Amazing Gluten Free Banana Bread Cookies 12 Minutes

Okay, confession time: I am *obsessed* with anything that tastes like banana bread. The smell, the soft texture, that perfect balance of sweet and spice… yum! So when I wanted to whip up a quick treat that my gluten-free friend could enjoy, my brain immediately went to my holy grail: Gluten Free Banana Bread Cookies. And honestly? They turned out even better than I imagined! They’re so wonderfully soft and chewy, full of that classic banana bread flavor, and ready in a flash. I remember the first time I made them, my whole kitchen smelled amazing, and my kiddo (who *swears* they don’t like bananas) gobbled up three before they were even cool. That’s a win in my book!

Why You’ll Love These Gluten Free Banana Bread Cookies

• They’re SO quick to make – seriously, from start to finish in under 30 minutes!
• Uses simple pantry staples you probably already have, like ripe bananas and gluten-free flour.
• Taste just like mini banana bread loaves, complete with chocolate chips and walnuts!
• That perfect soft and chewy cookie texture that melts in your mouth.
• Naturally gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy a delicious treat!

Gluten Free Banana Bread Cookies Ingredients

Okay, so for these amazing gluten-free banana bread cookies, I find that using *really* ripe bananas is key. You know, the ones with all the brown spots? They give you the most flavor and natural sweetness, which means less sugar needed! And for the flour blend, just make sure it’s a good quality all-purpose one that’s meant for baking; they all vary a little, but usually, the ones with xanthan gum already in them work best for this kind of cookie.

• ½ cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium banana)
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups gluten-free all-purpose baking flour (with xanthan gum)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (this helps get that super-soft texture!)
• ¾ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate work great!)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional, but I love them for extra crunch!)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Gluten Free Banana Bread Cookies

I recommend getting your potatoes in the oven first since they take the longest. This way everything finishes around the same time and you’re not standing around waiting.

Step 1: First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (that’s 175°C for those of you not in the US!). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is my little secret for easy cleanup – no stuck-on cookie bits, promise! Parchment paper really is your best friend for cookies.

Step 2: Now, grab a medium-sized bowl. We’re going to mash up that ripe banana really well. Then, add in your brown sugar, granulated sugar, that melted butter, and the vanilla extract. Give it a good stir until everything is nice and smooth. You want it to look like a smooth, sweet banana pond.

Step 3: Time for the dry stuff! Add your gluten-free all-purpose flour, cornstarch (this is key for that super soft texture, don’t skip it!), baking soda, cinnamon, and salt directly into the wet ingredients. Mix everything together *just* until a soft dough forms. Seriously, don’t overmix this part, or your cookies might turn out a bit tough. For more recipe inspiration on fruity baked goods, check out these healthy muffin dessert recipes with fruit!

Step 4: Now for the fun part – the mix-ins! Gently fold in your chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. I like to use semi-sweet chocolate chips, but honestly, whatever you have on hand works. If you’re not a fan of nuts, you can totally leave them out, no biggie!

Step 5: Scoop out portions of dough, about 1 to 1½ tablespoons each, and roll them into little balls. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave a little space between each one so they don’t run into each other while baking. They’ll spread out a bit.

Step 6: Pop those beauties into your preheated oven and bake for about 11 to 14 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to be golden brown, but the centers should still look a little soft and gooey. This is super important for that chewy texture, so resist the urge to bake them until they’re completely hard! If you’re looking for more sweet treats that are also packed with goodness, you might like these healthy protein dessert recipes for sweet cravings.

Step 7: Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a good 10 to 15 minutes. Trust me on this! They finish baking and firm up on the hot pan, and that’s what gives you that perfect texture. After they’ve cooled a bit, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. You can thank me later when you’re enjoying these soft, chewy, banana-bread-tastic cookies!

Serving Suggestions for Your Gluten Free Banana Bread Cookies

These cookies are pretty fantastic on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more special:

A Cold Glass of Milk: You can’t go wrong with the classic combo! The cool milk is such a nice contrast to the warm, sweet cookie. It’s a simple pleasure that always satisfies.

Hot Coffee or Tea: For my morning bakers, a warm cup of coffee or tea is the perfect partner. The flavors of coffee and banana bread just *work* together, don’t you think?

Fresh Berry Smoothie: Want something a little lighter and fruity? Pair these cookies with a refreshing berry smoothie. It adds a lovely brightness!

Storing and Reheating Your Gluten Free Banana Bread Cookies

These little bites of banana bread heaven are best enjoyed fresh, but they store like a dream! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. Seriously, they stay wonderfully soft and chewy thanks to that banana and careful baking. If you want to make a bigger batch for later (and trust me, you will!), they freeze beautifully. Just pop them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a frozen cookie, just let it thaw on the counter for about 30 minutes. No reheating needed, they’re delicious right from frozen!

Frequently Asked Questions About Gluten Free Banana Bread Cookies

Got questions about these yummy gluten free banana bread cookies? I’ve got you covered! Read on for answers to some common queries. If you don’t see your question here, drop it in the comments below – I love chatting with you all!

Can I substitute the banana in these cookies?

While the banana is what gives these cookies that signature banana bread flavor and moisture, you can try a couple of substitutions if you’re really in a pinch. A good option is unsweetened applesauce – you’ll want to use about the same amount (½ cup), but the flavor will be different, and they might be a bit softer. You could also try pureed pumpkin, but again, expect the taste to change. For the best banana bread taste, though, ripe bananas are really where it’s at! If you’re exploring other banana treats, this gluten-free almond flour banana bread is a fantastic option.

What kind of gluten-free flour works best for these cookies?

I’ve found that a good quality all-purpose gluten-free flour blend that already contains xanthan gum works best for these Gluten Free Banana Bread Cookies. Brands vary, so look for one that’s designed for baking. If your blend *doesn’t* have xanthan gum, you’ll want to add about ½ teaspoon to the dry ingredients to help with binding and texture. Sometimes I experiment with different blends, and they all turn out pretty great, but the main thing is to ensure it’s a good baking mix. For other flour ideas, check out this healthy banana bread with oats recipe – it uses a different flour base!

How can I make these cookies dairy-free?

Making these dairy-free is pretty simple! Just swap out the melted butter for your favorite dairy-free butter alternative or coconut oil. For the chocolate chips, make sure to use a dairy-free variety. Plenty of brands offer delicious dairy-free chocolate chips now, so you won’t have to compromise on flavor!

Enjoy Your Delicious Gluten Free Banana Bread Cookies!

I really hope you give these Gluten Free Banana Bread Cookies a whirl this week! They’re such a simple, happy treat that tastes amazing. If you make them, please let me know how they turned out in the comments below or even better, leave a rating! And for more sweet inspiration, check out these healthy banana bread muffins. Don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest too – follow us at easydetoxrecipes!

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