If you’re a fan of all things sweet, comforting, and packed with nostalgic flavors, then you have to try this Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe. Imagine the cozy warmth of your favorite banana bread, but in the form of a soft, chewy cookie studded with rich chocolate chips. It’s like a hug in cookie form, bringing together the best of two beloved treats. Whether you’re baking for a crowd, or just treating yourself to a little sweetness, these cookies hit the spot every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple pantry staples that come together to create an incredible balance of flavors and textures. Each item plays a vital role in delivering cookies that are moist, fragrant, and irresistibly tender.
- Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Adds richness and helps create that perfect soft texture.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens the cookies with subtle crispness.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Brings a deep caramel flavor and moisture to the dough.
- Large ripe banana (1, mashed): The star ingredient that imparts natural sweetness and banana bread essence.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds structure.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors with a warm, aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): The foundation of the cookie dough providing substance without heaviness.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise to tender perfection.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and draws out the individual flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a hint of warm spice that pairs beautifully with banana.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 cup): The melty pockets of chocolate that make every bite heavenly.
- Chopped walnuts or pecans (1/2 cup, optional): Provides a delightful crunch and nutty contrast.
How to Make Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for giving your cookies that lovely tender crumb and helps the dough capture air for a soft texture.
Step 3: Incorporate the Banana, Egg, and Vanilla
Next, stir in the mashed ripe banana along with the egg and vanilla extract. These ingredients not only add moisture but also carry that unmistakable banana bread flavor directly into every bite of your cookies.
Step 4: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This dry mixture is your cookie’s structure builders and spice enhancers, which perfectly complement the sweet, moist banana.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to your wet banana mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep your cookies tender and cakey rather than dense.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts
Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and if you like, chopped walnuts or pecans. These add richness and a bit of crunch, rounding out the texture beautifully.
Step 7: Portion and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the parchment-lined baking sheets, spacing each about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to finish cooling.
How to Serve Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking can elevate the flavors to new heights, creating a delightful balance with the sweetness. When serving, a small drizzle of melted chocolate or a dusting of powdered sugar can add that extra special touch.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a hot cup of coffee, or even a creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. A side of fresh fruit also complements the richness beautifully, making your treat feel just a bit lighter.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two cookies with a dollop of cream cheese frosting or peanut butter spread for a fun twist. You can also chop a few cookies to sprinkle over yogurt or serve them crumbled as part of a dessert parfait. The versatility of this Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe lets your creativity shine in presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh for up to 3 days. Place a slice of bread inside the container to help retain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe fresh longer, freeze the baked cookies individually on a tray before transferring them into a freezer-safe bag. They freeze wonderfully and can last up to 3 months in the freezer without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm, just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or reheat them in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5 minutes. This will revive their soft, chewy texture and make them taste freshly baked all over again.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually perfect for this Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe because they are sweeter and mash more easily, intensifying the flavor of the cookies.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour?
You can substitute whole wheat flour, though the cookies may turn out a bit denser and have a nuttier taste. For a lighter texture, try using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour.
Is it necessary to add nuts to the recipe?
Nope! Nuts are completely optional. They add a wonderful crunch and flavor contrast, but the cookies are delicious on their own without them as well.
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
The cookies should have lightly golden edges and set centers. They might look a bit soft but will firm up as they cool, so resist the temptation to overbake.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, you can enjoy these Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies with a gluten-free twist. Just be sure your baking blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about turning banana bread into cookies, and this Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe captures that magic perfectly. The softness, the bursts of melty chocolate, and that warm banana spice create a comforting treat that feels homemade and heartwarming. So go ahead and bake a batch—you’ll soon find these cookies becoming a beloved staple in your recipe collection and maybe even your go-to gift for friends and family.
Print
Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies offer the delightful flavor of classic banana bread with the convenience and fun of a cookie. Soft and cake-like in texture, they combine ripe bananas, chocolate chips, and a hint of cinnamon for a perfectly balanced, easy dessert that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 large ripe banana (mashed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Add-ins
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create a tender texture.
- Add Banana, Egg, and Vanilla: Mix in the mashed ripe banana, egg, and vanilla extract until fully combined, infusing the dough with moisture and flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agent and spices.
- Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients and mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips and Nuts: Stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped nuts (if using) to evenly distribute throughout the dough.
- Shape and Bake: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set but still soft.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, helping them set properly.
Notes
- These cookies have a soft, cake-like texture—true to the feel of classic banana bread but in cookie form.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days for optimal freshness.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies to maintain flavor and texture.
- Optional: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the cookies before baking to enhance the chocolate and banana flavors.
