If you’ve ever wanted a cookie that feels like a warm hug and a sweet little celebration all at once, this Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Soft, chewy, and bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas combined with melty semisweet chocolate chips, these cookies strike a perfect balance between comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just craving something special for yourself, this recipe brings simple ingredients together in a way that’ll have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds) with pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe calls for an easy and thoughtful selection of ingredients that come together beautifully. Every element plays an essential role in the cookie’s texture, flavor, and color, making this treat as delightful as it is simple to prepare.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and tenderness for the perfect cookie crumb.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slight crisp edge.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed: Imparts moisture and a hint of caramel flavor for depth.
- 1 ripe banana, mashed: Naturally sweetens and keeps the cookies exceptionally moist and chewy.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that holds the cookie together with just the right density.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Leavens the dough for a light texture and perfect rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and deepens flavor complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional): Adds a subtle warmth and spice that complements banana beautifully.
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips: The star ingredient for pockets of melted chocolate in every bite.
How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats—this simple prep ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create a luscious, tender texture by incorporating air into the mixture.
Step 3: Mix in Banana, Egg, and Vanilla
Add the mashed ripe banana, egg, and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugars. Mix until everything is smooth and fully combined—the banana is your secret weapon for moisture and flavor.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if you are using it. This ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning throughout your dough.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet banana mixture, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, so keep it gentle and stop when the flour disappears.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Finally, fold in the semisweet chocolate chips. These add sweet bursts of melted chocolate that contrast beautifully with the subtle banana taste.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Pop the trays into the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
Step 8: Cooling
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is key for the cookies to set perfectly without getting too crumbly.
How to Serve Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, try sprinkling flaky sea salt on top right after baking to enhance the chocolate’s richness. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add an irresistible finishing touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk or a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea. For a fun twist, serve them alongside vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, stack the cookies and tie them with a rustic ribbon or serve them on a wooden board with fresh banana slices and chocolate shards. This makes your homemade Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe feel like a special treat worth sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cookies taste wonderful the next day when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They stay soft and chewy, making them an easy grab-and-go snack or treat throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep well for up to 3 months, perfect for making ahead of time.
Reheating
To refresh frozen or leftover cookies, warm them in a microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked softness and melts the chocolate chips just right.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually ideal here because they are extra sweet and soft, which adds wonderful moisture and natural sugar to the cookies.
Can I substitute ingredients like gluten-free flour or dairy-free butter?
Yes, you can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend and use dairy-free butter substitutes to accommodate dietary needs. Just note that texture and flavor may vary slightly.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, these cookies should stay fresh and delicious for up to 4-5 days at room temperature.
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or shredded coconut make fantastic additions to this Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, adding extra texture and flavor.
What is the best way to mash the banana?
Use a fork to thoroughly mash your banana until it’s smooth and lump-free to ensure it blends seamlessly into your cookie dough.
Final Thoughts
Give this Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe a try and treat yourself to a batch of cookies that feel homemade magic in every bite. With simple ingredients and an easy process, they’re the perfect way to brighten any day and share a little love with those around you.
Print
Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously soft and chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies made with ripe bananas, sweet chocolate chips, and a touch of cinnamon. These cookies are a perfect treat for banana lovers looking to enjoy a homemade dessert with a moist texture and rich flavor.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Mix-ins
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the mashed ripe banana, large egg, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and well combined, adding moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough, which could make the cookies tough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the semisweet chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring an even distribution of chocolate in every bite.
- Portion Dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing the cookies at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges of the cookies turn a golden color, indicating they are perfectly baked.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Optional cinnamon adds a subtle warm spice that complements the banana well.
- Make sure not to overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
- You can substitute chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruit if desired.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
