Banana Bread Cookies

Ingredients

For the Soft Banana Bread Cookies:
½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
½ cup packed light brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
1 cup mashed very ripe bananas
1 large egg
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon salt
For the Tangy Cream Cheese Frosting:
8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
½ cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
1½ cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking. Set them aside.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
Add the mashed banana, egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Beat on medium speed until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth and uniform.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt until they are evenly distributed. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until a soft, sticky batter forms. Be careful not to overmix. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are combined.

Step 5: Portion and Bake the Cookies
Using a medium cookie scoop (about 1.5 tablespoons), drop rounded scoops of the batter onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 3 inches apart. The cookies will spread during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the tops are set, the edges are lightly golden, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool the Cookies Completely
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 to 10 minutes. They will be very soft initially. After this resting time, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. It is essential that the cookies are at room temperature before frosting to prevent the frosting from melting.

Step 7: Prepare the Cream Cheese Frosting
While the cookies are cooling, make the frosting. In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it is completely smooth and free of lumps. Add the softened butter and continue to beat until the mixture is well combined and creamy. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating on low speed until incorporated. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat for about 1 to 2 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.

Step 8: Frost and Serve
Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top of each cookie using a small offset spatula or butter knife. Serve immediately or store as directed.