Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
If you are on the hunt for a delightful treat that marries the comforting warmth of banana bread with the irresistible charm of chocolate chip cookies, then the Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies pack all the moistness and flavor of traditional banana bread but boast the perfect crispy edges and chewy centers of a cookie. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of sweet bananas, rich chocolate chips, and a hint of cinnamon that feels like a hug from your oven. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or simply craving a homemade snack, this recipe will quickly become an all-time favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity: just a handful of pantry staples that come together to create something extraordinary. Each ingredient plays a critical role, from lending moisture and sweetness to adding that nostalgic banana bread aroma and chocolatey goodness.
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed: The star of the show that provides natural sweetness, moisture, and banana flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds deep, caramel notes to complement the bananas perfectly.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and helps create tender cookie texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together for a perfect cookie structure.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies their form and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and achieve that soft, airy crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and boosts flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds a subtle warmth that enhances the banana’s natural flavor.
- 1 cup chocolate chips: Provides melty pockets of indulgence in every bite.
How to Make Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Proper preheating is essential to ensure your cookies bake evenly, leading to that sought-after golden edge and soft center.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Brown Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Add Bananas, Egg, and Vanilla
Mix in your mashed bananas along with the egg and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The bananas provide moisture and sweetness, while the egg helps the dough hold together beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients Separately
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed, avoiding any pockets of heavy flavor or uneven rise.
Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry mix to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing at this point can make your cookies tough, so a light touch keeps them soft and chewy.
Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly spread throughout the dough for maximum chocolaty delight in every cookie.
Step 7: Arrange and Bake
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie so they have space to spread. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool the Cookies
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set perfectly and avoids breaking while warm. Patience here pays off with the ideal texture.
How to Serve Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of powdered sugar or a handful of chopped walnuts over your freshly baked cookies to add a touch of elegance and extra texture. A drizzle of melted white chocolate can also elevate these treats for a special occasion.
Side Dishes
Serve your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies alongside a cold glass of milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a creamy bowl of vanilla ice cream for a cozy, indulgent experience. They also pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh fruit on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange a stack of these cookies on a rustic wooden platter garnished with banana slices and chocolate shavings for a visually stunning dessert spread. For a fun twist, sandwich a scoop of ice cream between two cookies and roll the edges in mini chocolate chips or crushed nuts.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and delicious for up to 4 days, perfect for snacking at any time during the week.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing their wonderful flavor and texture.
Reheating
Warm your cookies briefly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a low oven to bring back that freshly baked softness and melty chocolate goodness. Avoid overheating to keep them from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect because they’re sweeter and softer, which enhances the flavor and moisture of your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe.
Can I substitute the butter with oil or margarine?
While you can use oil or margarine in a pinch, butter gives the best flavor and texture. Using butter will give your cookies that classic richness and tenderness.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Try substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. This way, you can enjoy the Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe without compromising on texture or taste.
What if I don’t have cinnamon?
No worries! You can omit the cinnamon or try a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a different but delicious flavor twist.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and complement the banana and chocolate flavors beautifully. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips.
Final Thoughts
This Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe is an absolute game-changer for anyone who loves the best of both worlds—banana bread and chocolate chip cookies. Perfectly chewy, richly flavored, and super easy to make, these cookies are sure to win hearts at every bite. I encourage you to gather your ingredients and give this recipe a try; I promise it will become a beloved staple in your baking collection!
Print
Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the moist, flavorful goodness of banana bread with the sweet, melty chocolate chips of classic cookies. Perfectly soft and chewy, these cookies are an ideal treat for snacking or dessert, providing a delightful twist to your regular cookie lineup.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
Dry Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Add-ins
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the proper baking temperature before you start preparing the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes of mixing.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well until the ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Fold the chocolate chips evenly into the dough, ensuring they are well distributed throughout the mixture.
- Form Cookies: Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps them set properly and enhances texture.
Notes
- Be sure to use ripe bananas as they add natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
- If you prefer a less sweet cookie, reduce the brown sugar slightly.
- For a nutty variation, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added, to keep the cookies tender.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
