Banana Split Cookie Recipe for a Sweet Summer Treat

There’s something truly magical about the classic banana split dessert — the creamy ice cream, the ripe banana, the rich chocolate, and the colorful toppings all coming together in one delightful treat.

But what if you could enjoy those iconic flavors in a handheld, chewy cookie? Enter the banana split cookie recipe, a playful twist on a beloved favorite that combines the best of both worlds.

These cookies are bursting with banana flavor, studded with chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and finished with a drizzle of strawberry and pineapple glaze to mimic the traditional toppings. Perfect for summer gatherings, kids’ parties, or just a sweet treat to brighten your day, these cookies are sure to become a household favorite.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at something new, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.

So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s dive into making the most fun and delicious banana split cookies you’ll ever taste!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These banana split cookies are a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. First, they capture all the classic flavors of a banana split without any of the mess or melting ice cream.

The cookies are soft and chewy with a natural sweetness from ripe bananas, enhanced by bursts of semi-sweet chocolate.

Additionally, the recipe uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, making it an easy bake for any day of the week. The addition of nuts adds a satisfying crunch, while the strawberry and pineapple glazes bring a bright, fruity contrast reminiscent of traditional banana split toppings.

Finally, these cookies are great for sharing, gifting, or packing for lunchboxes, bringing smiles wherever they go.

Ingredients

• 1 cup ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas), mashed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed (for glaze)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1-2 tablespoons milk or water (for glaze)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls (at least 2 sizes)
• Electric mixer or hand whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork or potato masher (for mashing bananas)
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Cooling rack
• Small bowl and spoon (for glaze)
• Spatula or wooden spoon

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Mash the bananas in a medium bowl until smooth with a few small chunks remaining for texture.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined.
5. Mix in the mashed bananas until evenly incorporated.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring gently to combine but not overmixing.
8. Fold in the chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and crushed pineapple to spread the flavors throughout the dough.
9. Drop spoonfuls of dough (about 2 tablespoons each) onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between cookies.
10. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers appear set but still soft.
11. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
12. While cookies cool, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with crushed freeze-dried strawberries and 1 tablespoon of milk in a small bowl. Adjust the liquid to achieve a drizzle consistency.
13. Drizzle the strawberry glaze over the cooled cookies. Optionally, you can add a pineapple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with small amounts of pineapple juice for extra fruitiness.
14. Let the glaze set for 10-15 minutes before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

Tip: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness. Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect for this recipe.

Variation: Substitute walnuts with pecans or macadamia nuts for a different crunch profile. For a nut-free version, simply omit the nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds.

Tip: If you prefer a more decadent cookie, add a handful of white chocolate chips or swirl in some peanut butter before baking.

Variation: For a vegan twist, replace butter with coconut oil and use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) instead of a regular egg. Adjust baking time as needed.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These banana split cookies are perfect on their own with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee or tea. For a more indulgent experience, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream.

You can also get creative by pairing these cookies with fresh fruit slices or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance that classic banana split vibe. They make wonderful gifts, especially when wrapped in a decorative box or tied with a colorful ribbon.

For a fun dessert platter, arrange the cookies with other tropical treats or check out more delicious dessert ideas like our Clementine Bakery Vegan Recipes for Delicious Treats.

Conclusion

Whether you’re craving a nostalgic treat or just looking for a new way to enjoy ripe bananas, this banana split cookie recipe is a delightful answer. Combining the iconic flavors of a classic banana split into a chewy, flavorful cookie makes for a fun and satisfying dessert that everyone will love.

This recipe offers flexibility and room for creativity, whether you want to add nuts, switch up the glazes, or even make it vegan. The ease of preparation and the delicious results make these cookies a perfect addition to your baking repertoire.

Don’t forget to explore other tasty recipes such as Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for more culinary inspiration.

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