Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe

Chocolate chip banana cookies are a delicious and unique twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. Combining the rich flavors of ripe bananas with chocolate chips creates a soft and chewy cookie that’s sure to please everyone. In this guide, we’ll explore the best chocolate chip banana cookies recipe, including step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and variations to customize your cookies to your liking.

Introduction to Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies

Bananas add natural sweetness and moisture to cookies, making them a fantastic ingredient to work with. These cookies are perfect for using up overripe bananas and are a great way to introduce fruits into your baked goods. The combination of chocolate and banana is always a crowd-pleaser, making these cookies ideal for snacks, desserts, or even breakfast!

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your cookies bake evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheets

2. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This helps prevent the cookies from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Set aside. This mixture will ensure even distribution of the leavening agents in your dough.

Step 4: Cream the Butter and Sugars

4. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or whisk. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. The creaming process incorporates air, which helps your cookies rise.

Step 5: Add the Egg and Bananas

5. Add the egg and mashed ripe bananas to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined. The bananas should be fully incorporated and the mixture should be smooth.

Step 6: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough cookies. The dough will be somewhat thick and sticky.

Step 7: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

7. Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips (and nuts if using) with a spatula or wooden spoon. This step ensures even distribution of chocolate throughout the cookie dough.

Step 8: Portion the Dough

8. Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread slightly while baking, so give them enough room.

Step 9: Bake the Cookies

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may appear soft but will firm up as they cool. For a chewy cookie, avoid overbaking.

Step 10: Cool the Cookies

10. Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely. This step prevents the cookies from becoming soggy.

Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies

1. Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas with lots of brown spots or those that are fully brown for the best results.
2. Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to avoid tough cookies.
3. Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or granulated sugar, as the bananas already contribute natural sweetness.
4. Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to customize your cookies with various add-ins, such as white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, or shredded coconut.
5. Storage: Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also freeze the cookies for longer storage. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will last for up to 3 months.

Variations of Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies

Oatmeal Banana Cookies

Add 1 cup of rolled oats to the dough for a heartier cookie that also provides additional fiber.

Gluten-Free Option

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check that your chocolate chips are gluten-free as well.

Vegan Option

Replace the butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water). Let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken before adding it to the mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Chocolate chip banana cookies are delicious on their own, but here are some ideas to enhance your experience:

• With Milk: Serve warm cookies with a cold glass of milk for a classic pairing.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use two cookies to make ice cream sandwiches with your favorite flavor of ice cream.
• Breakfast Treat: Enjoy them as a quick breakfast or snack, especially if you’re on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

2. How do I know when my cookies are done baking?
Look for lightly golden edges and a soft center. The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool.

3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just double the ingredients and use multiple baking sheets. You may need to bake in batches depending on your oven size.

4. What if I don’t have chocolate chips?
You can substitute with chopped chocolate, chocolate bars, or even dried fruit like raisins or cranberries.

Conclusion

The Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies recipe is a delightful way to enjoy the flavors of bananas and chocolate in a cookie form. These cookies are soft, chewy, and incredibly satisfying, making them perfect for sharing with friends and family. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want a tasty treat, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. So, gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy some delicious cookies!

Yield: 24

Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe

Print

Chocolate chip banana cookies are a delicious and unique twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. Combining the rich flavors of ripe bananas with chocolate chips creates a soft and chewy cookie that's sure to please everyone. In this guide, we'll explore the best chocolate chip banana cookies recipe, including step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and variations to customize your cookies to your liking.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 22 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   
2. Cream Butter and Sugars:
   In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
   
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
   Mix in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
   
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
   
5. Mix Together:
   Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
   
6. Add Chocolate Chips:
   Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts, if using.
   
7. Scoop the Dough:
   Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
   
8. Bake:
   Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the center is set.
   
9. Cool:
   Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Variations: Feel free to add oats, shredded coconut, or swap the chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips.

Banana Tips: The riper the bananas, the sweeter the cookies! Look for bananas with lots of brown spots for the best flavor.