Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe
There are few dessert combinations more universally loved than chocolate chip cookies and banana bread. Both are classic treats that evoke warmth, comfort, and nostalgia. But what happens when you blend these two beloved desserts into one? You get Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies—soft, chewy cookies with a banana-infused flavor and gooey pockets of chocolate. This recipe combines the best of both worlds, offering a wonderful texture that’s both fluffy and chewy, with a natural sweetness from ripe bananas that perfectly complements the rich chocolate.
The banana in this recipe not only adds an incredible flavor but also ensures that the cookies are extra moist and soft, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a special event, or just to satisfy a craving, these cookies will become a go-to favorite.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies from start to finish. We’ll explore ingredient substitutions, tips for achieving the perfect texture, and troubleshooting advice to help you avoid common pitfalls. Additionally, we’ll offer variations and creative ways to enhance the flavor and texture of your cookies.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies
Now that we have all our ingredients and equipment ready, let’s get into the detailed step-by-step process of making these cookies.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
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Mash the Bananas: Begin by mashing the ripe bananas in a medium-sized bowl using a fork or potato masher. You want to mash them until they’re smooth with just a few lumps remaining. This ensures the bananas blend well into the cookie dough and gives the cookies their signature softness.
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Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent and dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars
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In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or hand mixer, cream the butter and sugars together on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
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Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter and sugar mixture, and continue mixing until well combined.
Step 3: Incorporate the Mashed Bananas
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Slowly add the mashed bananas to the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is well incorporated. The banana will create a slight wetness, which helps the dough stay soft and chewy.
Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients
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Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt) into the wet mixture. Stir the dough with a spatula or mix on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in dense cookies.
Step 5: Stir in the Chocolate Chips
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Gently fold in the chocolate chips with a spatula. If you’re adding any additional ingredients like nuts, oats, or coconut, now is the time to mix those in as well. Make sure the chocolate chips are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
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Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches of space between each cookie to allow for spreading.
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Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown, and the centers have set. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they appear a bit soft when you take them out of the oven.
Step 7: Cooling and Enjoying
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Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes to cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the cookies won’t break apart during the transfer.
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Enjoy your warm, soft, and chewy Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies with a glass of milk, or store them in an airtight container for up to a week.
Troubleshooting Tips for Perfect Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies
Even the most experienced bakers run into issues from time to time. Here are some tips for troubleshooting common problems when making Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies:
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Too Soft or Runny Dough: If the dough is too soft to scoop or is spreading too much on the baking sheet, you can chill the dough in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking. This will firm up the dough and prevent the cookies from spreading too much.
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Cookies Are Spreading Too Thin: If your cookies spread too thin, it might be because the dough is too warm or you used too much butter. Make sure to measure your ingredients accurately, and chill the dough if needed.
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Dense Cookies: Overmixing the dough or adding too much flour can result in dense cookies. Always measure your flour properly and mix the dough just until combined.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies are already a delightful treat, but there are ways to make them even more exciting:
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Add a Scoop of Ice Cream: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream between two cookies for an irresistible dessert.
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Serve with a Hot Beverage: Pair these cookies with a cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea to enhance the flavors and create a cozy experience.
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Banana Bread Twist: For a more banana bread-like flavor, add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough or even a few crushed walnuts.
Conclusion: Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies for Every Occasion
These Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies are a perfect combination of comfort and indulgence, offering the best of both worlds: the soft, chewy texture of banana bread and the beloved flavors of chocolate chip cookies. Whether you bake them for yourself or share them with friends and family, these cookies are sure to be a hit.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can make these cookies in no time and enjoy their incredible flavor. The next time you have overripe bananas sitting on your countertop, turn them into a batch of these delicious cookies. Trust me, they will be gone in no time!
Happy baking, and enjoy your Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies!
Easy Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe
There are few dessert combinations more universally loved than chocolate chip cookies and banana bread. Both are classic treats that evoke warmth, comfort, and nostalgia. But what happens when you blend these two beloved desserts into one? You get Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies—soft, chewy cookies with a banana-infused flavor and gooey pockets of chocolate. This recipe combines the best of both worlds, offering a wonderful texture that’s both fluffy and chewy, with a natural sweetness from ripe bananas that perfectly complements the rich chocolate.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until creamy and well combined (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Add Wet Ingredients:
- Stir in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if using).
5. Combine:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Fold in Chocolate Chips:
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula or spoon.
7. Scoop and Bake:
- Use a spoon or cookie scoop to drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden, and the center is set.
8. Cool:
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Banana Texture: The more ripe the banana, the more intense the banana flavor will be in the cookies!
- Variations: You can add in other mix-ins like chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) or dried fruit if you'd like.