Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Banana Bread

Sweet, cozy, and rich with nutty flavor, this Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Banana Bread is a decadent twist on two beloved baked goods. It combines the soft, moist texture of banana bread with the caramel-like depth of brown butter and the nostalgic sweetness of a sugar cookie. With a golden crackly top and buttery crumb, this loaf is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you need a comforting slice of something special.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Brown Butter Magic – Adds rich, nutty depth to every bite.
Sugar Cookie Inspired – Sweet and buttery with a crisp top.
Incredibly Moist – Ripe bananas make it tender and luscious.
Easy to Make – One bowl and pantry staples.
Perfect for Gifting – A crowd-pleaser with bakery-style appeal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp light brown sugar
• 2 large ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional for warmth)
• 2 tbsp coarse sugar (for topping)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup white chocolate chips or chopped walnuts
• Pinch of nutmeg for added spice

Tools You’ll Need

• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or hand mixer
• 9×5-inch loaf pan
• Parchment paper or nonstick spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Butter

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Stir constantly for 5–7 minutes, until it turns golden brown and smells nutty.
3. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter
4. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
5. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the browned butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined.
6. Add mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.
7. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon just until combined—don’t overmix.
8. Fold in white chocolate chips or nuts, if using.

Step 3: Bake the Bread
9. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
10. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for a crackly sugar cookie topping.
11. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 4: Cool & Slice
12. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Tips for the Best Banana Bread
Use Very Ripe Bananas – Black-spotted bananas are perfect for maximum sweetness and moisture.
Brown the Butter Carefully – Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.
Don’t Overmix – This keeps your loaf light and tender.
Cool Before Slicing – Letting it rest helps the crumb set.
Top with Sugar – The sparkling sugar adds a sweet, cookie-like crust.

Serving Suggestions
Warm with Butter – Simple and comforting.
With Coffee or Tea – Perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
Toasted – Adds crisp edges and enhances the brown butter flavor.
Topped with Ice Cream – Makes a fabulous dessert.
Packed in Lunchboxes – Sweet and satisfying for kids and adults.

How to Store & Freeze

Storing:

• Room Temp: Wrap in foil or store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate: Keeps for up to 5 days (bring to room temp before eating).

Freezing:

• Slice and wrap individually, then store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight or microwave a slice for 20–30 seconds.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use browned butter straight from the pan?
   Let it cool for 10 minutes first so it doesn’t scramble the egg.
2. Can I use whole wheat flour?
   Yes—replace up to half the flour with whole wheat for a denser, nuttier loaf.
3. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Use a dairy-free butter alternative and ensure any add-ins are non-dairy.
4. What’s the best sugar for topping?
   Turbinado or demerara sugar gives that perfect sugar cookie crunch.
5. Can I make it into muffins?
   Absolutely. Divide into muffin tins and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Butter Sugar Cookie Banana Bread is a warm hug in loaf form—moist, rich, and layered with cozy flavor. Whether you’re baking for family, sharing with friends, or just treating yourself, this loaf takes banana bread to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Try it out and let me know what you think! Don’t forget to leave a review below and share your photos on Pinterest! I can’t wait to see your golden, sugar-dusted slices.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Slice – based on 10 servings):
Calories: 270 | Protein: 3g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fat: 13g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 20g | Sodium: 210mg

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