The enticing aroma of freshly baked cookies filled my kitchen as I mixed together the last few ingredients, and I couldn’t help but smile. It was a rainy afternoon, perfect for indulging in something warm and sweet. That’s when these Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies came into play—a delightful twist on two classic favorites that came together surprisingly well.
Imagine soft, chewy cookies infused with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, complemented perfectly by rich, gooey chocolate chips. Not only do they satisfy a sweet tooth, but they also make use of overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste—talk about a guilt-free treat!
With just 15 minutes of prep and a mere 12 minutes in the oven, you’ll whip up a batch of these satisfying cookies in no time. Whether you’re baking for yourself, family, or a gathering of friends, these cookies are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. So, let’s get started and elevate your cookie game today!
Why You'll Love This Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies
- These Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are incredibly easy to make, requiring just 15 minutes of prep time, making them perfect for a quick baking session.
- The flavor combination of ripe bananas and rich chocolate chips creates a delightful taste experience that everyone will love.
- These cookies are versatile enough to be enjoyed as a treat for yourself, served at gatherings, or gifted to friends and family.
- Visually, they are tantalizing with their golden edges and chocolatey goodness, making them a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Dough
• Mashed ripe bananas – adds natural sweetness and moisture, making the cookies soft and chewy.
• Unsalted butter – ensures a rich flavor; you can use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Brown sugar – gives a deeper, caramel-like flavor; substitute with white sugar for a lighter taste.
• Granulated sugar – balances the sweetness; consider using coconut sugar for a healthier twist.
• Large egg – binds the ingredients together; a flaxseed egg can be used for a vegan option.
• Vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor profile; homemade vanilla adds a personal touch.
For the Dry Ingredients
• All-purpose flour – provides structure; you can use whole wheat flour for added nutrition.
• Baking soda – helps the cookies rise and stay soft; make sure it’s fresh for best results.
• Salt – amplifies all the sweet flavors; a pinch of sea salt on top before baking adds a nice crunch.
For the Choco-Lovers
• Chocolate chips – the star of the show that melts into gooey goodness; dark chocolate chips elevate the flavor.
How to Make Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden brown.
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Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes and helps create a lovely texture.
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Incorporate the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract into the mixture. Stir well until it’s completely combined, creating a delightful banana-flavored batter.
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Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in another bowl. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures even distribution and prevents clumping.
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Combine the dry ingredients gradually into the banana mixture. Mix until just combined to avoid overworking the dough, which helps keep your cookies soft.
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Fold in the chocolate chips gently. Feel free to add more if you’re feeling indulgent; chocolate lovers can never have too much!
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Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each for spreading. This will help them bake evenly.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Watch closely, as every oven is different, and we want them perfectly chewy.
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Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up slightly and makes them easier to handle.
Optional: Drizzle with a bit of melted chocolate for an extra treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Imagine the delight of pairing warm, chewy cookies with treats that enhance their sweet, banana goodness.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of berries and citrus balances the sweetness, uplifting each cookie bite with a refreshing crunch.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creaminess and coldness of ice cream create a heavenly contrast when served on top of the warm cookies.
- Coffee or Espresso: The rich, bold flavors of coffee enhance the chocolate and banana notes, making for a perfect afternoon treat.
- Milk or Dairy Alternatives: A classic pairing that complements the sweetness, helping to cleanse the palate and soften the cookie’s texture.
- Nut Butter Dip: A smear of almond or peanut butter adds protein and a savory richness, transforming each cookie into a delightful finger-food.
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream offers a luxurious touch, making your cookie experience feel extra special.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzled atop your cookies, caramel adds an indulgent sweetness that transforms your dessert into something extraordinary.
- Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai provide an aromatic contrast, making each bite of cookie savor that much richer.
Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Feel free to play with this recipe and create your perfect version of these delightful cookies.
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Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for a tasty alternative.
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Nutty Delight: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a lovely crunch and earthy flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic twist.
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Healthier Option: Substitute half the mashed bananas with unsweetened applesauce to reduce sugar and enhance moisture.
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Add Zest: Incorporate the zest of one orange or lemon for a refreshing citrusy brightness that complements the banana perfectly.
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Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative to make this treat dairy-free.
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Minty Fresh: For a surprise twist, add a few drops of peppermint extract to the wet ingredients. It’s a refreshing and fun change!
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Choco-Party: Mix in white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips along with the chocolate for a colorful and decadent combo.
Unlock your creativity and enjoy a new twist on a classic treat!
Make Ahead Options
These Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fantastic choice for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and keep it chilling in the refrigerator. Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. This helps to deepen the flavors and also ensures the cookies maintain their chewy texture when baked. When you’re ready to enjoy them, preheat your oven and drop the dough directly onto the baking sheet—you can bake them straight from the fridge for perfect, warm cookies in just 10-12 minutes. This makes it easy to whip up a fresh batch whenever the craving strikes!
How to Store and Freeze Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days; they’ll stay soft and delicious, perfect for snacking.
Fridge: If you live in a warm climate, keep cookies in the fridge for up to a week. Just allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying!
Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a quick treat.
Reheating: For the freshest taste, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes. This revives the gooey chocolate chip experience of your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe for the Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies to achieve maximum sweetness and moisture.
- When creaming the butter and sugars, aim for a light and fluffy texture to ensure a nice rise during baking.
- To prevent overmixing when combining dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined for the best soft texture.
- Always check your oven calibration; baking at 350°F may vary slightly, and keeping an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes is key to achieving the perfect golden edges.
Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe bananas for my cookies?
Absolutely! When selecting bananas for your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies, look for ones that are well-spotted with dark brown or black skin. These bananas are sweeter and the perfect level of ripeness for baking. If they are green, give them a couple of days to ripen at room temperature.
How should I store my cookies to keep them fresh?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to extend their life, place them in the refrigerator, where they can last for about a week. Make sure the container is sealed tightly to maintain their chewy texture!
Can I freeze Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Very! To freeze your cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They will stay delicious for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes for that fresh-baked feel!
What can I do if my cookies are too flat?
If you find that your cookies are spreading too much and becoming flat, it’s likely due to the butter being too soft. Make sure to cream your butter and sugars for just the right amount of time – about 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. Also, check that you’re using the correct measurements, especially for flour. Consider chilling your dough for 30 minutes before baking if they still flatten out.
Are these cookies suitable for people with allergies?
When it comes to allergies, always check the ingredients! Our Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies contain gluten and dairy due to flour and butter, respectively. However, to make them allergy-friendly, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and use coconut oil in place of butter. For those with egg allergies, a flaxseed egg works as a great binder: simply mix 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit until it thickens.
Can pets eat banana bread chocolate chip cookies?
It’s best to keep these cookies away from pets! While bananas are safe for pets in moderation, the sugars and chocolate can be harmful to dogs and cats. If you want to share something special with your furry friend, consider giving them a small piece of plain banana instead.
Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract into the mixture until completely combined.
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in another bowl.
- Combine the dry ingredients gradually into the banana mixture.
- Fold in the chocolate chips gently.
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
