Name: Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Banana Bread
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter; 1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas); ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup packed light brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking soda; ¼ tsp salt; ¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional); 2 tbsp granulated sugar; 1 tbsp coarse sanding sugar (optional, for sparkle); Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

Description

Looking for the ultimate mashup of soft sugar cookies and moist banana bread? This Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Banana Bread brings two favorite treats together in one irresistible loaf. Rich, nutty brown butter gives it depth, while sugar cookie vibes make every bite sweet and nostalgic.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Brown Butter:

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

For the Banana Bread Batter:

1 ½ cups mashed ripe bananas (about 3 medium bananas)
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup packed light brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

For the Sugar Cookie Topping:

2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp coarse sanding sugar (optional, for sparkle)
Pinch of cinnamon (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Butter

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Stir constantly as it foams, then turns golden with a nutty aroma (about 4–6 minutes).
Remove from heat and pour into a bowl to cool slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Banana Bread Batter

In a large mixing bowl, mash the bananas until smooth.
Add in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and sour cream. Mix until fully combined.
Slowly whisk in the cooled brown butter, stirring until smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix.
Let the batter rest for 5–10 minutes while you prep the pan.

Step 3: Prep the Pan & Add Topping

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper or grease it well.
Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top.
In a small bowl, mix the granulated sugar, coarse sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon.
Sprinkle this mixture generously over the top of the batter for that sugar cookie crunch.

Step 4: Bake the Banana Bread

Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs.
If the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil halfway through.
Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Slice into thick, moist pieces.
Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of milk.

Notes

Use Very Ripe Bananas – The more brown spots, the better. They add natural sweetness and moisture.
Don’t Skip the Brown Butter – It brings a toasty richness that sets this loaf apart.
Rest the Batter – A few minutes of resting helps hydrate the flour for a softer texture.
Test for Doneness – Ovens vary, so check at the 55-minute mark with a toothpick.
Cool Before Slicing – It’s tempting to dig in, but the bread slices best when cooled.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Cuisine: American