As I rummaged through my kitchen one afternoon, I stumbled upon a small pile of overripe bananas sitting on the counter, practically begging to be transformed into something delightful. That’s when I remembered my newfound love for Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies. This easy, one-bowl recipe captures the comforting essence of banana bread while delivering the chewy goodness of cookies, making it a quick and satisfying dessert. What’s more, these treats bake in under 30 minutes, giving you a deliciously sweet reward without the long wait. Can you think of a better way to use up those overripe gems? Join me in diving into the irresistible world of these cookies, where every bite is a warm embrace of banana and rich chocolate. Ready to get baking?
Why are these cookies a must-try?
Simplicity: This one-bowl recipe means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor—a win-win for any busy cook.
Quick baking: Whip up these soft and chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies in just under 30 minutes—perfect for last-minute cravings or unexpected guests!
Guilt-free indulgence: Using overripe bananas not only helps reduce waste but also adds natural sweetness, making these cookies a sensible treat.
Versatility: Feel free to swap chocolate chips with nuts or experiment with a mix of chocolates for a personalized touch.
Crowd pleaser: These cookies are guaranteed to impress family and friends, creating smiles around the table and satisfying sweet tooth cravings!
Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
• Ready to bake these delicious cookies? Here’s everything you’ll need!
For the Cookies
- 1 small overripe banana, mashed (1/4 cup) – Adds natural sweetness and moisture; ensure it’s overripe for optimal flavor.
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter – Provides fat for moisture and richness; substitute with coconut oil for a unique twist.
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed – Contributes sweetness and a slight caramel flavor; can swap with granulated sugar for a lighter texture.
- 1 egg yolk – Binds the ingredients and enhances richness; for a vegan option, use 1.5 teaspoons ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor; omitting will affect the cookies’ taste.
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the cookies; measure by spooning and leveling for consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the cookies rise; always use fresh for best results.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice; reduce if desired, or omit for a simpler flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor; essential to include.
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips – Adds rich chocolate flavor; feel free to use dark chocolate or mixed nuts for varied textures.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, start by blending together the melted butter or vegetable oil, packed light brown sugar, and mashed overripe banana until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2-3 minutes of vigorous whisking. The natural sweetness from the bananas creates a delectable base for your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step 2: Mix in Egg Yolk and Vanilla
Next, incorporate the egg yolk and vanilla extract into your mixture. Stir well until all the ingredients are combined and the batter is glossy and uniform, taking care to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure no ingredients are left unmixed. This should take an additional 1-2 minutes of mixing.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Now, sift in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula or wooden spoon until no dry flour remains. Be careful not to overmix; you want a dough that’s slightly lumpy but cohesive to maintain the soft texture of your cookies.
Step 4: Incorporate Chocolate Chips
Once your dough is just mixed, fold in the chocolate chips gently, distributing them evenly without overworking the dough. This will ensure every bite of your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies is filled with gooey chocolatey goodness. After mixing, let the dough rest for 15 minutes; this will help hydrate the flour.
Step 5: Preheat the Oven
While the dough rests, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze. Waiting will also ensure your cookies spread perfectly during baking.
Step 6: Form Cookie Dough Balls
After the resting period, scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Using a cookie scoop works beautifully for consistent sizing, which helps ensure uniform baking across all your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven, and bake the cookies for 10-11 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges appear set and the tops look slightly underbaked. This will guarantee a soft and chewy texture, reminiscent of warm banana bread with chocolate.
Step 8: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allowing them to cool on the sheet first helps them firm up. Enjoy the delicious aroma of your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies as they cool!
What to Serve with Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies
Savoring freshly baked cookies is delightful, but pairing them with the right accompaniments can elevate the experience even more.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the warm, chewy cookies, enhancing every decadent bite. Perfect for a cozy dessert!
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Fresh Berries: Juicy strawberries or raspberries add a burst of brightness and freshness, balancing the sweetness of the cookies for a well-rounded treat.
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Rich Coffee: A steaming cup of coffee serves as the ideal companion, enhancing the flavors of chocolate and banana with each sip and bite.
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Nutty Granola: Sprinkle some crunchy granola on top of the cookies or on the side for added texture and a hint of healthiness, creating a satisfying mix.
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Chocolate Milk: Indulge in a nostalgic combination that amplifies the chocolate flavor, making it a fun and delightful pairing for kids and adults alike!
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Whipped Cream: Lighten up each bite with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, creating a balance of flavors and adding a soft, cloud-like touch.
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Cinnamon-Spiced Matcha Latte: For an exotic twist, pair your cookies with a matcha latte sprinkled with cinnamon—its earthy tones wonderfully complement the banana and chocolate.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over the cookies for added richness and an irresistible gooeyness that takes your dessert to the next level.
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Mint Tea: A refreshing cup of mint tea after indulging in the rich cookies offers a delightful contrast and aids digestion, making for a delightful end to your meal.
Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Feel free to bring your flair to these delightful cookies and make them uniquely yours!
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Nutty Addition: Replace chocolate chips with 2/3 cup of chopped nuts for a satisfying crunch in every bite. Walnuts or pecans will add a wonderful texture!
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Coconut Twist: Stir in 1/3 cup of shredded coconut to bring an exotic flair to your cookies and a hint of tropical sweetness.
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Dark Chocolate Delight: Use dark chocolate chips instead of regular ones for a richer chocolate experience. It pairs beautifully with the banana’s sweetness.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a subtle heat that surprises and delights. Just a hint is enough to create an exciting flavor contrast!
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Banana Extract Boost: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of banana extract for an even more potent banana flavor that will bring out the cookie’s delicious essence.
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Mixed Chips: Combine white and dark chocolate chips for a colorful and flavorful twist that enhances the cookie’s visual appeal and taste.
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Oatmeal Texture: Add 1/2 cup of rolled oats for chewy texture and additional heartiness. This variation makes your cookies more substantial and soul-warming!
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Caramel Swirl: Drizzle melted caramel over the warm cookies just before they cool for an indulgent touch. You can even hide a few caramel chunks inside the dough for gooey surprises!
If you’re looking for more cookie inspiration, be sure to check out my Chocolate Oat Cookies and my Chocolate Chip Cookies. Happy baking!
Make Ahead Options
These Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the wet and dry ingredients, and storing the dough covered in the refrigerator. Additionally, the formed cookie dough balls can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just scoop them onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake the cookies straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time. This way, you can have warm, freshly baked cookies with minimal effort any time you crave a sweet treat!
Storage Tips for Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft, chewy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies straight from the freezer, microwave them for about 10-15 seconds or heat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
Dough Storage: If you’re short on time, scoop the cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a bag for up to 3 months before baking fresh Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies!
Expert Tips for Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Hydrate the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest for 15 minutes helps the flour fully absorb moisture, resulting in softer cookies.
- Measure Flour Properly: Spoon and level your flour instead of scooping directly from the bag to avoid densely-packed ingredients that can lead to heavy cookies.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mixing the dough just until combined prevents gluten development, ensuring your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies remain chewy and tender.
- Cool on Baking Sheet: Letting the cookies cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack maintains their soft, gooey center and enhances texture.
- Adjust Chocolate Chips: Feel free to swap in dark chocolate chips or nuts for a unique flavor twist that complements the banana goodness!
Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best ripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! The best bananas for your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are those that are overripe, with a few dark spots on the skin. They should be soft to the touch and have an intense yellow color. Overripe bananas provide the natural sweetness and moisture needed for these cookies, transforming your treats into delightful bites.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing them. Place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze for 1-2 hours, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer, maintaining their soft, chewy texture.
Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?
Absolutely! Freezing the dough is a great option for those busy days. Scoop the cookie dough into balls, place them on a lined baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once they’re firm, transfer the dough balls to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply bake from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If you find that your cookies spread too much, it could be due to a lack of flour or not chilling the dough. To prevent this, make sure to measure your flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off instead of scooping directly from the bag. Additionally, allowing the dough to rest for 15 minutes before scooping can help reduce spreading. If it still happens, you can try refrigerating the dough for about 30 minutes before baking, which can help them hold their shape better.
Are these cookies suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes, they can be! For a vegan version, simply substitute the egg yolk with 1.5 teaspoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water. It’s also wise to check the chocolate chips’ labels if you’re accommodating dairy-free diets, as some brands offer lactose-free options. Always be cautious with nuts as well if allergies are a concern.
How do I ensure my cookies remain soft and chewy?
To achieve that irresistible soft and chewy texture, be sure to not overmix your dough, as that can develop gluten in the flour and create a denser cookie. The rest period of 15 minutes also helps hydrate the dough properly, resulting in softer cookies. Finally, taking them out of the oven when they’re slightly underbaked will give them a deliciously gooey center!
Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies for Sweet Comfort
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, blend together the melted butter or vegetable oil, light brown sugar, and mashed banana until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes of vigorous whisking.
- Incorporate the egg yolk and vanilla extract into the mixture, stirring until combined and glossy, scraping the bowl to ensure all ingredients are mixed, about 1-2 minutes.
- Sift in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt, gently folding the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until no dry flour remains.
- Fold in the chocolate chips gently, then let the dough rest for 15 minutes to help hydrate the flour.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the cookies for 10-11 minutes until the edges are set and the tops look slightly underbaked.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
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