Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a delightful twist on classic cookies, this Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is the answer to your cravings. Imagine soft, chewy cookies infused with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, studded generously with melty chocolate chips for the ultimate flavor combo that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, thanks to simple pantry staples, and they bring a perfect balance of moist texture and rich chocolate goodness that will quickly turn into a favorite snack or dessert at any time of day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the baking, let’s chat about the handful of ingredients that make these Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe so special. Each item plays a crucial role in building that moist, tender texture and deep, comforting flavor you’ll love.

• Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and helps create the perfect chewy texture.
• Granulated sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness and helps with browning.
• Brown sugar: Packed with molasses, it adds moisture and a delicious caramel undertone.
• Ripe banana: Naturally sweetens and keeps cookies soft and tender without extra fat.
• Large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds structure to the cookies.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the sweetness perfectly.
• All-purpose flour: The base that holds everything together.
• Baking soda: Gives the cookies a light rise and soft crumb.
• Salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Cinnamon (optional): Adds a cozy spice note that pairs beautifully with banana.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: The star player delivering melty chocolate pockets in every bite.

How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step introduces air into your dough, giving the cookies a soft and tender texture.

Step 3: Add Banana, Egg, and Vanilla

Stir in the mashed ripe banana, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Mix well until everything is completely combined and smooth. The banana here not only adds flavor but also natural moisture that keeps these cookies irresistibly soft.

Step 4: Whisk Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed for consistent flavor and rise.

Step 5: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and light.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Now for the best part: fold in the semisweet chocolate chips. These pockets of chocolate will melt slightly in the oven, creating irresistible gooey bites.

Step 7: Scoop the Dough onto Baking Sheets

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies enough room to expand without merging together.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end so they don’t overbake – you want soft centers with just a slight crisp on the edges.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This resting time helps the cookies firm up just enough without losing their signature softness.

How to Serve Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

If you want to elevate your Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top right after baking to contrast with the sweetness and accentuate the chocolate flavor. A dusting of cinnamon sugar before baking can also add a delightful warm crunch.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk, a creamy cappuccino, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. If you’re serving them as a snack, fresh fruit or a small bowl of mixed nuts can complement the flavors nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, sandwich two cookies together with a layer of peanut butter, Nutella, or cream cheese frosting. You can also crumble these cookies over yogurt or ice cream as a tasty topping that adds both texture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Placing a slice of bread in the container helps retain moisture, keeping your Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe as soft as when they were freshly baked.

Freezing

If you want to save these cookies for later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and can be thawed at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To warm your cookies, gently reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This refreshes their softness and melts the chocolate chips beautifully, reviving that fresh-baked feel.

FAQs

Can I substitute the banana with applesauce or another fruit?

While applesauce can substitute to add moisture, the distinctive flavor of banana is what makes this Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe unique. Using other fruits may change the taste and texture significantly.

Is it necessary to use both granulated and brown sugar?

Using both adds depth to the sweetness and helps achieve that perfect chewy texture. Granulated sugar provides crispness, while brown sugar adds moisture and a rich, caramel-like flavor.

Can I use milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips instead?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap semisweet chips for milk or dark chocolate depending on your preference. Each brings a slightly different flavor profile but will work wonderfully in this recipe.

Why is my cookie dough too sticky to handle?

If your dough feels sticky, chilling it in the fridge for 30 minutes can make scooping and shaping easier. This also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

How do I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?

To make this Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe vegan, you can use vegan butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) instead of a regular egg. Just make sure your chocolate chips are dairy-free too.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe a try because it’s one of those delightful treats that feels like a little celebration in your mouth. Its simple ingredients come together to create something irresistibly chewy, sweet, and comforting that will likely become a beloved classic in your baking repertoire. Whether for a cozy afternoon snack or sharing with loved ones, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and satisfaction in every bite.

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