Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

Introduction

Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat when you want something sweet, comforting, and just a little bit indulgent. Imagine soft, chewy cookies filled with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and studded with gooey chocolate chips. Every bite is a delightful combination of flavors, with the bananas providing a gentle sweetness and the chocolate offering that rich, melty goodness.

I love making these cookies when I have ripe bananas on hand that need to be used up. It’s such an easy recipe, and the house always smells amazing as they bake. The texture is slightly cakey, which makes them feel light yet satisfying—perfect for a snack or even a little dessert after dinner. Plus, the combination of banana and chocolate is a classic that never gets old!

These cookies also have that comforting, homemade feel that brings a bit of nostalgia. Whether you’re baking to share with friends at a gathering or just treating yourself to something sweet, Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking collection. And the best part? They’re quick to make, so you won’t be waiting long to enjoy the warm, gooey goodness!

Perfect for:

• Snack time
• Dessert after dinner
• Packing in lunchboxes
• Special celebrations
• Baking with kids

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies will become your new favorite treat:

• Delicious Combination: The pairing of bananas and chocolate chips creates a delicious, nostalgic flavor that everyone will love.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have the perfect balance of softness and chewiness, thanks to the mashed bananas and melted chocolate.
• Quick and Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal preparation, these cookies are a breeze to make, even for beginner bakers.
• Great Way to Use Overripe Bananas: This is the perfect recipe to use up bananas that are too ripe to eat, reducing food waste and turning them into something sweet.
• Versatile Treat: While chocolate chips are classic, you can easily customize these cookies with other mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or coconut for an added twist.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories per cookie
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ ripe bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Bananas: The bananas not only add sweetness but also keep the cookies moist and chewy. Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they are extra sweet.
• Butter: The butter adds richness and flavor to the cookies, making them melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds depth of flavor, providing a soft, chewy texture and a subtle caramel-like taste.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips are a classic choice for this recipe, but you can substitute with milk chocolate or dark chocolate for different levels of sweetness.
• Walnuts/Pecans (Optional): Chopped nuts add a nice crunch to the cookies and complement the softness of the bananas and chocolate.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Then, add the mashed bananas and mix until smooth and incorporated.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in the Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips (and nuts, if using) into the dough.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

7. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the cookies are golden around the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are delicious on their own, but there are plenty of fun ways to serve them:

• With a Glass of Milk: Pair these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for a classic and comforting snack.
• As a Dessert: Serve these cookies after dinner as a sweet treat that everyone will enjoy.
• In Lunchboxes: Pack a couple of these cookies in lunchboxes for a homemade, sweet addition to any meal.
• With Ice Cream: Place a scoop of vanilla or banana ice cream between two cookies to create a delicious ice cream sandwich.
• With Tea or Coffee: These cookies are perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee during an afternoon break.

Additional Tips

To make sure your Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies come out perfectly every time, here are some tips:

• Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Overripe bananas with brown spots are perfect for baking.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined for a softer, chewier texture.
• Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking helps the cookies keep their shape and results in a chewier texture.
• Add Other Mix-ins: Try adding other mix-ins like dried cranberries, coconut flakes, or peanut butter chips to customize the flavor of your cookies.
• Check Early for Doneness: Since oven temperatures vary, start checking the cookies around the 15-minute mark. They should be golden brown around the edges.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 fun variations of Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies:

• Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1/4 cup peanut butter to the dough for a peanut-banana flavor combination.
• Coconut Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add ½ cup shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
• Oatmeal Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1 cup rolled oats for a hearty, chewy texture.
• Almond Joy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add chopped almonds and coconut flakes for an Almond Joy-inspired version.
• Maple Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies: Replace half of the sugar with maple syrup for a subtle maple flavor.
• Salted Caramel Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add a handful of caramel bits and a sprinkle of sea salt on top before baking.
• Dark Chocolate Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet for a richer, less sweet cookie.
• Double Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add banana chips to the dough in addition to the mashed bananas for an extra banana flavor and crunch.
• Cranberry Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add dried cranberries to the dough for a tart contrast to the sweet banana and chocolate.
• Zucchini Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of finely grated zucchini for extra moisture and a slight vegetable boost.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing Cookie Dough: Scoop the cookie dough onto a baking sheet and freeze the dough balls. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or Ziploc bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Storage: Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. To keep them fresh longer, you can store them in the fridge for up to 10 days.

Special Equipment

Here are 10 special equipment items that can help make your Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies even easier to make:

• Electric Mixer: Use an electric mixer to cream the butter and sugars easily and achieve a smooth cookie dough.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures evenly sized cookies and makes portioning the dough easy.
• Baking Sheet: A sturdy baking sheet is essential for even baking and a golden crust on your cookies.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat helps prevent sticking and ensures easy cleanup.
• Wire Cooling Rack: A cooling rack allows air to circulate around the cookies, helping them cool quickly and evenly.
• Mixing Bowls: A set of large mixing bowls is essential for combining the wet and dry ingredients.
• Whisk: A whisk helps to blend dry ingredients together evenly before adding them to the wet mixture.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect texture and flavor in your cookies.
• Silicone Spatula: A silicone spatula helps fold the chocolate chips and nuts into the dough without overmixing.
• Baking Timer: A timer will help you track the baking time and prevent overcooking the cookies.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
   Yes, frozen bananas can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing them.
2. Can I make these cookies without eggs?
   Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg or a chia egg for a vegan version.
3. Can I freeze these cookies?
   Yes, you can freeze the baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw before enjoying.
4. Can I substitute the butter with margarine?
   Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
5. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

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Conclusion

Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for those who love the sweet combination of fruit and chocolate. With their soft, chewy texture and the natural sweetness of ripe bananas, these cookies are a delightful way to indulge your cravings. The gooey chocolate chips add the perfect touch, making each bite a satisfying experience.

Not only are these cookies incredibly tasty, but they’re also super easy to make and customizable. Whether you choose to add nuts, adjust the level of sweetness, or even switch up the type of chocolate, this recipe is versatile enough to suit your preferences. Plus, it’s a great way to use up overripe bananas instead of throwing them away.

I can’t wait to see how your Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram. I’d love to see your creations and hear how you made this recipe your own! Happy baking!