Crumbl banana bread cookies

Few things feel as comforting as the smell of banana bread baking in the oven. It’s warm, nostalgic, and instantly cozy. Now imagine taking all of that familiar comfort and transforming it into a thick, bakery-style cookie—soft in the center, slightly crisp at the edges, and finished with a smooth cream cheese glaze. That’s exactly what these Crumbl Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze deliver.

Inspired by the oversized, indulgent cookies made famous by Crumbl, this homemade version captures that same bakery magic while being easy enough to make in your own kitchen. These cookies are not meant to be thin or crunchy. Instead, they’re rich, soft, and almost cake-like, just like a slice of classic banana bread—only better, because they’re topped with a tangy, silky cream cheese glaze.

This recipe is perfect for using up ripe bananas sitting on your counter, and it’s ideal for dessert tables, cookie boxes, family gatherings, or quiet afternoons when you want something sweet and satisfying. One bite in, and you’ll understand why these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.

What Makes These Cookies Crumbl-Style

Crumbl-style cookies are known for their size, thickness, and soft interior. These banana bread cookies follow that same idea. The dough is intentionally thicker than traditional cookie dough, which helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. The result is a cookie that looks impressive and feels indulgent, with a texture that sits somewhere between a cookie and a mini cake.

The banana flavor is real and natural, coming from mashed ripe bananas rather than extracts or artificial flavoring. Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the banana without overpowering it, making each bite feel balanced and cozy.

The cream cheese glaze adds the final bakery-style touch. Slightly tangy and lightly sweet, it complements the banana flavor beautifully and gives the cookies that signature frosted finish.

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Ingredients

For the Banana Bread Cookies

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¾ cup mashed ripe bananas

For the Cream Cheese Glaze

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2–3 tablespoons cream or milk

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves until evenly combined.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This helps create a tender, bakery-style texture.
4. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth and fully incorporated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with the mashed bananas. Mix gently until a thick, soft batter forms. Avoid overmixing.
6. Scoop dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart. Lightly flatten the tops with the back of a spoon.
7. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the cookies are set and lightly golden around the edges.
8. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
9. To make the glaze, beat softened butter with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add cream or milk a little at a time until the glaze is thick but pourable.
10. Spoon or drizzle glaze over the cooled cookies. Allow it to set before serving.

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Texture, Flavor, and Why You’ll Love Them

These cookies are incredibly soft and moist, with a crumb that mirrors banana bread more than a traditional cookie. The banana flavor is front and center, supported by subtle spice and rich brown sugar sweetness.

The cream cheese glaze adds contrast—cool, creamy, and just tangy enough to balance the sweetness of the cookie. Together, they create a dessert that feels indulgent without being heavy.

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Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use overripe bananas: The darker and spottier, the better. They bring natural sweetness and moisture.
• Don’t overbake: These cookies should look slightly soft in the center when you take them out. They’ll firm up as they cool.
• Cool completely before glazing: This keeps the glaze smooth and prevents it from melting into the cookie.
• Measure flour carefully: Too much flour can make the cookies dense instead of tender.

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Easy Variations

• Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch
• Fold in mini chocolate chips for a sweeter twist
• Swap vanilla glaze for maple glaze for fall flavor
• Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top instead of glaze for a simpler finish

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Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies at room temperature or slightly chilled. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk. They’re also excellent for gifting, bake sales, and holiday cookie trays thanks to their bakery-style look and rich flavor.

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Final Thoughts

These Crumbl Banana Bread Cookies with Cream Cheese Glaze take everything you love about banana bread and elevate it into a thick, bakery-style cookie that feels special yet familiar. Soft, cozy, and topped with creamy glaze, they’re the kind of treat people ask for again and again—and the kind you’ll want to bake on repeat.