Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of soft, cake-like cookies that practically melt in your mouth, you’re going to fall head over heels for Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies. Imagine the sweet, caramelized goodness of a ripe banana perfectly balanced with melty chocolate chips and a hint of cinnamon warmth. These cookies hit every indulgent note while bringing back that cozy, home-baked aroma we all crave. Whether you’re looking to use up ripe bananas or just in the mood for a comforting treat, this is the recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the pure joys of making Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each component plays a special role, from creating the tender cookie crumb to infusing irresistible flavor and richness.

• Ripe banana: Bananas with lots of brown spots are ideal—they’ll add natural sweetness and a moist, tender texture that’s key for these cookies.
• Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): The backbone of any great cookie, butter helps with structure and brings a rich, creamy taste to every bite.
• Brown sugar (1/2 cup): Brown sugar adds a deep caramel note and helps keep the cookies chewy and soft.
• Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): For just the right amount of crispness on the edges and a boost of sweetness.
• Large egg: Binds the batter together while offering a bit of lift and structure.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): A splash of vanilla ties every flavor together with its cozy aroma.
• All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Flour gives these cookies shape and that classic tender crumb.
• Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough lift to keep each cookie fluffy instead of dense.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth that perfectly complements the banana and chocolate.
• Semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup): The star ingredient for gooey pockets of chocolate in every bite; swap for dark chocolate or add walnuts if you’d like!

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and release effortlessly—no stuck-on bottoms and minimal cleanup!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine your softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using a hand mixer or sturdy spatula, beat this trio together until it’s light and fluffy; this is what makes your Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies tender and cake-like.

Step 3: Add Banana, Egg, and Vanilla

Beat in your mashed banana, egg, and vanilla extract until the mixture is fully combined. The banana not only infuses luscious flavor but also keeps the dough moist, resulting in cookies that stay soft even days after baking.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This step ensures everything is evenly dispersed, giving you flavor and a perfectly airy crumb in every cookie.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined—overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as everything looks uniform. Then gently fold in your chocolate chips so every spoonful of dough gets its fair share of sweetness.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Drop heaping tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, giving them a little space to spread out. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are golden and the centers are just set for a perfect soft texture. Allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies

Garnishes

For an extra-special touch, try sprinkling freshly baked Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies with flaky sea salt or a pinch of extra cinnamon as they come out of the oven. A dusting of powdered sugar is also picture-perfect, especially if you’re serving them at a party or cozy brunch.

Side Dishes

These cookies shine alongside a tall glass of cold milk, a mug of hot coffee, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. They make for a welcoming addition to fruit platters, pairing beautifully with berries or sliced apples for a balanced treat.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get playful, use these cookies to make ice cream sandwiches, drizzle them with melted chocolate, or stack them high and tie with a ribbon as a homemade gift. For gatherings, arrange Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies on a decorative platter alongside bowls of whipped cream or caramel for dunking—pure fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to three days, thanks to the banana’s moisture-retaining magic. Just keep them away from direct sunlight or excessive heat for best results.

Freezing

Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies freeze exceptionally well. Simply place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container; separate layers with parchment so they don’t stick. Thaw at room temperature for a convenient sweet treat anytime.

Reheating

To refresh your cookies, pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 3–4 minutes, or microwave them for 10–12 seconds. This brings back their lovely softness and releases those intoxicating banana-and-chocolate aromas all over again.

FAQs

Can I use very ripe bananas for Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies?

Absolutely! The riper the banana, the more pronounced and naturally sweet the flavor will be. Bananas with plenty of brown spots give the best results.

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes, you can substitute the butter for a plant-based alternative, use a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water), and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy free. The finished cookies will still be tender and delicious.

Why did my cookies turn out cakey?

The combination of banana and the way the ingredients are mixed is designed to create a soft, cake-like texture. If you prefer a more traditional chewy cookie, try using a bit less banana or a bit more sugar for a denser result.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Go ahead and add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even dried fruit along with the chocolate chips if you want a bit of crunch and extra flavor.

Do I need to chill the cookie dough before baking?

For this recipe, there’s no need to chill the dough—it’s ready to bake right away. If you want extra thick cookies, chilling for 20–30 minutes can help them hold their shape better.

Final Thoughts

Baking a batch of Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies is such a simple way to bring a smile to your day—or someone else’s! With the dreamy combo of banana and melty chocolate chips, these cookies are always a crowd-pleaser. Give them a try next time you have a ripe banana on hand, and you’ll see why they’ve become a favorite in so many homes.

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