Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that puts a delightful twist on a timeless classic, Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies are absolutely irresistible. These soft, golden cookies bring together the rich flavor of ripe bananas with melty chocolate chips for a treat that’s both comforting and delicious. Picture everything you love about banana bread, baked into a cookie that’s slightly chewy with just the right amount of sweetness. Believe me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why these cookies are always at the top of my must-bake list!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep it real: the magic of Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies is all in the ingredients. Each one plays a special role, from taste to texture, and makes these cookies beautifully moist, perfectly sweet, and hard to resist.

• Ripe bananas (1 cup, about 2 medium): The riper, the better—spotty bananas add natural sweetness and amazing moisture.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup, softened): Gives the cookies a rich flavor and creates that dreamy, tender crumb.
• Brown sugar (½ cup): Adds depth and a hint of molasses, making the cookies extra soft.
• Granulated sugar (¼ cup): Balances sweetness and helps the edges brown perfectly.
• Large egg (1): Binds everything together while keeping the cookies tender.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the flavor and rounds out the banana and chocolate notes.
• All-purpose flour (1½ cups): Provides the perfect foundation for chewy, hearty cookies.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies puff up for that classic soft-cookie look.
• Cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Brings a subtle warmth that mingles beautifully with banana and chocolate.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Just enough to balance the sweetness and accentuate all the flavors.
• Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): The star mix-in—melts into pools of chocolatey goodness.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies

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 make cleanup a breeze. This quick prep step means your cookies will slide right off when they’re done baking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand mixer (or a sturdy wooden spoon with some elbow grease) to cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. The goal is a light, fluffy mixture—think pale and cloud-like, which will make your cookies irresistibly soft.

Step 3: Add Bananas, Egg, and Vanilla

Now’s the time to add the mashed bananas, a large egg, and vanilla extract to your butter-sugar mixture. Mix until everything is completely combined. You’ll notice the batter becomes luscious and slightly creamy with gorgeous flecks of banana throughout!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This step ensures your leavening agent and spices are evenly distributed—no lumps, just smooth, even flavor and rise.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies, so stop as soon as you see no more flour streaks. The dough should be thick, soft, and ready for the final touch.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips until evenly spread throughout the dough. If you love bursts of chocolate in every bite, don’t be shy—press a few extra chips right on top before baking!

Step 7: Portion and Bake

Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in your preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges look lightly golden and the centers look set. Don’t overbake—these cookies should stay soft and tender!

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This short rest helps the cookies finish baking gently and ensures they’re ready to handle and enjoy warm (or later, if you can wait).

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies

Garnishes

Serve your Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dusting of powdered sugar. These simple garnishes not only make them look extra inviting but also elevate their flavor—they’re stunning at a bake sale or a cozy family gathering.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a cold glass of milk, a mug of hot cocoa, or even a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. If you’re feeling fancy, a simple berry salad brings a refreshing contrast to these rich, chocolate-studded cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies in a rustic tin lined with parchment for gifting, or arrange them on a tiered dessert stand for a pretty party platter. You can even crumble them over a bowl of yogurt or your morning oatmeal for a decadent breakfast twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to 4 days. If you like a super-chewy texture, add a slice of bread to the container—it’ll keep your cookies bakery-fresh for even longer!

Freezing

For longer-term storage, let your cookies cool completely and then freeze them in a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. You can even freeze the portioned dough and bake right from frozen—just add a minute or two to the baking time.

Reheating

To enjoy warm cookies later, pop a few in the microwave for 10–15 seconds, or reheat in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. The chocolate chips will get melty again, and your kitchen will smell amazing—just like baking day!

FAQs

Can I use frozen bananas for Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies?

Absolutely! Simply thaw your frozen bananas, drain off excess liquid, and mash before adding to the recipe. This is a great way to use up overripe bananas stashed in your freezer.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, you can! Swap in vegan butter, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and choose dairy-free chocolate chips. The cookies will still be just as soft and flavorful.

Why are my cookies so cakey instead of chewy?

This can happen if you use extra-large bananas or overmix the dough. To get that delightfully chewy texture, stick to one cup of mashed banana and mix only until combined—chilling the dough for half an hour helps, too!

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Toss in a handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even butterscotch chips for extra crunch and flavor. Just keep the total mix-ins around one and a half cups so the cookies bake evenly.

What’s the best way to mash bananas?

Use a fork or potato masher for a quick, even mash. Small lumps are actually okay—they’ll add tiny bursts of banana throughout your Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something special about fresh-baked Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies coming out of the oven, filling your kitchen with that cozy, sweet aroma. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just to treat yourself, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it. I can’t wait for you to experience how quickly they disappear!

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