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
• The perfect blend of banana and chocolate awaits!
For the Cookie Dough
• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas – adds natural sweetness and moisture, perfect for these Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – ensures a rich and creamy texture for your dough.
• 1 cup brown sugar – brings a deep, caramel-like flavor.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar – balances the sweetness and adds a little crunch.
• 1 large egg – binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the flavors and adds warmth.
For the Dry Ingredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for structure; make sure to measure it properly for the best results.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – helps the cookies rise and become soft and fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances all the flavors in your cookies.
For the Chocolate
• 1 cup chocolate chips – the star ingredient that turns these cookies into a sweet delight!
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 come out perfectly golden brown.
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Cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, to create a rich base for your cookie dough.
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Mix in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a delightful blend of flavors.
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Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in another bowl. This step ensures that your dry ingredients are evenly distributed, contributing to the perfect texture of your cookies.
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Gradually add the dry mixture to the banana mixture. Stir gently until just combined—be careful not to overmix; we want soft cookies!
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Fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula. This is where the magic happens—those gooey chocolate chips will be the highlight of each bite!
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Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space them out about 2 inches apart, allowing room for spreading.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden. Keep an eye on them; when they smell irresistible, they’re almost done!
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Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack. Allow to cool completely to maintain that perfect chewy texture.
Optional: Drizzle with a bit of melted chocolate for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
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!
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!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies, ensure that your bananas are very ripe for maximum sweetness and moisture, as this will enhance the flavor significantly.
- A common mistake is overmixing the dough; mix just until combined to achieve a soft and chewy texture.
- For even baking, dropping rounded tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart will help them expand properly.
- Keep an eye on the cookies during the last few minutes of baking as they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so take them out when the edges are golden but the centers look a bit underbaked for the perfect soft bite.
Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the right bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Use bananas that are very ripe, with plenty of brown spots. The riper the bananas, the sweeter they will be, enhancing the flavor of your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies. If they are starting to turn black, that’s even better—perfect for mashing and baking!
What is the best way to store leftover cookies?
You can keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. They will stay nice and soft, perfect for those late-night snacks! For longer storage, move them to the fridge where they’ll last up to a week, just remember to let them come to room temperature before diving in.
Can I freeze Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Yes! To freeze, first allow the cookies to cool completely. Then, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds!
What should I do if my cookies come out too dry?
Very! If your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out dry, check that your bananas were ripe and well-mashed, as they provide moisture. Also, remember to measure your flour properly; using too much can lead to dry cookies. For the next batch, try slightly reducing the baking time, as all ovens vary. Checking them a minute or two early can make a big difference.
Are these cookies safe for my pets or those with allergies?
As much as we love them, these cookies are not safe for pets due to the chocolate content, which is toxic to dogs and cats. If you have allergies to any of the ingredients like gluten or dairy, consider making substitutions—like using gluten-free flour or a vegan butter alternative. Just be aware that adjustments can affect the final texture and taste.
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 in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Incorporate the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract into the mixture.
- 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.
