Indulgent Crumbl-Inspired Banana Bread Cookies with Velvety Cream Cheese Glaze
Oh, how I love the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through my home! It instantly takes me back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where my brothers and I would gather around the table, anxiously waiting for the oven timer to ping. Among our favorites were her banana bread cookies, though they never quite reached the heights of Crumbl Cookie fame—until now! These Crumbl Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze are the perfect marriage of nostalgia and modern indulgence. With their soft, chewy texture and a sweet, tangy cream cheese frosting, they elevate your typical cookie experience.
What makes these cookies so special? Unlike traditional banana bread—which, let’s be honest, can sometimes be a bit dense—these cookies boast a lightness that makes them incredibly snackable. Plus, the optional addition of chocolate chips adds a delightful depth of flavor that will make your taste buds dance! Not only do you get the comforting taste of bananas, but you’re also treated to the unexpected bonus of the creamy glaze.
So, whether you’re looking to use up some ripe bananas or simply want to impress family and friends, stick around. I promise you’ll learn how to whip up a batch of these delightful cookies that will soon become a family favorite!
What Are Crumbl Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze?
The emergence of Crumbl Cookies has taken the dessert world by storm, introducing a cookie experience that is impossible to resist. Our take on Crumbl Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze offers a delightful twist on classic banana bread, transforming it into something light, fluffy, and uniquely delicious. Imagine biting into a warm cookie, infused with the comforting taste of ripe bananas and a hint of cinnamon—then, just when you think it can’t get any better, you taste the rich cream cheese glaze.
These cookies have a soft, pillowy texture that’s oh-so-satisfying. They’re unique not just for their flavor but also for their versatility. You can whip them up for a warm, comforting dessert after a long day, or bring them to a brunch gathering where they’ll undoubtedly steal the show. Whether you’re baking for family or simply treating yourself, these cookies are bound to create cherished memories, just as my grandmother’s cookies did for me.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Nostalgic Flavors: The comforting combination of ripe bananas and warm spices will take you back to childhood memories, making these cookies a perfect treat for all ages.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Let’s face it, while you could hit up your local bakery, nothing beats the fresh, warm cookies that come right out of your oven—especially when they can be made for a fraction of the cost! Each Crumbl Banana Bread Cookie can be made for just a few cents, compared to their pricey bakery counterparts.
Customization Options: Want to add a personal touch? You can easily customize these cookies. Swap out the chocolate chips for nuts, throw in some dried fruit, or even change up the spices. The possibilities are endless!
Ease & Accessibility: You don’t need to be a pro baker to nail this recipe. In less than 30 minutes of prep and cooking, you can be rewarded with a delicious batch of cookies. Plus, almost all the ingredients are pantry staples!
Meal Prep Friendly: These cookies store beautifully! They can last for days at room temperature or even be frozen for up to three months. You can make a big batch, freeze them, and have fresh cookies whenever the craving hits!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up the Crumbl Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze:
Cookies:
2 ripe bananas, mashed (the riper, the better!)
- Tip: The best bananas for baking are those with lots of brown spots—that’s when they’re sweetest!
1/2 cup butter, softened (I recommend Land O’Lakes or a quality European butter for richer flavor)
- Prep Note: Make sure the butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
1 cup brown sugar (light or dark, your choice)
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 egg, at room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (try to use pure extract for the best flavor)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra cozy flavor)
1 cup chocolate chips (optional but totally delicious—go for semi-sweet)
- Note: I love using Ghirardelli chocolate chips!
Cream Cheese Glaze:
4 oz cream cheese, softened (Philadelphia is a classic choice)
1 cup powdered sugar
1-2 tablespoons milk (adjust for desired consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this will prevent sticking and make for easy cleanup.
Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined—don’t be shy; get in there!
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Tip: Don’t overmix, or you’ll end up with tough cookies.
Fold in the chocolate chips if you’re using them. I love how they melt slightly while baking!
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Chef’s Tip: You can use a cookie scoop for uniformity!
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will look slightly underbaked, which is perfect for that chewy texture.
Cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cookies cool, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together. Add milk gradually until you reach your desired consistency—smooth but still thick enough to drizzle.
Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the cooled cookies and enjoy every delicious bite of your Crumbl Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze!
Expert Tips & Tricks
Storage Recommendations: Place your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. If adding the glaze, enjoy them within a couple of days; otherwise, store them without glaze for longer freshness.
Make-Ahead Instructions: You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. Just bring it back to room temperature before baking for even results!
Troubleshooting: If your cookies spread too much, check your butter temperature—it should be soft but not melted! Also, ensure you’re using the correct measurements; baking is a science!
Common Mistakes: Avoid overmixing after adding the dry ingredients, which can lead to tough cookies.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are wonderful on their own, but if you want to take it to another level, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of homemade caramel sauce for a decadent dessert. They also make a delightful treat alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea—perfect for cozy afternoons!
Planning a gathering? Arrange them on a festive platter with colorful fall leaves or flowers for a visually appealing presentation. They’re also perfect for brunch events or casual get-togethers; just watch them disappear!
Variations & Substitutions
Nutty Delight: Swap out chocolate chips for walnuts or pecans to add a satisfying crunch.
Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut oil instead of butter and a dairy-free cream cheese alternative to make these cookies dairy-free.
Seasonal Variations: Add a tablespoon of pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired twist, or try using orange zest for a refreshing citrus touch during summer!
Nutrition & Storage Info
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 27 minutes
- Yield: About 24 cookies
- Estimated calories per serving: Approximately 150 calories (varies based on add-ins)
Storage Instructions
- Room Temp: 3-5 days in an airtight container
- Fridge: Up to a week
- Freezer: Freezes well for up to 3 months—simply thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
FAQ Section
How ripe should my bananas be?
- Look for bananas that are heavily speckled, as they will provide the best sweetness and flavor.
Can I use frozen bananas?
- Yes! Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
- You can substitute it with Greek yogurt, but the taste will differ slightly.
Can I make these gluten-free?
- Absolutely! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend when making the cookies.
How can I tell when my cookies are done?
- The edges should be lightly golden, and the middle may look slightly soft—don’t worry; they’ll set as they cool.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
- Yes! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for 2 days before baking.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature; they’ll stay fresher longer that way!
How can I fix dry cookies?
- Make sure you’re measuring flour correctly. If you accidentally add too much, you can brush with milk after baking to add moisture.
Can I use a different glaze?
- Absolutely! A simple powdered sugar and milk glaze or a chocolate ganache would also complement these cookies nicely.
What are some good toppings?
- Consider adding crushed nuts, sprinkles, or coconut flakes for extra texture and flavor.
Conclusion
These Crumbl Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze offer a delightful blend of nostalgia and modern baking joy. Whether you’re indulging solo or sharing with loved ones, they bring comfort and happiness in every bite. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try—let your family savor the same warmth and love that these cookies brought into my home. Don’t forget to leave a comment after you bake them; I love hearing your thoughts! And if you’re craving more, check out my other delicious cookie recipes on the blog for more sweet inspiration!
Crumbl Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 2 pieces ripe bananas, mashed The riper, the better!
- 1/2 cup butter, softened Use quality European butter for richer flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar Light or dark, your choice.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 piece egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use pure extract for the best flavor.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra cozy flavor.
- 1 cup chocolate chips Optional, semi-sweet recommended.
For the Cream Cheese Glaze
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened Philadelphia is a classic choice.
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk Adjust for desired consistency.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
- Add the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips if using.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Baking
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Glazing
- While the cookies cool, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together in a medium bowl.
- Add milk gradually until you reach the desired glaze consistency.
- Drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the cooled cookies and enjoy!