If you’re looking for a dessert that’s pure comfort, look no further than these Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies. They’re irresistibly soft and cake-like, with sweet bursts of banana and plenty of gooey chocolate chips in every bite. Each cookie strikes the perfect balance between chewy and fluffy, so you always get that classic cookie satisfaction while enjoying fruity flavor and melty, rich chocolate. Whether you want to use up a ripe banana or just bake something special, you’ll be reaching for this recipe over and over again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The intriguing thing about Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies is how a handful of pantry staples combine to create something so memorable. Each ingredient pulls its weight, from tenderness and flavor to those iconic pockets of chocolate.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): This is key for richness and creates a soft, luxurious crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds classic sweetness and helps the cookies spread just the right amount.
- Light brown sugar (1/2 cup, packed): Brings moisture and a caramel-like depth that pairs joyfully with banana.
- Ripe banana (1 large, mashed): The star of the show, lending sweetness, banana flavor, and that signature soft texture.
- Large egg (1): Binds the dough and ensures the cookies fluff up just so.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A touch of vanilla brightens up every flavor in these cookies.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Provides structure and keeps everything tender but not dense.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the cookies a bit of rise for that light, cake-like bite.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Don’t skip it—salt balances the sweetness and amps up the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds warmth and a subtle spice that makes these cookies extra cozy.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): Every bite needs a little chocolate—these are melty, rich, and just right.
How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies bake evenly and don’t stick—plus, clean-up is a breeze!
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar. Beat them together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is essential because well-creamed butter and sugar mean your cookies will have an irresistibly tender structure.
Step 3: Mix in Banana, Egg, and Vanilla
Add the mashed banana, egg, and vanilla extract to your creamed mixture. Beat everything together until it’s well incorporated. The banana should fully blend in, making the dough silky and shaping that unmistakable banana flavor throughout.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This blend not only ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and spices but also prevents any clumps, resulting in uniform cookies with balanced flavor.
Step 5: Bring the Dough Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. It’s important not to overmix here—stop as soon as you see no more flour streaks for the softest Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, dotting the dough with plenty of chocolate. Every scoop guarantees those dreamy pockets of gooey chocolate as the cookies bake up.
Step 7: Shape and Bake
Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers have just set. They’ll appear slightly soft in the middle, which is exactly what you want!
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This waiting period helps set their shape and ensures the signature chewy-yet-cakey texture that keeps everyone coming back for more Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies.
How to Serve Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
For a simple but irresistible upgrade, sprinkle warm cookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt for extra contrast or dust them lightly with powdered sugar. A drizzle of melted chocolate also looks (and tastes!) delightful. If you’re feeling extra, a handful of chopped toasted walnuts will add both flavor and crunch, making each bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
Pair your Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies with a cold glass of milk for the ultimate comfort snack. They also shine alongside fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream for an easy but impressive dessert plate. For a cozy afternoon treat, try them next to a mug of hot coffee or creamy chai—it’s like a warm hug on a plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies in a tall glass jar for a charming, gift-worthy presentation—just tie with a ribbon and add a handwritten note. For parties, consider sandwiching a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for quick, tasty ice cream sandwiches. Or, crumble cookies over banana pudding or parfaits for a twist on classic desserts—they’ll add flavor, texture, and plenty of smiles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay at their best for up to 4 days, so you can bake them once and snack all week. If the cookies begin to dry out, add a slice of bread to the container—the moisture will transfer and keep your cookies tender.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully: both the baked cookies and the unbaked dough. For baked cookies, layer them with parchment paper in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. For dough, scoop tablespoons onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag—just bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
Reheating
Want that just-baked warmth and gooey chocolate? Simply pop the cookies in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3 to 5 minutes, or microwave individual cookies for 10 to 15 seconds. You’ll be rewarded with soft, melty Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies that taste like they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen bananas instead of fresh?
Absolutely! If you have frozen bananas stashed away, thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen bananas often become even sweeter and work beautifully in Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies.
What if I don’t have light brown sugar?
No worries—dark brown sugar or even coconut sugar can work as a substitute. The flavor will be slightly richer and more caramel-like, but your cookies will still be soft, delicious, and full of banana and chocolate goodness.
Can these be made gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The cookies may be just a bit more delicate, but the banana and chocolate flavors will still shine through in every bite.
How can I make these cookies vegan?
Replace the butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of the egg, and opt for vegan chocolate chips. The results are still fantastic—tender, flavorful, and 100% plant-based!
Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut are wonderful additions. Stir in about 1/2 cup of your choice along with the chocolate chips for some extra texture and flavor in your Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Final Thoughts
It’s impossible not to fall in love with Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies—they’re simple, comforting, and full of nostalgic flavor with a modern, chocolate-laden twist. Give them a try; your kitchen will smell amazing, and your cookie jar won’t stay full for long!
PrintBanana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Indulge in these soft and chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies that are bursting with sweet banana flavor and studded with melty chocolate chips. Perfect for a snack or dessert!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Cookie Dough:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in the mashed banana, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mix until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Bake: Drop dough onto the baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden.
- Cool: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- These cookies have a soft, cake-like texture thanks to the banana.
- For extra flavor, add chopped walnuts or a pinch of nutmeg.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 15mg