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There’s something magical about the combination of ripe bananas and melty chocolate chips in a warm, homemade cookie. If you’re like me, you probably hate wasting overripe bananas this banana chocolate chip cookies recipe is the perfect way to turn them into something delicious!
These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with natural sweetness, making them a fantastic alternative to traditional treats. Whether you’re craving a cozy afternoon snack or need a quick dessert for the family, this banana cookies recipe is a guaranteed hit. Plus, with just a few simple ingredients, you can whip them up in no time!
Want a healthier twist? You can easily make these into banana oatmeal cookies by adding a bit of rolled oats for extra texture and fiber. However you customize them, these cookies are pure comfort in every bite. Let’s get baking!
Key Benefits of Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
When it comes to homemade cookies, banana chocolate chip cookies offer the best of both worlds—naturally sweet, soft, and irresistibly chocolatey. Whether you’re baking for a family treat or just want to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies come with plenty of benefits.
Naturally Sweet & Flavorful
Thanks to ripe bananas, these cookies have a natural sweetness, meaning you can use less refined sugar without sacrificing flavor. Plus, bananas add a hint of caramel-like richness that pairs beautifully with chocolate chips.
Soft, Chewy, and Moist
Unlike traditional cookies that can sometimes turn dry, the mashed bananas help keep these cookies soft and chewy for days. If you love cookies with a slightly cake-like texture, this recipe is a must-try.
Easy & Quick to Make
With simple ingredients and no fancy equipment required, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers. Just mash, mix, and bake—you’ll have warm cookies ready in under 30 minutes.
Healthier Alternative
Looking for a banana cookies recipe healthy enough to enjoy guilt-free? These cookies can be easily adapted by swapping white flour for whole wheat, reducing the sugar, or adding oats for extra fiber—making them a great option for breakfast or a post-workout snack.
Customizable to Your Taste
One of the best things about this recipe is the endless variations. Want to make banana oatmeal cookies? Stir in some rolled oats. Prefer a little crunch? Add chopped nuts. Craving something indulgent? Swap milk chocolate chips for dark chocolate chunks or white chocolate.
No matter how you enjoy them, these banana chocolate chip cookies are guaranteed to become a favorite. Now, let’s gather the ingredients and start baking.
Ingredients for Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
Before we dive into baking, let’s gather everything you need. These banana chocolate chip cookies come together with simple pantry staples, making them an easy go-to treat.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas – The riper, the better! Overripe bananas add natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted – Gives the cookies a rich, buttery flavor.
- 3/4 cup brown sugar – Adds depth and chewiness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar – Balances the sweetness.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor.
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour – The base for the perfect cookie texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise slightly while staying soft.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) – Adds a warm, cozy touch.
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips – The star of the show! You can also mix in dark or milk chocolate chips for variety.
Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor:
- 1/2 cup rolled oats – To turn these into banana oatmeal cookies for a heartier texture.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans – Adds a delightful crunch.
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut – For a subtle tropical twist.
Ingredient Tips:
✅ Bananas too firm? Speed up ripening by placing them in a brown paper bag for a few hours.
✅ Want a healthier option? Swap out butter for coconut oil and use whole wheat flour for a more wholesome treat.
✅ Dairy-free? Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate chips to keep them vegan-friendly.
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, it’s time to start baking!
How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
Baking these banana chocolate chip cookies is as easy as mixing, scooping, and baking! Follow these simple steps for soft, chewy cookies with rich banana flavor and gooey chocolate in every bite.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients & Oven
Before you start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and ensures even baking. If your butter isn’t already softened, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes or microwave it in short bursts until just softened.
Step 2: Mash the Bananas
Grab one large ripe banana and mash it with a fork until smooth. The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be! If you love a little texture, leave some small chunks for extra banana goodness in every bite.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- ½ cup brown sugar (adds moisture and a deep caramel flavor)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (for a balanced sweetness)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whisk until the mixture is light and creamy. Then, stir in the mashed banana, ensuring it’s well combined.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda (for soft, chewy cookies)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder (for a little lift)
- ½ teaspoon salt
Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Overmixing can make the cookies dense, so mix gently!
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in ¾ cup of semisweet chocolate chips (or more if you’re a chocolate lover!). If you want a bit of crunch, toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture.
Step 6: Scoop & Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
Step 7: Cool & Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you can’t wait (I don’t blame you!), enjoy one warm with a cold glass of milk.
Now, all that’s left to do is share, savor, and maybe sneak another cookie—because these won’t last long!
Pro Tips and Variations
Want to take your banana chocolate chip cookies to the next level? These simple tips and variations will help you achieve the perfect batch every time. Whether you’re aiming for extra chewiness, a healthier twist, or a fun flavor boost, there’s a trick for everyone!
Pro Tips for Perfect Cookies
✅ Use Overripe Bananas – The riper, the better! Dark, spotty bananas add natural sweetness and moisture, making your cookies extra soft and flavorful.
✅ Don’t Overmix the Dough – Stir just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing can make the cookies dense instead of light and chewy.
✅ Chill the Dough for Thicker Cookies – If you prefer thicker, bakery-style banana cookies, let the dough rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking.
✅ Measure Flour Correctly – Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a knife. Packing it in can lead to dry, heavy cookies.
✅ Use Melted Butter for a Chewier Texture – Melted butter adds richness and gives the cookies a slightly denser, chewier bite.
✅ Bake on Parchment Paper – This prevents sticking and ensures even baking, giving you perfectly golden cookies every time.
Tasty Variations to Try
🌾 Banana Oatmeal Cookies – Swap half the flour for rolled oats to add a hearty texture and boost fiber.
🍯 Healthier Banana Cookies – Use whole wheat flour and reduce the sugar slightly, since the bananas already provide natural sweetness.
🥜 Nutty Twist – Fold in chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds for a delicious crunch.
🍌 Extra Banana Flavor – Add a teaspoon of banana extract to enhance the banana taste without making the dough too wet.
🍫 Chocolate Lovers’ Dream – Use a mix of dark and milk chocolate chips for an extra indulgent bite.
🥥 Coconut Banana Cookies – Stir in shredded coconut for a tropical touch that pairs beautifully with the bananas and chocolate.
However you customize them, these banana chocolate chip cookies will be a delicious addition to your recipe collection. Play around with flavors and textures to find your favorite version!
Serving Suggestions
These banana chocolate chip cookies are so good that you might just find yourself sneaking a second (or third) straight off the baking sheet! Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or saving them for later, here are some of the best ways to serve them:
1. Warm & Gooey – Fresh from the Oven
There’s nothing quite like a freshly baked banana cookie with gooey, melted chocolate chips. Enjoy one while it’s still warm with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee for the ultimate comfort treat.
2. Ice Cream Sandwiches
Want to take these cookies to the next level? Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies and freeze for an indulgent, homemade ice cream sandwich. The soft texture of the banana cookies pairs perfectly with the creamy ice cream!
3. Breakfast on the Go
Since these cookies have bananas and oats, they make a great grab-and-go breakfast option. Pair them with Greek yogurt and fresh fruit for a balanced morning meal that feels like a treat.
4. Dipping Fun
For an extra-special touch, dip half of each cookie into melted dark or white chocolate and let them set on parchment paper. Not only does this make them look bakery-worthy, but it also adds a little extra sweetness.
5. Perfect for Meal Prepping
These banana oatmeal cookies store beautifully! Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Just warm them up for a few seconds in the microwave, and they’ll taste just as fresh as the day you baked them.
No matter how you serve them, these banana chocolate chip cookies are sure to bring smiles all around. So go ahead—bake a batch, share with loved ones, and enjoy every bite!
Conclusion
There you have it soft, chewy, and irresistibly delicious Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies that are perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re looking for a cozy treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee, a kid-friendly snack, or a quick way to use up overripe bananas, this banana cookies recipe delivers on flavor and simplicity.
What makes these cookies even better? They’re endlessly customizable! Want a bit of crunch? Add some chopped walnuts. Looking for a healthier version? Swap in whole wheat flour or toss in some oats for a banana oatmeal cookies twist. No matter how you tweak them, they’ll fill your kitchen with that warm, nostalgic aroma of homemade goodness.
So, the next time you spot a few overripe bananas on your counter, skip the banana bread and bake up a batch of these amazing banana chocolate chip cookies. I promise—they won’t last long! 🍪✨
Happy baking! And don’t forget to share your cookie creations—I’d love to hear how they turned out! 😊
FAQs: Your Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Questions, Answered!
1. Can I make these cookies healthier?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a banana cookies recipe healthy version, try swapping out all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour or adding a handful of rolled oats for extra fiber. You can also reduce the sugar since ripe bananas already bring natural sweetness.
2. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them first. Frozen bananas tend to release extra moisture, which could make your dough too wet. If that happens, just add a little extra flour or oats to balance the consistency.
3. What’s the best way to store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, keep them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to three months. Just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying!
4. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?
Of course! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut make great additions. If you love a little crunch, sprinkle some nuts on top before baking.
5. Why did my cookies turn out too soft or cakey?
This usually happens when the bananas are too ripe or the dough is too wet. Try reducing the banana amount slightly or adding more flour to help them hold their shape. Also, avoid overmixing—gentle folding keeps the cookies tender but not overly fluffy.
6. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free baking flour or use a blend of almond flour and oat flour. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.
7. Do I need to chill the dough before baking?
Not necessarily, but if you want a thicker, chewier texture, chilling for 30 minutes before baking can help prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
8. Can I make these cookies without eggs?
Yes! Since bananas act as a natural binder, you can skip the eggs entirely or use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan-friendly version.
No matter how you customize these banana chocolate chip cookies, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Happy baking!