Banana Cake Mix Cookies for When You Need a Soft, Sweet Snack

Some days, you just want a sweet bite without the fuss of baking from scratch. That’s where banana cake mix cookies step in—soft, tender, and loaded with ripe banana goodness. The moment these cookies come out of the oven, the warm scent of banana and vanilla drifts through the kitchen, stirring a kind of comfort that’s hard to beat.

I remember the first time I made these. I had a bunch of bananas sitting on the counter—somewhere between perfectly ripe and a bit over the edge—and I wasn’t quite sure what to do with them. I grabbed a box of banana cake mix from the pantry, mashed the bananas with a fork, and mixed everything up without even measuring precisely. The dough was sticky but forgiving, and I dropped spoonfuls onto the baking sheet, feeling a little impatient as they baked. The edges turned golden just right, and when I took that first bite, the cookie was soft in the middle with a gentle sweetness that wasn’t overpowering. Honestly, I probably ate three before I even thought about sharing.

• They’re incredibly quick to make—less than half an hour from start to finish.
• The cookies stay soft and moist, unlike many cookie recipes that can dry out.
• Perfect for using up ripe bananas that might otherwise get tossed.
• It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps or fancy ingredients.
• If you’re expecting a crispy cookie, these might surprise you—they’re more like little banana-flavored clouds.

Don’t worry if you’re not a baking expert. This recipe is forgiving, and the results are consistently delicious. They keep well in an airtight container for a few days, which is handy when you want a snack ready to go without pulling out all the baking gear again.

Banana Cake Mix Cookies

Print Recipe

Deliciously soft and moist banana-flavored cookies made easy with banana cake mix and ripe bananas. These cookies are perfect for a quick treat or snack.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies

Ingredients

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1 box (15.25 ounces) banana cake mix
2 large ripe bananas, mashed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the banana cake mix, mashed bananas, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract.
Mix the ingredients together using a hand mixer or wooden spoon until a smooth dough forms.
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.
Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

These cookies bake up nicely on any standard baking sheet, so no need to hunt for special equipment. I usually pair them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of tea in the afternoon. Sometimes I’ll sprinkle a little cinnamon on top before baking, just to mix things up, or add a handful of chopped nuts if I have them on hand. I haven’t tested all variations, but a few chocolate chips might work too if you’re feeling indulgent. For a dairy-free twist, swapping butter for coconut oil could be worth a try, though I can’t promise the texture will be exactly the same.

FAQ

Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, they freeze well in an airtight container for up to a month. Just thaw at room temperature before eating.

What if my bananas aren’t ripe enough?
The riper, the better here—if they’re not quite there, the banana flavor won’t be as strong, but it’ll still work.

Are these cookies cakey or chewy?
They lean soft and cakey, more tender than chewy, which is part of their charm.

Can I use a different cake mix?
Probably, but it might change the flavor and texture, so banana cake mix is the best bet for this recipe.

Next time you find yourself staring at some bananas and wondering what to do, give these banana cake mix cookies a quick whirl. They’re sweet, soft, and just right for a little everyday treat.