Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect treat for any occasion. With their soft, chewy texture and the delightful combination of banana and chocolate, these cookies bring comfort and joy in every bite. You don’t need any special occasion to whip up a batch; they are an ideal companion for your afternoon tea, a sweet snack for the kids, or a delicious dessert to share with friends. This recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with rich chocolate chips, creating a cookie that is both satisfying and irresistibly tasty. Now, let’s dive into why you’ll love making Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies in your kitchen.
Why We Love This Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
This Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it offers a unique twist on the traditional chocolate chip cookie by incorporating bananas, which not only adds an amazing flavor but also gives the cookies a moist texture. Moreover, it’s a fantastic way to use up overripe bananas that might otherwise go to waste. The combination of both granulated and brown sugar creates a beautifully balanced sweetness and depth of flavor in every cookie. The best part? The baking process fills your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma that makes it feel like home.
Ingredients about Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
To make your own batch of Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 Tablespoons (1/2 cup) butter, softened to room temperature
- 1/8 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg, room temperature
- 1/2 cup mashed bananas (about 1 large banana)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Directions
Making Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies is simple and straightforward, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit so it’s hot and ready for your cookies.
In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter along with the granulated and brown sugars. Use a standing mixer or a hand mixer to whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which should take about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the batter, which helps the cookies rise and become tender while baking.
Next, add the egg, vanilla extract, and the mashed banana to the bowl. Make sure that the banana is well-mashed to ensure even distribution throughout the dough. Mix these ingredients together just enough to combine them well, but avoid over-mixing as this can lead to tough cookies.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. The baking soda will help your cookies rise, while the salt balances out the sweetness of the sugars. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. A few flour streaks are perfectly fine; over-mixing can result in heavier cookies.
Once your dough is ready, gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. The chocolate chips will melt slightly in the oven, creating delicious pockets of gooey chocolate in every bite.
Using an ice cream scoop or a portion scoop that holds about 2 tablespoons of the dough, drop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Make sure to space them about 2 inches apart because they will spread a bit while baking. If you want a flatter cookie, flatten the tops slightly with your fingers or a spatula.
Now it’s time to bake your cookies. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and let them bake for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers appear slightly underbaked. This is perfect, as the cookies will continue to firm up on the baking sheet after removing them from the oven.
Once they are done, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Your delicious Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
Serving Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies can be as casual or as creative as you want. They are delicious on their own but can be paired with a variety of accompaniments to take them to the next level. For a comforting snack, consider enjoying them with a cup of tea or coffee. The richness of the chocolate and the sweetness of the bananas complement these beverages beautifully.
You might also want to serve these cookies as part of a dessert platter. Arranging them alongside other treats, like brownies or cupcakes, creates an appealing spread for gatherings. If you have kids, putting out a plate of warm cookies after school can brighten their day.
For an extra special touch, serve the cookies with a scoop of vanilla or banana ice cream. Placing a warm cookie atop a scoop of ice cream allows the chocolate to melt slightly, creating a deliciously decadent dessert.
Expert Tips: Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
To improve your cookie-making process, here are some expert tips:
- Use overripe bananas: The best bananas for this recipe are the ones that are very ripe, with brown spots. They hold more sugar and flavor, making your cookies sweeter and tastier.
- Don’t skip the butter softening: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature. This ensures proper creaming with the sugars and contributes to the texture of your cookies.
- Measure your flour correctly: Use the spoon-and-level method to measure your flour. This ensures you don’t add too much flour, which can lead to dry cookies.
- Let your cookies cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the wire rack. This helps maintain their chewiness and avoids making them soggy.
- Experiment with chocolate: For variation, try using dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate chunks if you prefer a different flavor profile.
How to Store Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
Storing your Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies properly ensures that they stay fresh and delicious. Once your cookies are completely cool, place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can be stored this way for about three days.
If you want to extend their lifespan, consider freezing them. To do this, individually wrap each cooled cookie in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. These cookies can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply take them out and let them thaw at room temperature, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them back up.
Variation of Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
While the classic Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are delightful as is, you can easily create some fun variations to keep things interesting. Here are some ideas:
- Nutty addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough. The crunch will complement the chewy texture of the cookies wonderfully.
- Flavor twists: Experiment by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor profile. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste.
- Coconut twist: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical element. This works particularly well with the bananas’ natural flavor.
- Peanut butter: Swirl in some creamy or crunchy peanut butter into the batter for a rich, nutty addition.
- Double chocolate: Use chocolate banana bread dough as a base and fold in some cocoa powder alongside the flour for a super chocolaty treat.
FAQ
What are Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that combines ripe bananas and chocolate chips to create a soft, chewy cookie. They are an excellent way to use leftover bananas while indulging in a sweet treat.
How do I ensure my Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are chewy?
To achieve a chewy texture, make sure not to over-bake the cookies. Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look a bit underdone. They will firm up as they cool.
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Simply thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This will result in the same delicious flavor and texture.
Why is my cookie dough too dry?
If your cookie dough is too dry, it may be due to measuring too much flour. Always use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements. Adding a teaspoon of milk can also help improve texture.
Can these cookies be doubled?
Absolutely! If you want to make a larger batch, just double all of the ingredients and bake as directed. Having extra cookies on hand is never a bad idea.
Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 8 Tablespoons butter, softened to room temperature Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for proper creaming
- 1/8 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg room temperature
- 1/2 cup mashed bananas (about 1 large banana) Use overripe bananas for better sweetness
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour Measure using the spoon-and-level method for accuracy
- 1 teaspoon baking soda Helps cookies rise
- 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness
Add-ins
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips For pockets of gooey chocolate
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter along with the granulated and brown sugars until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed banana to the mixture; combine until just mixed.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated.
Combining Ingredients
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Drop the dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or greased, about 2 inches apart.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden.
- Transfer cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!