If you have a soft spot for comforting sweets that combine a touch of fruitiness with rich chocolate, you are in for a treat. This Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is one of those delightful surprises that brings together the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas with the irresistible indulgence of chocolate chips. Each bite offers a chewy texture with pockets of melty chocolate, creating a perfect balance that makes these cookies a favorite for any occasion — from an afternoon snack to a lunchbox surprise. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe is approachable and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient has a special role that enhances the overall flavor, texture, and appearance. From the creamy butter that ensures softness to the aromatic cinnamon which adds a gentle warmth, every component shines without overshadowing the banana and chocolate duo.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Provides rich creaminess and helps keep the cookies tender.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps create that classic cookie texture.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings moisture and a deep caramel note for a richer taste.
- Ripe banana (1, mashed): Naturally sweet and packed with moisture to keep cookies soft.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and contributes to the cookie’s structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor with a warm, sweet note.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The sturdy base that gives the cookies their form.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps cookies rise and become light.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and amplifies flavors.
- Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Adds a subtle hint of spice for warmth and depth.
- Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): The star ingredient providing melty pockets of chocolate delight.
How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start your baking adventure by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and ensure the cookies bake evenly. This simple prep step sets you up for success!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, combine softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture looks light and fluffy—this aerates the dough for a tender crumb and helps the sugars dissolve perfectly.
Step 3: Add Banana, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in the mashed ripe banana, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. The banana not only adds moisture but infuses the dough with its natural sweetness and subtle tropical flavor, making these cookies uniquely delicious.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if using. This step ensures even distribution of the rising agent and warm spices, preventing clumps and uneven flavor pockets.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cookies tough rather than tender.
Step 6: Incorporate Chocolate Chips
Fold in those delicious semisweet chocolate chips, making sure they’re evenly scattered throughout the dough. This step promises each cookie will be studded with sweet, melty chocolate.
Step 7: Portion Out the Dough
Using a tablespoon, drop rounded portions of cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives the cookies room to spread and develop those beautifully golden edges.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden color. The centers might look slightly soft but will firm up as the cookies cool.
Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time is crucial for achieving that ideal chewy texture you’ll love.
How to Serve Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top right before baking or immediately after removing the cookies from the oven. This touch enhances the chocolate’s sweetness and adds a delightful contrast to the banana’s mellow flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee or tea. The creamy beverage complements the richness of the chocolate chips and soft banana notes beautifully, making each bite even more comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or peanut butter for an indulgent treat. They also taste fantastic crumbled over yogurt or ice cream as a crunchy topping with a fruity twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. This keeps them soft and fresh, perfect for quick grabs whenever the craving hits.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a tray, then transfer them to a sealed freezer bag or container. They keep well for up to 3 months, preserving that fresh-baked goodness.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm, simply microwave one for 10 to 15 seconds or pop a few into a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This revives the melty chocolate charm and soft texture like they’ve just come out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, overripe bananas are perfect because they’re sweeter and mash easily, enhancing the flavor and moisture of the cookies.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?
You can, but keep in mind that whole wheat flour will make the cookies a bit denser and heartier. You might want to use slightly less or add a touch more baking soda to keep them light.
Is it possible to make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes! Replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter, and the recipe will still turn out wonderfully soft and flavorful.
Why add baking soda in the Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
Baking soda acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise slightly and develop the perfect tender crumb with a bit of chewiness.
Can I make this recipe without cinnamon?
Definitely. Cinnamon is optional and just adds a warm hint of spice. The cookies taste fantastic even without it, with the banana and chocolate shining through.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is a treasure for anyone who loves a cookie that feels both wholesome and indulgent. Its simplicity, combined with deliciously satisfying flavors, makes it a go-to for homemade treats that everyone will ask for again and again. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy the cozy, sweet moments it brings to your kitchen and your heart.
Print
Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
Delight in these chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies, combining the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with rich semisweet chocolate chips. Perfectly soft with a hint of cinnamon, these cookies bake quickly and yield a batch ideal for sharing or snacking throughout the week.
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)
Add-ins
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure cookies don’t stick and bake evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugars. In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a soft texture in the baked cookies.
- Add Banana and Egg. Incorporate the mashed ripe banana, egg, and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing until the batter is smooth and homogenous, lending moisture and flavor to the cookies.
- Combine Dry Ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and optional cinnamon, ensuring even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
- Mix Dry into Wet. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which could lead to tougher cookies.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips. Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips to evenly distribute them throughout the cookie dough.
- Shape Cookies. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking.
- Bake Cookies. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating doneness.
- Cool Cookies. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage and maintaining texture.
Notes
- You can substitute the semisweet chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips or nuts for variation.
- Using a very ripe banana enhances the natural sweetness and moisture in these cookies.
- The optional cinnamon adds a warm, subtle spice that complements the banana; omit if preferred.
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for best creaming results.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
