The irresistible fusion of banana bread and classic chocolate chip cookies comes together in this chewy, moist treat. These cookies bring the comforting flavors of ripe bananas and warm cinnamon, punctuated by gooey chocolate chips, making them the perfect afternoon pick-me-up or post-dinner indulgence. Easy to whip up and impossible to resist, these cookies are a brilliant way to use overripe bananas while adding a sweet twist to your baking repertoire. Whether you’re preparing them for a family gathering or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies promise to deliver cozy, nostalgic flavors in every bite.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 ripe bananas, mashed
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon cinnamon
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1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture, stirring until just combined.
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Fold in the chocolate chips evenly.
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Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set.
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Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: 185 kcal | Servings: 18 cookies
Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies – The Best of Both Worlds
When it comes to home baking, few things evoke the same comforting nostalgia as banana bread or chocolate chip cookies. Each is a beloved classic in its own right banana bread for its moist, banana-rich crumb and homely vibe, and chocolate chip cookies for their indulgent, gooey goodness and crowd-pleasing charm. Now imagine a recipe that brings these two comfort foods together. That’s where Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies come in a fusion of textures, aromas, and flavors that take both classics to a whole new level.
These cookies are soft, chewy, and filled with real banana flavor, punctuated by pockets of melted chocolate chips. They’re everything you love about banana bread and chocolate chip cookies, blended into a single, easy-to-make treat.
Why Combine Banana Bread and Cookies?
Banana bread and cookies are both staples in many home kitchens. But why combine them? The answer lies in balance. Banana bread is delicious, but it’s often served in slices and not as portable or snackable as cookies. Chocolate chip cookies are classic, but they don’t have the moisture or flavor depth that overripe bananas provide.
When combined, you get a soft cookie with a cake-like interior, enriched with natural banana sweetness and complexity. The result is a hybrid treat that satisfies on every level moist, sweet, slightly spiced, and texturally pleasing. It’s the kind of dessert that feels special without requiring much effort or hard-to-find ingredients.
A Great Way to Use Overripe Bananas
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how it solves a common household problem: overripe bananas. Instead of tossing them in the trash or scrambling to make banana bread yet again, you can turn them into something fresh and exciting. These cookies offer a clever and fun alternative, especially when you’re in the mood for a sweet treat that’s a little different from the usual loaf of banana bread.
Bananas that are soft, speckled, and deeply aromatic bring a rich natural sweetness and a soft, chewy texture to these cookies. Plus, you don’t need a mixer or any special equipment just a couple of bowls, a whisk, and a baking tray.
Texture & Flavor: What to Expect
The texture of Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies is one of their most unique features. Unlike traditional cookies that are crisp on the edges and soft in the middle, these lean closer to the texture of cake or muffin tops moist, tender, and fluffy with just the right amount of chew.
The banana flavor is prominent but not overwhelming. It provides a fruity backdrop that complements the rich, slightly bitter flavor of the semisweet chocolate chips. A touch of cinnamon adds warmth, and a balanced blend of sugars (brown and granulated) gives the cookies a caramelly depth. They taste indulgent, cozy, and familiar all at once.
Perfect for All Occasions
These cookies are endlessly versatile and fit a variety of occasions:
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Snacking: Pack them in lunchboxes or enjoy them as an afternoon pick-me-up.
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Gifting: They make wonderful edible gifts for birthdays, holidays, or get-well packages.
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Dessert Table Feature: Add them to dessert buffets or cookie platters for a unique option.
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Breakfast-on-the-go: With bananas and minimal processed ingredients, they’re acceptable as a morning treat too!
Unlike traditional banana bread that requires slicing and serving, these cookies are grab-and-go, which makes them ideal for kids, events, and outdoor gatherings.
Storage Tips & Shelf Life
One of the benefits of banana-rich baked goods is that they retain moisture well. These cookies stay soft for several days when stored properly.
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Room Temperature: Store them in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
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Refrigeration: You can extend their life by refrigerating them for up to a week.
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Freezing: Freeze in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll last up to 3 months and can be thawed or microwaved for a quick treat.
Make a double batch and freeze half for those times when you need an instant homemade snack without turning on the oven.
Make It Your Own: Variations & Add-ins
This recipe is incredibly flexible. Once you’ve mastered the base, try experimenting with your own twists:
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Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch.
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Spices: Swap cinnamon for nutmeg, allspice, or even pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal vibe.
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Flour Alternatives: Use whole wheat flour for extra fiber, or try gluten-free flour blends for dietary needs.
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Healthier Swaps: Use coconut oil or plant-based butter alternatives. You can also reduce the sugar slightly if your bananas are very ripe.
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Mini Versions: Make bite-sized cookies for parties or kids’ lunchboxes.
Because of the banana base, these cookies are also a great candidate for vegan or egg-free adaptations.
Kids Love Them – and So Do Adults
Let’s face it kids aren’t always enthusiastic about bananas. But blend them into cookie dough and suddenly they’re asking for more. These cookies are naturally sweetened with bananas, making them a slightly better choice than store-bought treats loaded with artificial flavors and preservatives.
They’re also a hit with adults. Pair one with your morning coffee, serve them with tea in the afternoon, or sneak one for a midnight snack. The warm banana flavor and chocolate combo make them universally appealing.
The Science Behind the Chew
What makes these cookies different from either banana bread or standard cookies lies in the ingredient ratios. The mashed bananas provide both moisture and natural sugars, while the softened butter and combination of sugars give structure and chew. The eggs act as binders, and the baking soda reacts with the acidity in bananas to create a gentle rise, resulting in a cookie that’s more tender and cake-like than crumbly.
Additionally, the inclusion of cinnamon isn’t just for flavor. It helps balance the sweetness and complements the richness of the chocolate, enhancing the overall depth of the cookie.
Pairing Suggestions
Want to level up your experience? Here are some tasty ways to serve Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies:
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With Ice Cream: Make banana chocolate chip cookie sandwiches with vanilla or peanut butter ice cream.
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With Milk: Dunk them into a cold glass of milk for classic comfort.
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With Coffee: Their sweet and slightly spiced flavor pairs beautifully with strong coffee or a cappuccino.
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With Fruit: Serve alongside fresh berries or banana slices for a themed dessert plate.
Conclusion:
Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are more than a novelty they’re a smart, scrumptious solution for anyone who loves baking but wants something a little different. They blend the nostalgia of banana bread with the universal appeal of chocolate chip cookies into one chewy, banana-scented, chocolate-laced bite. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen.