Delightful Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Cookies 🍌🍪

Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Cookies
Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Cookies

Thank you so much for being here! I’m thrilled to share this irresistibly cozy twist on banana bread—with a swirl of cinnamon sugar in cookie form. These Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Cookies are soft, sweet, and comforting—all wrapped into easy-to-bake cookie bites. If you love banana bread, this cookie version is a delightful shortcut to that warm, nostalgic flavor. Want more fabulous recipes? Don’t forget to subscribe for updates and easy recipes delivered right to your inbox!

Overview of Recipe Content

What this recipe is & when to bake it

These are soft cookies inspired by classic banana bread, upgraded with a beautiful cinnamon‑sugar swirl throughout. Perfect for a cozy afternoon snack, holiday cookie swap, or breakfast-on-the-go.

Why you’ll absolutely love it

  • Flavor of banana bread in portable cookie size
  • Swirl of cinnamon sugar in every bite adds visual flair and irresistible taste
  • Fast bake time compared to loaf banana bread
  • Super comforting and nostalgic

What it tastes like

Imagine pillowy-soft banana‑bread center with a ribbon of warm cinnamon sugar throughout—sweet, slightly gooey edges, fragrant vanilla, and buttery richness.

Ingredient list

  • 1 ripe banana, mashed
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the swirl:

  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Tools needed

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small bowl for swirl mix
  • Spoon or piping bag for swirl

Suggested substitutions & add‑ins

  • Swap butter with coconut oil or vegan butter for dairy‑free version
  • Add nuts (pecans or walnuts), chocolate chips or raisins to the dough
  • Use honey or maple syrup in swirl for added depth

How to Make Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Cookies

Step 1: Prep the batter

Preheat oven to 350°F (175 °C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy. Stir in mashed banana, egg, and vanilla until smooth and aromatic.

Step 2: Add dry ingredients

Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl. Gradually mix into banana mixture until just combined—don’t over‑mix. You’ll already smell that sweet banana-peppered cinnamon aroma right now!

Step 3: Make the cinnamon swirl

In a small bowl, combine the ¼ cup brown sugar and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Mix until sugar is evenly coated and lightly clumpy.

Scoop rounded tablespoonfuls of cookie dough onto prepared sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Press flat slightly. Use a small spoon or piping bag to dot cinnamon sugar swirl on top of each cookie. Gently swirl with a toothpick or back of a spoon through the dough—creating a ribbon pattern.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are lightly golden and centers still soft. They’ll continue to set as they cool. Let cookies rest on sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

What to Serve with Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Cookies

Serve with:

  • A warm mug of coffee or chai tea for cozy vibes
  • Cold milk or lightly spiced chai latte
  • Vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert
  • Fruit or yogurt parfait for a balanced breakfast snacking

Tips for Making It Perfect

  • Don’t over‑mix your dough to keep cookies tender and not cakey.
  • Ripe banana next level: the riper, the sweeter—look for brown‑spotted bananas!
  • Swirl finesse: mix your cinnamon sugar just enough so it holds shape, not too liquid.
  • Chill dough if your kitchen is warm—helps cookies keep their shape.
  • Test one first: bake a single cookie as a test to adjust swirl thickness or baking time if needed.

Storage Instructions

  • Room temperature: Store up to 4 days in an airtight container to keep them soft.
  • Refrigerate: Keeps up to 5 days—bring to room temp before eating.
  • Freeze: Flash‑freeze cookies on a tray, then transfer to sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

General Information

While banana bread cookies are a fun modern twist, cinnamon swirl banana bread is a long‑loved classic—it combines the best of fruity quick bread and sweet cinnamon roll vibes. Inspired by beloved swirl loaves (see variations from The BakerMama and Live Well Bake Often), this cookie version captures that same magic in less time.

Bananas have been a staple in desserts from banana bread to banana cookies found in many collections (see Simply Recipes, Allrecipes) Simply RecipesAllrecipes. With cinnamon being a comforting kitchen classic, especially in fall or winter, this bake brings all that warm spice goodness forward Southern Living.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these gluten‑free or vegan?
Yes! Use gluten‑free flour blend and swap butter for vegan butter; replace egg with flax or chia egg.

2. Can I swirl inside the cookie dough instead of on top?
Yes—you can gently fold the cinnamon sugar into the dough before scooping for internal spiral effect.

3. How ripe should the banana be?
Look for brown‑spotted bananas—they’re sweeter and mash easily. If under‑ripe, add a little more sugar.

4. Can I use more than one banana?
You can, but the recipe balances moisture and fat carefully. Too much banana may make the dough too wet—stick to one banana.

5. What if cookies spread too much?
Chill dough for 10 minutes before baking, and ensure your butter is well soft but not melted.

Conclusion

These Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Cookies deliver all the cozy banana bread flavor in delightful, bite‑sized form—swirled with cinnamon sugar, soft, aromatic, comforting. They’re a winner for lunchboxes, coffee breaks, or a show‑stopping cookie swap pick.

If you love banana desserts, try also Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Banana Nut Muffins, or Banana Cream Pie Cookies from my other recipes on Poulef—such classics that always shine. I’d love to hear what you think—leave a review or comment! Share your photos on Pinterest or tag me on social media @poulefrecipe ❤️

Interactive Elements

Please leave a review or comment below if you bake these cookies! Share your creations on Pinterest or Instagram—tag me @poulefrecipe and use #BananaBreadCookies so I can see your gorgeous baking moments ☺️

CaloriesCarbsSugarFatProteinFiber
120 kcal18 g9 g5 g2 g0.7 g
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Delightful Cinnamon Swirl Banana Bread Cookies 🍌🍪


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  • Author: Poulef
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies 1x

Description

Soft banana bread-style cookies with a ribbon of cinnamon sugar swirl in every bite. Perfectly chewy, warmly spiced, and ready in under 25 minutes!


Ingredients

Scale

1 ripe banana, mashed

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the swirl:

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon


Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175 °C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.

3. Stir in mashed banana, egg, and vanilla extract.

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.

5. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.

6. In a small bowl, mix the swirl ingredients: 1/4 cup brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon.

7. Scoop tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet, pressing lightly to flatten.

8. Top each cookie with a bit of the swirl mixture and gently swirl using a toothpick or spoon.

9. Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden and centers are soft.

10. Cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Use overripe bananas for the sweetest flavor and softest texture.

Chill dough for 10 minutes before baking if it’s too soft or your kitchen is warm.

Add chopped walnuts or chocolate chips for extra texture and flavor.

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 9
  • Sodium: 85
  • Fat: 5
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 18
  • Fiber: 0.7
  • Protein: 2
  • Cholesterol: 15
Product Image

26-Piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set

A versatile set of mixing bowls with airtight lids and non-slip bottoms. Includes 3 grater attachments for added convenience in the kitchen!

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I’m Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!. Let’s be friends!