Name: Irresistibly Soft Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 41 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup Overripe Banana (mashed); 1/2 cup Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter (for tropical twist, use melted coconut oil); 3/4 cup Light Brown Sugar (reduce for less sweetness); 1 large Egg Yolk (substitute with flax egg for vegan option (1.5 tsp ground flaxseed + 2 tbsp water)); 1 tsp Vanilla Extract; 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (can swap for gluten-free flour); 1/2 tsp Baking Soda; 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon; 1/4 tsp Salt; 1/2 cup Chocolate Chips

Just the other day, I found myself staring at a bunch of overripe bananas, contemplating yet another banana bread. But then, a lightbulb moment struck! What if I could marry the comforting vibes of banana bread with the delightful ease of cookies? Enter my Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies. This quick, one-bowl recipe transforms those sad-looking bananas into irresistibly chewy cookies studded with gooey chocolate chips. Perfect for novice bakers or anyone short on time, you can whip up these treats in under 30 minutes. Plus, they offer a great way to use up leftover bananas while satisfying any sweet tooth! I can almost taste them fresh out of the oven—what do you think will be your favorite part: the chewy texture or the melty chocolate?

Why Try These Banana Cookies?

Simplicity at its finest: This recipe requires just one bowl and a handful of ingredients, making it perfect for busy weekdays. Irresistible flavor pairs ripe bananas with gooey chocolate chips, ensuring a delightful treat for all ages. Quick to make, you can have these soft and chewy cookies ready in under 30 minutes! Adaptable for everyone, feel free to swap in nuts or even try a vegan option with a flax egg. Storage-friendly, these treats remain fresh for up to a week, making them ideal for snack cravings.

Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients

• Perfectly simple for quick baking!

For the Batter

Overripe Banana – Adds natural sweetness and moisture; mash to 1/4 cup and discard any excess.
Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter – Provides fat for chewiness; for a tropical twist, use melted coconut oil.
Light Brown Sugar – Sweetener that contributes a rich flavor; consider reducing it for less sweetness.
Egg Yolk – Adds richness and structural support; substitute with a flax egg for a vegan option (1.5 tsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tbsp water).
Vanilla Extract – Elevates the overall flavor depth and aroma.
All-Purpose Flour – The main structure-building ingredient; can be swapped for gluten-free flour with successful results.
Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent for a light and chewy texture.
Ground Cinnamon – Infuses warmth and a touch of spice; enhances the comforting flavor profile.
Salt – Balances and enhances the overall sweetness.
Chocolate Chips – Provides delightful bursts of chocolatey goodness in each bite; it’s what makes these Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies so irresistible!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup of mashed overripe banana with 1/2 cup of melted butter or vegetable oil and 3/4 cup of light brown sugar. Use a whisk or spatula to mix until the ingredients are smooth and well incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture is creamy and slightly glossy.

Step 2: Incorporate the Egg Yolk and Vanilla
Add 1 egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Stir well until everything is fully combined, ensuring no streaks remain. The batter should appear homogeneous and glossy, signaling that it is ready for the next step. This rich blend enhances the flavor profile of your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to the wet mixture. Use a spatula to fold the ingredients together gently until no dry flour is visible. Be careful not to over-mix; the batter should be thick and somewhat sticky, indicating it’s perfect for baking.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is where your cookies get that gooey sweetness! Let the batter rest for about 15 minutes to allow for hydration, which helps achieve a delightful texture once baked.

Step 5: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the batter rests. Meanwhile, line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. This preparation step is essential for preventing the cookies from sticking and ensures they bake evenly, leading to those perfectly soft and chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
Using a cookie scoop or two tablespoons, portion out 1-inch balls of dough and place them on the prepared cookie sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacious arrangement allows the cookies to spread as they bake. You should end up with around 12-14 dough balls, ready for the oven.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-11 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges appear set, but the centers still look slightly undercooked. This ensures a soft and chewy texture in your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies, giving them that melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Allow them to cool completely to enhance their flavors and textures. Once slightly cooled, dive into the deliciousness of your homemade Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies.

What to Serve with Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

Looking for the perfect accompaniments to elevate your baking experience? Here are some delightful pairings that will take your cookies to the next level!

Cold Glass of Milk: The classic pairing—cool and creamy milk balances the sweetness of the cookies, enhancing the flavor experience.
Hot Cup of Tea: A warm cup of herbal or black tea brings comforting notes and provides a delightful contrast to the chewy texture of the cookies.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of rich vanilla ice cream on the side creates a delightful contrast with warm cookies, and that melty sensation is pure bliss!
Fresh Berries: Ripe strawberries or blueberries add a burst of freshness and acidity that cuts through the sweetness, making each bite more balanced.
Caramel Sauce Drizzle: Drizzling softened caramel sauce over your cookies can introduce a new layer of flavor, making dessert feel indulgent and luxurious.
Choco-Nutty Blend: Pair your cookies with a handful of mixed nuts for an added crunch and a satisfying energy boost; the saltiness complements the sweet, chewy cookies beautifully.
Fruit Smoothie: A smoothie made with bananas and spinach or berries lends a refreshing twist and gets you added nutrients while enjoying a sweet treat.
Cream Cheese Frosting: A dollop of tangy cream cheese frosting makes your cookies even richer, ideal if you prefer an indulgent dessert experience.

Choose a couple, or enjoy them all to make your next cookie moment truly special!

Expert Tips for Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

• Dough Resting Time: Allow the dough to rest for about 15 minutes before baking. This helps hydrate the flour, ensuring a chewier texture.

• Avoid Overbaking: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they bake. To maintain that soft center characteristic of Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies, take them out while still slightly undercooked.

• Customize Your Add-ins: Feel free to substitute chocolate chips with nuts or other mix-ins like dried fruit. Just remember to adjust the amounts according to your taste preferences for balance.

• Prevent Sticking: Always line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking and to allow for easy removal once baked.

• Gluten-Free Option: If you want to make gluten-free Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies, ensure that the flour you’re using is certified gluten-free, as this can make all the difference.

• Storage Tips: For longer freshness, store baked cookies in an airtight container. They can last up to a week at room temperature, perfect for snacking!

Make Ahead Options

These Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can prepare the dough up to 2 days in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container, which helps to enhance the flavors while keeping them fresh. To maintain their texture, make sure to wrap the dough tightly to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply scoop out 1-inch balls from the chilled dough and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake as directed, adding an extra minute or two if needed, and enjoy the deliciousness of freshly baked cookies with minimal effort on busy days!

Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative with these delicious cookies and make them your own!

Nutty Delight: Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch. The nutty flavor beautifully complements the sweetness of the banana and chocolate.
Increased Sweetness: If you love sweetness, add 1/4 cup of white chocolate chips along with the chocolate chips for a delightful twist. The creaminess of white chocolate elevates the treat to new heights.
Flaxseed Boost: Sneak in 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed for added nutrition without changing the flavor. It’s a simple way to enhance these cookies with healthy omega-3 fatty acids!
Coconut Bliss: Swap half the chocolate chips for shredded coconut for a tropical vibe. The chewy coconut pairs wonderfully with both chocolate and banana, creating a deliciously exotic flavor.
Cinnamon Spice: Add a teaspoon of pumpkin spice or nutmeg for warm, aromatic flavor. The spices help evoke a cozy, inviting feel that’s perfect for fall or anytime you want to warm up.
Vegan Variation: Substitute the egg yolk with a flax egg (mix 1.5 tsp ground flaxseed with 2 tbsp of water) to make these cookies vegan-friendly. You’ll enjoy the same wonderful taste and texture!
Sugar-Free Twist: Use a sugar substitute like monk fruit sweetener or erythritol in place of brown sugar for a lower-calorie version. Your cookies may taste slightly different but still deliciously satisfying!
Flavor Boost: Enhance the vanilla flavor by adding a splash of almond extract. This little addition can create a delightful complexity that keeps everyone guessing about the secret ingredient.

Don’t forget, if you’re looking for something a little different but just as delightful, you might also love my no-bake banana split cake for a refreshing change of pace!

How to Store and Freeze Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This keeps them soft and chewy, ready for snacking whenever the craving hits.

Fridge: For extended freshness, place the cookies in the refrigerator; they can last up to 2 weeks. Just allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before delighting in the chewy goodness.

Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, heat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. This refreshes the texture and brings back that lovely melty chocolate flavor!

Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of bananas should I use?
For the best results, use overripe bananas, which have brown spots and are very soft. They provide maximum sweetness and moisture, mashing to about 1/4 cup. Discard any excess banana to ensure the dough isn’t too wet.

How should I store these cookies?
Keep your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This method helps retain their softness and chewiness. For a longer shelf-life, you can refrigerate them where they’ll stay fresh for about 2 weeks.

Can I freeze the cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies, first lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Afterward, transfer them to a zip-top bag or an airtight container. They can be stored like this for up to 3 months. To enjoy, let them thaw at room temperature and maybe pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to revive their chewy texture.

Why are my cookies flat?
If your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies turn out flat, it might be due to several factors: the butter could be too warm or melted, or you may have over-mixed the batter. To prevent this, ensure your butter is just melted and let the dough rest for about 15 minutes before baking to allow the flour to hydrate properly.

Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
Yes! If you want to make these cookies vegan, simply substitute the egg yolk with a flax egg (1.5 tsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tbsp of water). Just remember to stir it well and let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to the mix. Additionally, if you plan to share these treats with pets, be cautious as chocolate can be harmful to them. Always keep baked goods safely out of their reach!

Can I use gluten-free flour?
Very! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a certified gluten-free flour blend. The outcome should be just as delightful, keeping that chewy texture you desire. Just measure carefully since gluten-free flours can vary in density, and you may need to adjust your baking time slightly as well.