These salted banana cookies are the ultimate treat you didn’t know you needed. With their rich, nutty brown butter base, the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, gooey chocolate chips, and a sprinkle of flaky salt, they’re a delightful balance of salty-sweet flavors. Not only are these cookies intensely satisfying, but they’re also made with wholesome ingredients that bring a nutritional edge to your dessert game.

We created this recipe with one goal in mind: to keep comfort food indulgent while sneaking in a bit of nutrition. These cookies feature ripe bananas for natural sweetness and a dose of potassium, while the brown butter adds depth and richness without the need for overly processed ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a snack, a dessert, or a pick-me-up treat, these cookies check all the boxes and are surprisingly easy to whip up!

Why These Salted Banana Cookies Are Good for You

Rich in potassium: The ripe banana in this recipe provides a healthy dose of potassium, crucial for maintaining proper muscle and nerve function.
Natural sweetness: Using banana reduces the need for excessive added sugar while still satisfying your sweet cravings.
Source of antioxidants: The dark chocolate chips are packed with flavonoids, which are known to support heart health and reduce inflammation.
Customizable options: Modify this recipe to fit vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb diets using our adaptations below.
No artificial ingredients: These cookies rely on whole foods and pantry staples for a more wholesome treat.

Wholesome Ingredients for These Salted Banana Cookies

We carefully chose each ingredient in this recipe to provide both flavor and nutritional benefits. Let’s explore some key components:

Bananas: Ripe bananas not only sweeten these cookies naturally but also add moisture and nutrients like potassium and vitamin B6. For the best results, use bananas with plenty of brown spots.
Brown Butter: Browning the butter adds a toasty, nutty flavor that elevates the cookie dough. If you’re vegan, substitute with a plant-based butter and brown it similarly.
Chocolate Chips: While dark chocolate is ideal for its health benefits, you can swap in vegan chocolate to make these cookies entirely dairy-free.
Flaky Salt: Don’t skip the finishing sprinkle of flaky salt! It enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.

Salted Banana Cookies Recipe Details

Servings: 9 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients for Salted Banana Cookies

16 tablespoons salted butter or salted vegan butter substitute
80 grams brown sugar (1/2 cup)
220 grams white sugar (1 cup)
110 grams medium banana, ripe (1 banana)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
330 grams flour (2 1/4 cup)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon if using Morton’s
113 grams chocolate chips (1 cup)
1 teaspoon flaky salt, for topping

How to Make Salted Banana Cookies

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small saucepan, brown 8 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until the butter develops golden-brown flecks and a nutty aroma. Remove from heat, pour into a bowl, and set aside to cool slightly.
In a stand mixer, combine the remaining 8 tablespoons of butter with the browned butter. Add the brown sugar and white sugar, and cream on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
Mash the ripe banana with cinnamon until smooth, then mix it into the butter mixture alongside the vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated, about 2-3 minutes.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending until a smooth dough forms.
Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Use a scale to measure out nine 4-ounce dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet with plenty of spacing. If making smaller cookies, divide into 16-18 balls (approximately 2 ounces each).
Bake for 13-14 minutes until the edges are set, but the centers appear slightly underdone.
Immediately after removing from the oven, gently smack the baking sheet on your counter to flatten the cookies. Use a bowl to swirl around their edges for a perfectly round shape and sprinkle with flaky salt.
Let the cookies cool for 15 minutes before enjoying.

How to Customize This Salted Banana Cookies Recipe for Your Diet

Vegan: Replace butter with vegan butter and use dairy-free chocolate chips. Ensure all ingredients are plant-based.
Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. We’ve tested this, and the results are just as delicious!
Lower Sugar: Reduce the white sugar by 25% and use stevia-sweetened chocolate chips for a lower-sugar option.
Keto-Friendly: Replace the banana with 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce and opt for almond flour and sugar-free chocolate chips.
Nut-Free: Confirm your chocolate chips are nut-free and stick with traditional butter or vegan butter without cross-contamination.

Our Team’s Tips for the Best Salted Banana Cookies

Use a scale to portion the dough evenly for consistent baking results.
Don’t skip browning the butter! It’s key for adding depth and creating a rich, caramelized flavor.
Take the cookies out of the oven when they look just slightly underbaked. They’ll finish cooking as they cool.
Smack the baking sheet on the counter as soon as they come out of the oven to create the perfect texture and shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.

Salted Banana Cookies FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them fully and drain any excess liquid before using to avoid overly wet dough.

What makes these salted banana cookies soft?

The combination of mashed banana, brown sugar, and slightly underbaking ensures a tender, soft texture.

Are these cookies healthy?

While still a treat, the use of bananas and dark chocolate makes them slightly more nutritious than traditional cookies.

Can I make these cookies crispy?

For crispier cookies, bake them a few extra minutes until the edges turn golden brown.

What’s the best flour alternative for gluten-free cookies?

A 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works best, ensuring structure and texture remain consistent.

These salted banana cookies are wholesome, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Which variation are you excited to try first?

Salted Banana Cookies

These salted banana cookies are a delightful blend of sweet and salty flavors, featuring a rich, nutty brown butter base and gooey chocolate chips. Perfect for any occasion, this easy salted banana cookie recipe offers a wholesome treat with natural sweetness.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 9 cookies

Ingredients

16 tablespoons salted butter or salted vegan butter substitute
80 grams brown sugar (1/2 cup)
220 grams white sugar (1 cup)
110 grams medium banana, ripe (1 banana)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
330 grams flour (2 1/4 cup)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon if using Morton’s
113 grams chocolate chips (1 cup)
1 teaspoon flaky salt, for topping

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small saucepan, brown 8 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until the butter develops golden-brown flecks and a nutty aroma. Remove from heat, pour into a bowl, and set aside to cool slightly.
In a stand mixer, combine the remaining 8 tablespoons of butter with the browned butter. Add the brown sugar and white sugar, and cream on medium speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
Mash the ripe banana with cinnamon until smooth, then mix it into the butter mixture alongside the vanilla extract. Beat until fully incorporated, about 2-3 minutes.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending until a smooth dough forms.
Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed.
Use a scale to measure out nine 4-ounce dough balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet with plenty of spacing. If making smaller cookies, divide into 16-18 balls (approximately 2 ounces each).
Bake for 13-14 minutes until the edges are set, but the centers appear slightly underdone.
Immediately after removing from the oven, gently smack the baking sheet on your counter to flatten the cookies. Use a bowl to swirl around their edges for a perfectly round shape and sprinkle with flaky salt.
Let the cookies cool for 15 minutes before enjoying.

The Best Salted Banana Cookies Recipe for a Perfect Sweet and Salty Treat