Chocolate chip banana cookies are a delightful fusion of two classic treats: chocolate chip cookies and banana bread. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the rich, sweet flavor of ripe bananas combined with the gooey goodness of chocolate chips. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and incredibly rewarding.
Trivia: What is the secret to keeping cookies soft and chewy? The answer is using brown sugar and not over-baking them. The moisture from the brown sugar helps keep the cookies tender and the shorter bake time ensures they stay soft.
Recipe Overview
| Yields | 24 cookies |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Calories | 120 per serving |
Ingredients
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large bananas)
- 1 1/2 cups of chocolate chips
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Step 4: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Add the mashed bananas and mix until incorporated.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not over-mix.
- Step 6: Fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula.
- Step 7: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers will still look slightly underbaked.
- Step 9: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 1 cookie |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 75mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Protein | 1.5g |
Watch this video for another take on soft, chewy banana cookies that aren’t cakey:
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Wire rack
Tips, Shortcuts, and Variations
Tip: Use ripe bananas for the best flavor. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
Shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made cookie dough and simply add mashed bananas and chocolate chips.
Variations: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Food and Drink Pairings
These chocolate chip banana cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a warm mug of tea. For a delightful dessert, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
A: Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but the cookies may have a denser texture and a slightly different flavor.
Q: Can I make these cookies vegan?
A: Yes, to make these cookies vegan, you can use a vegan butter substitute, flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal + 3 tablespoons of water), and dairy-free chocolate chips.
Q: How can I make the cookies gluten-free?
A: To make the cookies gluten-free, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum or add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to the recipe.
Q: What can I use instead of chocolate chips?
A: You can use chopped chocolate bars, white chocolate chips, or even butterscotch chips as a substitute for chocolate chips.
Q: Can I add nuts to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can add chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
