If you’re looking for a cookie that combines the rich sweetness of ripe bananas with the irresistible charm of melty chocolate chips, you’re going to adore this Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe. These cookies offer a tender, moist texture thanks to the mashed banana, while the chocolate chips add pockets of gooey indulgence. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon, and just sweet enough, they’re a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie that’s ideal for any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color you crave in a homemade cookie.
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives the cookies structure and tenderness.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for a soft, chewy bite.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a warm, comforting spice that complements the banana.
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened: Gives the cookies rich flavor and a tender crumb.
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed: Brings a deep molasses sweetness and moisture.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Adds a slight crispness and balances texture.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together for a perfect cookie dough consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely, aromatic sweetness that enhances all the flavors.
- 1 ripe banana, mashed: The star ingredient that imparts natural sweetness, moisture, and softness.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: The pockets of melty chocolate that make these cookies truly irresistible.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. Preparing early helps keep the process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step evenly distributes the leavening and spices, which is key for uniform flavor and texture throughout your cookies.
Step 3: Cream Butter & Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter along with the brown sugar and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration results in cookies that feel tender yet satisfyingly chewy. Take your time here; it really pays off.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, mix in the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Then gently stir in your mashed ripe banana. The banana not only brings moisture but also a subtle fruity sweetness that makes these cookies unique.
Step 5: Combine & Fold
Slowly add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, folding gently just until combined. Over-mixing can make the cookies tough, so keep it light. Then fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring every cookie bite will be deliciously studded with chocolate.
Step 6: Scoop & Bake
Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives the cookies room to spread without merging into one another — perfect little rounds every time.
Step 7: Bake & Cool
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the cookie edges turn a light golden brown, signaling they’re just right. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling period helps the cookies firm up and maintain their shape.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies are fantastic on their own, you can sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt atop them right after baking to heighten the chocolate and banana flavors even more. A drizzle of melted dark chocolate can also add a touch of elegance if you’re serving guests.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk or a creamy latte for a classic combination that never disappoints. For a more decadent treat, serve alongside a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream — the warm cookie with cold ice cream creates a heavenly texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two cookies with a smear of peanut butter or cream cheese frosting for a fun twist. You could also crumble these cookies over yogurt or ice cream for a delightful crunch and rich flavor boost. Presentation can turn a simple snack into a memorable treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe cookies fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This will preserve their soft texture and keep the chocolate chips melty and inviting.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready for a sweet bite.
Reheating
To warm frozen or refrigerated cookies, pop them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave for 15-20 seconds. This restores their soft texture and melts the chocolate chips just right, bringing back that fresh-baked magic.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe because they are sweeter and softer, making the cookies moist and flavorful.
What if I don’t have cinnamon? Can I omit it?
You can omit cinnamon if needed. While it adds warmth and depth, the cookies will still taste delicious without it, thanks to the banana and chocolate chips.
Is it possible to substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend in a 1:1 ratio, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cookies from crumbling.
Can I add nuts to this cookie recipe?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a wonderful crunchy addition that complements the soft cookie and chocolate chips beautifully.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges and a set center. The cookies may seem soft right out of the oven, but they will firm up as they cool for that perfect chewy texture.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting about the combination of bananas and chocolate in cookie form, and this Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe captures that perfectly. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself, these cookies are quick to make, wonderfully flavorful, and utterly tasty. I encourage you to give this recipe a go—you might just find your new favorite cookie!
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
Description
These Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies are a delightful twist on classic cookies, combining the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas with rich semi-sweet chocolate chips. Soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, they’re perfect for an easy homemade treat or snack.
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 until evenly combined. Set this aside for later use.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step helps create tender, airy cookies.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar until fully combined. Then, stir in the mashed ripe banana, which adds moisture and natural sweetness to the dough.
- Combine & Fold: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently just until they come together to avoid overworking the dough. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips evenly throughout.
- Scoop & Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized 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. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- For best results, use ripe bananas with brown spots to enhance the natural sweetness and flavor of the cookies.
- Do not overmix the cookie dough once the dry ingredients are added to keep the cookies tender.
- You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with dark or milk chocolate chips depending on your preference.
- Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
