If you’re anything like me and love the comforting pairing of bananas and chocolate, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe. It’s an irresistibly soft and chewy cookie that perfectly balances the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with melty pockets of rich chocolate. These cookies are quick to whip up yet pack a homemade charm that’s perfect for sharing with family, friends, or simply indulging yourself with. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to cookie anytime you have a ripe banana looking for a tasty purpose.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor and texture. From the warm spices to the creamy butter and the irresistible chocolate chips, these simple essentials come together effortlessly to make magic happen in your mixing bowl.
- All-purpose flour (1 ½ cups): The sturdy base that gives the cookies structure and just the right amount of chewiness.
- Baking soda (½ teaspoon): This little leavening agent helps the cookies rise perfectly and maintain a tender crumb.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors beautifully without overpowering.
- Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the banana’s natural sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened (½ cup): Brings richness and creates that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves.
- Brown sugar, packed (½ cup): Offers deep caramel notes while helping to keep the cookies moist and chewy.
- Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Adds just the right touch of sweetness and aids in crisping the cookie edges.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough together and contributes to a tender cookie crumb.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Boosts the overall flavor, making every bite taste homemade and cozy.
- Ripe banana, mashed (1): The star ingredient that lends moisture, sweetness, and that signature banana flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Dispersed throughout the dough, these provide gooey, chocolatey bursts in every mouthful.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and come away easily from the pan, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This blend of dry ingredients will give your cookies their wonderful flavor and proper texture. Setting it aside now lets you focus on the wet ingredients in the next step.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugars
Using a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for incorporating air that helps your cookies rise nicely and develop a tender crumb.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Fold in the mashed ripe banana carefully, making sure the banana is evenly blended throughout the dough to infuse every bite with flavor and moisture.
Step 5: Combine & Fold
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until everything comes together. Overmixing here can make your cookies tough, so a light hand is best. Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed for that perfect chocolate surprise.
Step 6: Scoop & Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized dollops of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart. This gives them space to spread out and bake evenly. Pop the tray into your oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn lightly golden.
Step 7: Bake & Cool
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This helps them set so they don’t break or crumble when you move them. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or enjoy them warm for a melt-in-your-mouth treat.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To make these Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies even more special, try a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate on top. You can also sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips immediately after baking while the cookies are still hot, so they melt just right.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of freshly brewed coffee, or a creamy vanilla yogurt for a delightful snack or dessert combo. The classic creaminess of milk or coffee perfectly complements the banana and chocolate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to serve these cookies at a party or as a gift? Stack them tied with a rustic ribbon or arrange them on a colorful platter with banana slices and a small bowl of chocolate chips. Presentation is an easy way to elevate this simple treat and dazzle your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft while preserving that homemade flavor. If you want them to stay fresh longer, consider refrigerating them in a sealed container for up to a week.
Freezing
If you want to make this Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe a batch ahead staple, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen cookies will keep their best quality for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, just thaw them at room temperature.
Reheating
To enjoy these cookies warm and gooey, reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This little step refreshes their softness and melts the chocolate chips beautifully for that freshly baked experience.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas actually bring more sweetness and moisture, enhancing the flavor and texture of the cookies. Just make sure they’re mashed well for even mixing.
What type of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are recommended for the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. However, you can also try milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips depending on your preference.
Can I substitute the butter with oil or margarine?
Butter is preferred for its flavor and texture, but you can substitute with margarine or a neutral oil if necessary. Note that using oil might make the cookies a bit less firm and more cake-like.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
Not as written, since this recipe uses all-purpose flour. You can try swapping the flour for a gluten-free blend, but results might vary in texture and spread.
How can I make the cookies crispier?
For crispier cookies, bake a few minutes longer and reduce the mashed banana slightly. Also, using granulated sugar without brown sugar can lead to crisper edges.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cookie that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe is a must-try. It’s straightforward, delicious, and perfect for any occasion—from a quick weekday snack to a crowd-pleasing dessert. Grab those ripe bananas and your chocolate chips; these cookies are about to become a beloved staple in your kitchen just like they are in mine!
Print
Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously soft and chewy Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and melty semi-sweet chocolate chips. These quick-to-make cookies combine the familiar flavors of classic chocolate chip cookies with a moist, banana-infused twist perfect for snacking or dessert.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices throughout the dough.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, packed brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for your cookie dough.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar. Then, stir in the mashed ripe banana until the ingredients are fully incorporated, adding moisture and natural sweetness.
- Combine & Fold: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing. Carefully fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout the dough.
- Scoop & Bake: Use a tablespoon to drop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake & Cool: Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden brown. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly.
Notes
- Ensure the banana is ripe with brown spots for optimal sweetness and moisture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
- For a softer cookie, slightly underbake and allow residual heat to finish the cooking.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Optional: Add chopped nuts like walnuts for extra texture.
