.
- Add bananas and then mix in the eggs.
- Blend in buttermilk. Add the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not over-beat. It will be a sticky batter.
- Drop by tablespoons onto a greased cookie sheet.
- Bake for 9-10 minutes, until slightly golden.
- Cool completely.
- Mix all ingredients together and spread over cooled cookies.