If you have a couple of ripe bananas and a craving for something sweet and comforting, this Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are soft, cakey, and packed with the natural sweetness and moisture from bananas, perfectly complemented by melty pockets of semi-sweet chocolate chips. Whether you need a quick snack, a lunchbox treat, or a simple dessert to enjoy with your coffee, these cookies will quickly become a favorite. Plus, they are super easy to whip up and use pantry staples you probably already have.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe relies on a handful of simple ingredients that play starring roles in taste and texture. Each component is essential—from the ripe banana lending moisture and natural sweetness, to the cinnamon adding warmth and depth.
- 1 ripe banana (mashed): The secret to the cookie’s soft, cakey texture and subtle fruity sweetness.
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds rich creaminess and helps create a tender crumb.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Brings a deep, molasses-like sweetness and chewiness to each bite.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar: Balances the sweetness and aids in achieving that perfect cookie edge.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together while adding moistness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates flavor with a lovely fragrant touch.
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure and ensures the cookies don’t turn out too fragile.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and keeps them fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a cozy hint of spice that pairs beautifully with banana and chocolate.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: Melty pockets of chocolate that make every bite irresistible.
How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and promote even baking. This small step saves cleanup time and keeps your cookies perfectly shaped.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process aerates the dough, giving the cookies a tender and soft texture that’s absolutely delightful.
Step 3: Incorporate Banana, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in the mashed ripe banana, egg, and vanilla extract with the creamed butter and sugars until everything is well combined. The banana not only adds flavor but also keeps these cookies wonderfully moist even after baking.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed, so you get consistent flavor and the perfect rise throughout your cookies.
Step 5: Blend Dry Ingredients into Wet Mixture
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here because it could make the cookies tough instead of soft and tender.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips carefully. These will melt slightly during baking, creating those gorgeous gooey pockets that truly make these cookies irresistible.
Step 7: Bake Your Cookies
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing each roughly 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are golden but the centers still appear just set. This timing keeps the cookies soft and cakey, not dry or crisp.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This rest time lets them firm up just enough while retaining their lovely soft texture in the center.
How to Serve Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
You can keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar to add a pretty contrast to the rich chocolate chips. For a fun twist, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top just before baking to enhance the chocolate’s sweetness and add complexity.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a cold glass of milk or a warm mug of coffee or tea. The warm spices and banana flavor complement creamy drinks perfectly, turning your snack into a comforting little ritual.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Serve the cookies warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an easy but indulgent dessert. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies around a dollop of peanut butter or cream cheese frosting for a playful twist on a classic cookie sandwich.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them tender and delicious, perfect for a quick snack any time you like.
Freezing
If you want to make these ahead or stash some for later, freeze the baked cookies in a sealed freezer bag or container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let them cool completely first. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth and gooey chocolate goodness, reheat your cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes. This simple step makes them taste just like they came out of your oven moments ago.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually perfect because they are sweeter and mash easily, adding natural sweetness and moisture to these cookies.
Can I substitute the semi-sweet chocolate chips with other types of chocolate?
Yes! Feel free to use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips if you prefer. Each will add a slightly different flavor, but all work wonderfully.
What if I don’t have cinnamon on hand?
You can omit the cinnamon, but it does add a lovely warmth and depth to the cookies. If you want a spice alternative, try a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a flax egg or chia egg instead of a chicken egg, and make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free to turn this Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe into a vegan delight.
Will the cookies be gluten-free if I use a gluten-free flour blend?
Yes, swapping in a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend should work just fine. Just check that the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder to help maintain the cookie structure.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that combines comforting flavors with a soft, tender texture, you really need to try this Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. It’s straightforward, uses familiar ingredients, and delivers delicious results every time. Share them with friends, pack them in lunchboxes, or keep them as a special treat just for yourself — you won’t regret it!
Print
Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies offer a soft and cakey texture thanks to ripe bananas, combined with the sweetness of chocolate chips. Perfect for a delicious dessert or snack, this easy recipe is a great way to use overripe bananas and customize with nuts or different chocolates.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana (mashed)
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, helping to create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the mashed banana, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined, providing moisture and flavor to the dough.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to distribute the leavening and spices evenly.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cookies.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to distribute them evenly throughout the dough.
- Portion the Dough: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers appear set.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture.
Notes
- These cookies have a soft, cakey texture thanks to the banana.
- You can add chopped walnuts or swap chocolate chips for dark or milk chocolate.
- Great for using up overripe bananas.
