Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies

Chocolate chip banana cookies combine the beloved flavors of banana and chocolate in a soft, chewy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These cookies offer a delightful twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie by adding the sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas. They’re a must-try for banana lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike!

Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies

this recipe

• 2 ripe bananas – the riper, the better for natural sweetness and moisture
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter – softened
• 1/4 cup brown sugar – gives the cookies a caramel-like flavor
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – because, of course!

These simple ingredients come together to create cookies that are out of this world. The banana’s moisture helps keep the cookies soft, while the chocolate chips bring that sweet indulgence we all love.

How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This makes cleanup a breeze and ensures your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Mash the Bananas

Peel the ripe bananas and mash them in a bowl until smooth with just a few lumps remaining. You want the bananas to be mushy, not chunky, so they blend seamlessly into the dough.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes. Once the butter mixture is creamy, add in the mashed bananas and mix well.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Crack the egg into the banana mixture, and then stir in the vanilla extract. Continue mixing until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix; you want the dough to stay light.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers are still soft.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Once your cookies are done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm with a glass of milk or save them for later—though we bet they won’t last long!

Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re a fan of banana bread, you’ll love this variation of Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies. The key difference here is the addition of a bit of cinnamon, which gives these cookies that comforting banana bread flavor. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking to bring more of that classic banana bread vibe to your cookies.

The process is nearly identical to the original recipe, but with cinnamon added in, along with perhaps a slightly higher ratio of banana. You can also try incorporating walnuts for an extra crunch. Either way, you’ll get a deliciously soft and flavorful cookie!

Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

For a heartier option, consider making banana oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Adding oats not only gives these cookies a chewy texture, but it also boosts their nutritional value. Oats are full of fiber and can help keep you full longer, making these cookies a great snack option for your busy days.

To make these, simply add 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats to the dough when you fold in the chocolate chips. The result? A chewy, satisfying cookie that has the perfect balance of sweetness and texture. You might even consider swapping out the chocolate chips for dried fruit like raisins or cranberries for a healthier alternative!

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and moister your cookies will be.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to dense cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Add More Banana: If you like a stronger banana flavor, feel free to add an extra half banana to the dough.
• Use Quality Chocolate Chips: Since chocolate chips are the star of this cookie, go for high-quality semi-sweet chips.

For another twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie, try Cherry Chocolate Chip Cookies. If you’re looking to experiment with more flavor variations, check out these Chocolate Chip Cookie Variations.

Why You’ll Love These Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies are the perfect way to elevate your classic cookie game with a sweet, banana-infused twist. These cookies are soft, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re using overripe bananas or just looking for something new to bake, this recipe will become a go-to favorite.

Ready to bake your batch? Share your experience with us in the comments below, and don’t forget to spread the joy of these cookies with your friends and family!

Key Takeaways

• Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies combine banana and chocolate for a delightful treat.
• They are easy to make, using simple ingredients like ripe bananas, butter, and chocolate chips.
• The recipe is customizable, allowing for substitutions and additions like nuts or extra bananas.
• These cookies are a perfect use for overripe bananas and a fun twist on a classic favorite.

For a simple, delicious banana cookie recipe, check out this banana cookie recipe from Simply Recipes.

FAQs

What can I use instead of butter for Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies?

If you’re looking to make the recipe dairy-free, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative. This will keep the cookies moist and delicious while being dairy-free!

Can I freeze the dough for later?

Yes! The dough stays good in the freezer for as long as three months. Just scoop out the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze it until firm, and then transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag. When you’re set to bake, simply pop the frozen dough in the oven, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

How do I store these cookies?

Keep your cookies in a sealed container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh for up to five days. You can also freeze them for longer storage and enjoy them whenever you crave a sweet treat!

Can I use milk chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate chips can replace semi-sweet ones, but expect a sweeter cookie. Milk chocolate tends to be milder, so you may want to adjust the sugar levels accordingly.

Are Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies healthier than regular cookies?

While these cookies are still a treat, the addition of bananas does make them slightly healthier than traditional chocolate chip cookies. Bananas provide fiber, potassium, and vitamins, which add a bit of nutrition to the indulgence.

How long do Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies take to bake?

These cookies will take around 10-12 minutes to bake at 350°F (175°C). The edges should be golden brown, and the centers should look set but soft.

Can I add nuts to these cookies?

Absolutely! Feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for a crunchy, nutty twist. About 1/2 cup of chopped nuts works perfectly in this recipe.

Why are my Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies flat?

Flat cookies could be the result of using too much butter or not chilling the dough before baking. Make sure your butter is softened, not melted, and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.