There’s nothing quite like the moment you walk into the kitchen and the sweet, inviting aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air. When I first discovered the perfect blend of banana and chocolate in cookie form, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful treat that effortlessly combines the rich flavor of ripe bananas with melty chocolate chips, all enhanced by a touch of cinnamon.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting after-school snack or a cozy dessert to enjoy with loved ones, this recipe checks all the boxes. The best part? It’s incredibly straightforward, using simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, this recipe allows for plenty of flexibility—feel free to toss in nuts or swap out chocolate chips to suit your taste! Grab those overripe bananas and let’s get baking; a warm hug in cookie form is just a few steps away!
Why are Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies irresistible?
Aroma of Comfort: Nothing beats the warm scent wafting through your kitchen as these cookies bake.
Simple Ingredients: With pantry staples like ripe bananas and chocolate chips, you’ll whip these up with ease.
Soft and Chewy: The perfect texture blends soft centers with delightful chewy edges, giving you a cookie that melts in your mouth.
Versatile Treat: Feel free to customize with nuts, dried fruit, or different chips for a unique twist.
Ideal For Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family movie night or a cozy gathering, these cookies are sure to delight everyone!
Don’t forget, you can also experiment with gluten-free flour for a variation everyone can enjoy!
Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookies
• Ripe Bananas – The foundation of this recipe, they add natural sweetness and moisture; aim for bananas with plenty of brown spots.
• Vegetable Oil – Keeps the cookies soft and chewy instead of cakey; can be swapped for melted butter if preferred.
• Light Brown Sugar – Contributes sweetness and moisture, enhancing that soft and chewy texture.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure to the cookies; for a gluten-free take, try using gluten-free flour.
• Baking Soda – Ensures the cookies rise perfectly, creating that tender texture.
• Ground Cinnamon – Adds a warm spice that elevates the overall flavor profile.
• Salt – Just a pinch boosts the natural sweetness of the bananas and chocolate.
• Chocolate Chips – The stars of the show! Use dark or semi-sweet chips to suit your taste.
Optional Add-ins
• Nuts (walnuts or pecans) – For extra crunch and flavor; simply fold them into the dough.
• Dried Fruits (like raisins or cranberries) – They create a nice chewy contrast with the chocolate.
• Other Chips (white chocolate, peanut butter chips) – This allows for a delightful twist on the classic flavor profile in your chewy banana chocolate chip cookies.
How to Make Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial for achieving the ideal cookie texture.
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Mash bananas: In a mixing bowl, mash your ripe bananas until smooth and creamy. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots; they offer the best flavor and sweetness!
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Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, vegetable oil, and light brown sugar. Stir until the mixture appears glossy and well-blended, about 1-2 minutes.
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Add egg yolk and vanilla: Gently stir in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated. This adds richness and enhances the flavor of your cookies.
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Whisk dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. This helps distribute the leavening agent evenly.
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Combine mixtures: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until no flour streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix; a gentle folding motion is ideal for maintaining that chewy texture!
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Fold in chocolate chips: Gently fold in your chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The chocolate is what makes these cookies a real treat!
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Rest the dough: Cover the dough and let it rest for 15 minutes. This helps improve the texture of your cookies, allowing them to rise nicely during baking.
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Scoop dough onto baking sheet: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, portion the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them two inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
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Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10-11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. This will give you that soft, chewy texture.
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Cool on baking sheet: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional: Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra indulgent touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies?
There’s nothing like pairing these delightful cookies with complementary flavors and textures to elevate your dessert experience.
- Cold Glass of Milk: The classic choice! Creamy milk perfectly balances the sweetness and richness of the cookies for a nostalgic treat.
- Chai Tea: Warm and spiced, chai offers a cozy contrast to the chewy banana chocolate chip cookies, enhancing their rich flavor.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a generous portion of ice cream on top or on the side for a delightful indulgence that melts into warm cookies.
- Fresh Berries: A refreshing burst of berries provides a bright contrast, cutting through the sweetness while adding a pop of color to your plate.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel over the cookies for an extra layer of decadence that enhances each bite’s chewiness with a sweet, toasty note.
- Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this adds a tropical flair that pairs beautifully with the bananas, taking the flavors up a notch.
- Almond Milk: For a gluten-free twist, serve with almond milk, which brings a nutty, creamy element that complements the flavors beautifully.
- Chocolate Milkshake: For a rich dessert experience, a chocolate milkshake creates a delightful chocolatey indulgence that kids and adults will adore!
- Creamy Greek Yogurt: A dollop offers a tangy contrast and adds a healthy twist, making it a wonderful afternoon snack or breakfast treat.
Expert Tips for Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Use Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas with lots of brown spots for maximum sweetness and moisture, enhancing the chewy banana chocolate chip cookies.
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Avoid Overmixing: Mix gently until just combined to retain that beloved chewy texture—overmixing can lead to tough cookies!
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Chill the Dough: If you prefer thicker cookies, chill the dough for 15-30 minutes before scooping. This will prevent excessive spreading while baking.
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Check Baking Time: Bake until the edges are set and the centers are slightly underbaked for ideal softness; they will continue cooking on the baking sheet.
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Storage Tip: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. To maintain softness, add a slice of white bread inside the container!
Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations
Customize your cookie experience with these delightful twists and turns that will elevate your baking to new heights!
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Nutty Delight: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch and added flavor that complements the banana beautifully.
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Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger alongside the cinnamon for a warm, spiced cookie that dances on your palate.
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Dried Fruit: Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy addition that balances the sweetness of the chocolate perfectly.
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Chocolate Lovers: Use a mix of dark chocolate and white chocolate chips to create a flavor explosion that every chocolate lover will adore.
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Peanut Butter Fusion: Swirl in creamy peanut butter for a luscious twist that adds richness and pairs wonderfully with bananas.
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Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend to make these treats accessible for everyone.
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Coconut Craze: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist that adds flavor and interesting texture.
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Almond Joy: Incorporate almond extract instead of vanilla and toss in some slivered almonds for a cookie reminiscent of your favorite candy bar.
Make Ahead Options
These Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mash the ripe bananas and mix the wet ingredients up to 24 hours in advance, storing the mixture in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Additionally, you can prepare the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt) and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine the wet and dry ingredients, fold in the chocolate chips, and proceed with the recipe instructions. This way, you’ll enjoy delicious, fresh cookies with minimal effort, saving precious time during busy weeknights while still achieving those lovely, soft centers and chewy edges.
How to Store and Freeze Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
Room Temperature: Keep your freshly baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain their softness and chewiness for snacking throughout the week.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months; just thaw before enjoying!
Reheating: To bring these cookies back to their warm, chewy state, microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Enjoy them fresh out of the microwave as if they were just baked!
Thawing: If frozen, allow the cookies to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before devouring or reheat slightly to restore their delightful softness.
Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the best ripe bananas for baking?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and moisture, opt for bananas with plenty of brown spots. These bananas are the sweetest and will provide the creamy texture needed for chewy banana chocolate chip cookies. If you notice them starting to darken completely, that’s perfect for baking!
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
To keep your cookies soft and chewy, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. I also recommend adding a slice of white bread to the container; this helps maintain moisture and prevents the cookies from drying out.
Can I freeze these cookies for later enjoyment?
Yes, you can! To freeze your chewy banana chocolate chip cookies, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about 1 hour. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature for about 30 minutes before enjoying or give them a quick zap in the microwave for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!
What should I do if my cookies spread too much while baking?
If your cookies spread too much, it might be due to overmixing or using ingredients that are too warm. Make sure to mix the dough gently until just combined and chill the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better.
Are these cookies suitable for kids and those with nut allergies?
Very! These chewy banana chocolate chip cookies are generally safe for kids, and you can easily make them nut-free. Just be cautious with the brands of chocolate chips you use to ensure they’re free from cross-contamination with nuts. You can also experiment with alternative add-ins like seeds or dried fruits for a tasty variety!
Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies That You’ll Crave Daily
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth and creamy.
- Combine the mashed bananas, vegetable oil, and light brown sugar in a large bowl, stirring until glossy and well-blended.
- Gently stir in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until evenly incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until no flour streaks remain.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Scoop the dough into 1-inch balls, placing them two inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-11 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked.
- Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.