Looking for a fun and delicious treat to satisfy your sweet tooth? Try making Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies! With the perfect blend of ripe bananas and gooey chocolate chips, this recipe is sure to please everyone.
These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with flavor. They’re easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have at home, and they’re the perfect way to use up overripe bananas.
Imagine biting into a warm cookie, with the sweetness of banana and the richness of chocolate in every bite. It’s the kind of snack that will make you smile after school or anytime you need a little treat.
Grab your ingredients and get ready to bake! Follow this easy recipe and enjoy a batch of these irresistible Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor Combination: The rich sweetness of ripe bananas combined with melty chocolate chips and crunchy walnuts creates the perfect balance of flavors.
- Quick and Easy to Make: This recipe is super simple, requiring only basic ingredients that are often on hand. In less than an hour, you’ll have a fresh batch of cookies ready to devour.
- Soft and Chewy: These cookies have the ideal texture – soft on the inside and slightly crispy on the outside, thanks to the mashed banana.
- Great for Leftovers: If you have any leftover bananas that are starting to ripen, this is the perfect way to put them to use!
- Perfect for Meal Prep or Sharing: These cookies make an excellent snack for the week ahead, and they’re great for sharing with family and friends.
Required Kitchen Tools
Before you get started, make sure you have these essential tools on hand:
- Mixing Bowls: For combining the wet and dry ingredients.
- Electric Mixer (Optional): You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to mix the ingredients quickly and easily.
- Baking Sheet: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to perfecting this recipe.
- Cooling Rack: To let the cookies cool properly after baking.
- Spatula: To scoop and shape the cookie dough.
Ingredients for Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cookies (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):
- 1/2 cup mashed banana (from 2 ripe bananas): Adds moisture, natural sweetness, and flavor to the dough.
- 2/3 cup firmly packed brown sugar: Adds depth and richness to the cookies, contributing to their chewy texture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: For a touch of sweetness.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Provides richness and helps the cookies bake up soft and chewy.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and spread.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cookie dough.
- 4 ounces dark chocolate chunks or chocolate chips: The chocolate adds the signature gooey texture and flavor.
- 1/3 cup walnuts, finely chopped: Optional but highly recommended for a bit of crunch and nutty flavor.
Variations for Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
This recipe is versatile, and you can easily make changes to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations to try:
- Add Cinnamon: A teaspoon of cinnamon can enhance the flavor and bring a warm, spiced note to the cookies.
- Use Milk Chocolate Chips: If you prefer milk chocolate over dark chocolate, you can easily swap it out.
- Add Peanut Butter: Incorporate a tablespoon of peanut butter for a rich, nutty twist.
- Try Other Nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, pecans or almonds would work beautifully in this recipe.
- Add Oats: For a chewier texture, mix in some rolled oats to the dough.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking. This also helps with easy cleanup!
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend these ingredients together until smooth. You want the mixture to be creamy and lump-free. The mashed bananas will give the cookies their softness, while the butter adds richness.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and kosher salt. Slowly add this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
4. Add Chocolate Chips and Walnuts
Fold in the chocolate chips and finely chopped walnuts. You can use a spatula or spoon to gently mix them into the dough, ensuring they’re evenly distributed. The chocolate chips will melt into the cookies, while the walnuts will give them a satisfying crunch.
5. Scoop the Cookie Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out dough balls and place them onto the prepared baking sheet. Be sure to leave enough space between each cookie, as they will spread a little during baking. If you like larger cookies, you can scoop bigger dough balls!
6. Bake the Cookies
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until they are golden around the edges. The center should still look soft, but not raw. If you prefer a chewier cookie, you can take them out slightly earlier.
7. Cool and Enjoy
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This helps them set and prevents them from falling apart. Let them cool completely before storing or enjoying!
How to Serve Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect on their own, but here are a few ideas for serving and enjoying them:
- With Milk: Nothing beats a warm cookie and a glass of cold milk. The creaminess of the milk complements the rich chocolate in the cookies.
- As a Dessert: Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Pack for Lunch: These cookies make an excellent snack for kids and adults alike. They’re great for packing into lunchboxes or enjoying as an afternoon snack.
- For Sharing: These cookies are perfect for baking and sharing with friends or family during the holidays, birthdays, or other special occasions.
Storing Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
Once your cookies have cooled, you’ll want to store them properly to keep them fresh. Here’s how:
- Room Temperature: Place the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cookies. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will stay good for up to 3 months. Simply reheat in the microwave for a few seconds when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
- Cookie Dough: You can also freeze the cookie dough! Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the dough balls on a baking sheet and bake as usual (you may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time).
Nutrition Information (per cookie)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Total Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 90mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 16g |
| Protein | 2g |
Conclusion
Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are a perfect balance of sweet, soft, and chocolatey goodness. The rich flavor of ripe bananas combined with gooey chocolate and crunchy walnuts makes these cookies irresistible. They’re quick and easy to make, and they’re sure to become a new favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a delicious snack, these cookies will not disappoint.
Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Yes, overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe! In fact, the riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
Can I make these cookies without nuts?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have a nut allergy, simply leave them out. The cookies will still be delicious.
How can I make these cookies more chocolatey?
You can increase the amount of chocolate chips to your liking. If you love chocolate, feel free to add more than the recommended amount for an extra-chocolatey experience.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. However, the texture may be a bit denser, and the cookies might not spread as much. Consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for the best results.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour. Make sure to check the label to ensure it’s suitable for baking.
These Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ultimate treat for anyone who loves a blend of fruity and chocolaty flavors. Make a batch today, and you’ll see why they’re bound to be a hit!