Oh, the humble banana! It holds a special place in my baking heart, reminding me of all the simple joys in life. And when you pair that creamy sweetness with rich, melty chocolate chips, you get something truly magical: our soft banana chocolate chip cookie recipe. These aren’t just cookies; they’re little bites of pure comfort, with that perfect chewiness and a warmth that feels like a hug from the inside out. They truly embody how even the simplest ingredients can transform into an extraordinary treat right in your own kitchen.
I remember countless afternoons in Grandma Rose’s kitchen, the scent of ripe bananas always lingering as she transformed them into her famous banana bread. It was her ability to make something so comforting from everyday ingredients that first sparked my own baking adventure. This banana chocolate chip cookie recipe carries a piece of that memory, a blend of her timeless wisdom and my own years of joyful experimentation.
This recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for a cozy weekend baking session or a delightful surprise for family and friends. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use up those perfectly ripe bananas on your counter! My top tip for any home baker is to always embrace the process, because even the “mistakes” often lead to the most delicious discoveries.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
Crafting the perfect banana chocolate chip cookie starts with a few simple, heartwarming ingredients that truly sing together. You’ll be reaching for staples like very ripe bananas, which are the secret to that deep, natural sweetness and moist texture, alongside classic semi-sweet chocolate chips for those irresistible melty pockets. I always opt for a good quality vanilla extract – it really makes all the difference! The full list of ingredients and their precise measurements are waiting for you in the recipe card below.
How to Make banana chocolate chip cookie
Making these delightful banana chocolate chip cookies is a wonderfully straightforward process, perfect for bakers of all levels. You’ll begin by combining your dry ingredients, then move on to the creamy blend of wet ingredients, incorporating those ripe bananas that give these cookies their signature flavor. Once the dough is perfectly formed, it’s just a quick bake until golden, and then the delightful wait until they’re cool enough to enjoy.
Soft & Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and packed light brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Add the mashed very ripe bananas to the wet mixture and mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay.
- Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips with a rubber spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough (or use a 1.5-inch cookie scoop) onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still soft. Baking time may vary depending on your oven and cookie size.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Notes
Pro Tips for Making This banana chocolate chip cookie
Ensuring your banana chocolate chip cookies turn out perfectly every time is all about a few simple tricks I’ve learned over the years. These nuggets of wisdom are like little secrets passed down, designed to make your baking journey even sweeter and more rewarding.
My Secret Trick: I always recommend using very ripe, almost spotted bananas. Their natural sugars are at their peak, which not only gives your banana chocolate chip cookie a richer, sweeter flavor but also contributes to that wonderfully soft and chewy texture we all adore.
When you’re mixing, be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added. Overmixing can develop too much gluten, leading to tougher cookies. I always stop mixing just when everything is combined, even if there are a few streaks of flour left; they’ll disappear during baking.
For perfectly uniform cookies, I love using a cookie scoop. It ensures each banana chocolate chip cookie is the same size, which means they’ll all bake evenly and look beautiful on your cooling rack. A consistent bake means no burnt edges or raw centers!
Before baking, I always chill my cookie dough for at least 30 minutes, or even an hour. This step, while seemingly small, makes a big difference. It prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven, giving you a thicker, chewier banana chocolate chip cookie that holds its shape beautifully.
Fun Variations for banana chocolate chip cookie
One of the joys of baking is the endless opportunity for creativity, and this banana chocolate chip cookie recipe is a fantastic canvas for your own personal touches! My sister always asks me to add a little something extra to hers, so I’ve experimented with many delightful twists.
For a nutty crunch, try folding in a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips. The toasted nuts add a lovely texture and depth of flavor that complements the banana beautifully. A friend loves when I swirl in a bit of peanut butter into half the dough before baking, creating a delightful peanut butter banana chocolate chip cookie mashup!
You could also play with different types of chocolate. Instead of semi-sweet, try milk chocolate for an extra sweet treat, or dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor. White chocolate chips or even butterscotch chips can also offer a delightful change of pace, making your banana chocolate chip cookie uniquely yours.
For a touch of warmth, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to your dry ingredients. These spices enhance the natural sweetness of the banana and chocolate, bringing a cozy, comforting aroma to your kitchen and an extra layer of flavor to your banana chocolate chip cookie.
What to Serve With banana chocolate chip cookie
These soft banana chocolate chip cookies are truly a delight on their own, but serving them with a little something extra can elevate the experience to pure bliss. I love serving them warm, straight from the oven, with a tall glass of cold milk – it’s a classic pairing that always brings a smile.
For a more decadent treat, a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside a warm banana chocolate chip cookie creates an incredible warm-and-cold sensation. The melting ice cream and the soft cookie are simply divine together. My mom always pairs them with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a comforting mug of herbal tea, especially in the afternoon.
A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving adds an elegant touch and a subtle sweetness. Or, for a quick and easy serving idea, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over each cookie turns them into an instant dessert masterpiece, perfect for sharing with loved ones around the kitchen table.
How to Store banana chocolate chip cookie
Keeping your banana chocolate chip cookies fresh and delicious for as long as possible is key to enjoying every last crumb. Proper storage ensures that their wonderful soft and chewy texture remains intact.
Fridge Storage
Once cooled completely, store your banana chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. I like to place a piece of parchment paper between layers if I’m stacking them, just to prevent them from sticking together. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you can store them in the refrigerator, which can extend their freshness slightly.
Freezer Tips
For longer storage, these cookies freeze beautifully! Once completely cool, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about an hour). Then, transfer the frozen banana chocolate chip cookie to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container, separated by parchment paper, for up to 2-3 months. To enjoy, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them gently in the microwave for a few seconds. My personal tip is to always label your freezer bags with the date so you know exactly when they were made!
Nutritional Benefits
While we all love a good dessert for its pure joy, these banana chocolate chip cookies actually offer a few delightful benefits. The very ripe bananas contribute natural sugars, essential vitamins like B6 and C, and a good dose of dietary fiber, making them a more wholesome indulgence. This recipe beautifully balances the comforting sweetness we crave with simple, real ingredients, showing that a treat can be both satisfying and nourishing.
FAQs
Faq 1
Can I use overripe frozen bananas for this banana chocolate chip cookie recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen overripe bananas work wonderfully. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing them to ensure your banana chocolate chip cookie dough has the right consistency.
Faq 2
Why are my banana chocolate chip cookies spreading too much?
Cookies often spread too much if your butter is too warm, if there’s too little flour, or if your oven isn’t hot enough. Chilling the dough before baking can also significantly help prevent excessive spreading in your banana chocolate chip cookie.
Faq 3
How do I make my banana chocolate chip cookies extra chewy?
For an extra chewy banana chocolate chip cookie, slightly underbake them! Remove them from the oven when the edges are set but the centers still look a little soft. They will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet as they cool.
Faq 4
Can I substitute other mix-ins for chocolate chips?
Yes, feel free to get creative! You can substitute chocolate chips with white chocolate, nuts, dried cranberries, or even a mix of your favorite candies. This banana chocolate chip cookie recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences.
Conclusion
Baking these soft banana chocolate chip cookies is more than just following a recipe; it’s an invitation to bring warmth, comfort, and a little piece of homemade magic into your life. With every bite, you’ll taste the love and care that went into transforming simple ingredients into a truly memorable treat. So go ahead, tie on your apron, gather those ripe bananas, and create some joyful, home-baked memories that will sweeten your days and delight everyone around your table.