Name: Irresistibly Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 92 min
Ingredients: ½ cup butter (cooled, melted); 1 cup brown sugar (packed); ⅓ cup mashed banana (very ripe); 1 egg yolk (large); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 pinch salt; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 and ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup chocolate chips; 1 cup nuts (chopped walnuts or pecans); 1 cup dried fruit (like dried cranberries or raisins)

The smell of freshly baked cookies wafts through the kitchen, instantly transporting me to cozy afternoons spent with loved ones. Today, I’m excited to share my recipe for Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies, a delightful fusion of warmth and sweetness that’ll make your taste buds dance. These cookies are not only easy to whip up, but they’re also a comforting treat that brings the best of banana bread and gooey chocolate chips into every bite. Perfect for satisfying those late-night cravings or as a crowd-pleasing dessert at your next gathering, these cookies are destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Are you ready to take your cookie game to the next level? Let’s dive in!

Why Are These Cookies So Addictive?

Irresistible Flavor: The combination of ripe bananas and chocolate creates a sweet, comforting sensation in each bite.
Quick & Easy: Made in no time, these cookies are perfect for those busy days when you crave homemade goodness without the fuss.
Texture Sensation: Expect a chewy, gooey delight that brilliantly merges the best traits of cookies and banana bread.
Versatile Options: Feel free to experiment! Whether you swap in coconut oil or try butterscotch chips, these cookies adapt to your taste.
Perfect for Sharing: Bake them for parties, gatherings, or simply treat yourself—everyone will be asking for the recipe! For a cookie that’s equally simple yet delightful, check out the Brownie Mix Cookies.

Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough

Butter – Use cooled, melted butter for a rich texture that binds everything together.
Brown Sugar – Adds sweetness and a subtle caramel note; consider coconut sugar if you’re watching your glycemic index.
Mashed Banana – Use 1/3 cup of very ripe banana for maximum sweetness — look for bananas with dark spots!
Egg Yolk – Imparts richness and helps to hold the cookies together.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; if you want a twist, try almond extract instead.
Salt – Balances the sweetness; it’s essential, so don’t skip it!
Baking Soda – Essential for helping your cookies rise to the perfect chewiness.
Cinnamon – Adds a warm undertone that elevates your banana bread chocolate chip cookies.
All-Purpose Flour – The backbone of the dough; don’t overmix to keep those cookies tender.
Chocolate Chips – Adds sweetness and melty goodness, but feel free to add nuts for a crunchy twist.

Optional Add-ins

Nuts – Chopped walnuts or pecans can add delightful texture and flavor.
Dried Fruit – Consider dried cranberries or raisins for an unexpected fruity kick.

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

Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup of cooled, melted butter and 1 cup of packed brown sugar until smooth and creamy. This should take about 1-2 minutes. The mixture will become glossy and well combined—an inviting start to your chewy banana bread chocolate chip cookies!

Step 2: Incorporate Banana and Egg
Next, add in ⅓ cup of mashed banana—ensure it’s very ripe for maximum sweetness—along with one egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly for about 1-2 minutes until the ingredients are evenly blended and the batter appears thick and cohesive, emitting the lovely aroma of banana.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
Now, sprinkle in a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon into the mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until well combined, making sure no dry ingredients remain visible. The aroma will shift to a warm, inviting scent, hinting at the delicious chewiness to come in your cookies.

Step 4: Fold in Flour and Chocolate Chips
Gradually fold in 1 and ¾ cups of all-purpose flour into the mixture until no dry streaks are left. Be careful not to overmix; you want your chewy banana bread chocolate chip cookies to stay tender. Finally, gently add in 1 cup of chocolate chips, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.

Step 5: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for helping your cookies maintain their shape while baking, preventing them from spreading too thin. The dough will firm up, making it easier to scoop later.

Step 6: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheets
While the dough chills, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, which will prevent sticking and help your cookies bake evenly. Take a moment to visualize the delicious cookies that will soon fill your kitchen with sweet aromas!

Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Once the dough has chilled, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing each ball about 2 inches apart. This ensures that while your chewy banana bread chocolate chip cookies bake, they have room to expand without touching.

Step 8: Optional Chocolate Chip Topping
For an extra chocolatey touch, gently press a few additional chocolate chips into the tops of each dough ball before baking. This simple step will enhance the presentation, making your cookies even more tempting and inviting when they come out of the oven.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheets in the oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them; the cookies will appear set but will still look slightly underbaked in the middle, maintaining that chewy texture.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for about 2 minutes. Then, gently transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for allowing your chewy banana bread chocolate chip cookies to set, resulting in a deliciously soft and gooey treat!

Storage Tips for Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Adding a slice of bread can help maintain softness and moisture.

Fridge: For longer freshness, you can refrigerate the cookies for up to 10 days; make sure they are tightly wrapped to prevent drying out.

Freezer: Unbaked cookie dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Shape into balls, flash freeze, and transfer to a zip-top bag. Add one minute to the baking time when ready to bake.

Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, let frozen cookies sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds.

Make Ahead Options

These Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh-baked goodness whenever you need it! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours for the best results; simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Alternatively, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 3 months—just scoop the dough balls onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, no thawing is necessary; just add an extra minute to the baking time for delicious cookies that are just as good as if you made them fresh!

What to Serve with Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies to bring warmth to your kitchen. Enhance your dessert experience with delightful pairings that perfectly complement the sweet and chewy goodness of these cookies.

Cold Milk: A classic choice, the creaminess of cold milk balances the sweetness of the cookies with each bite.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop alongside warm cookies – the melty ice cream contrasts delightfully with the chewy texture.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh berries and bananas adds a refreshing, vibrant contrast to the richness of the cookies. Enjoying a bite of cookie with a piece of juicy fruit creates a delightful flavor explosion!
Coffee or Espresso: The warm notes in coffee bring out the flavor profile of the banana and chocolate, making for the perfect cozy afternoon treat.
Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Create an indulgent treat by serving the cookies with a side of warm chocolate sauce for an extra chocolatey experience.
Coconut Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this topping enhances the tropical notes from the banana and brings a lovely richness.
Spiced Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai harmonize beautifully with the flavors of banana and chocolate, perfect for a comforting pairing.
Nut Butter: Spread a little almond or peanut butter on half a cookie for a delicious twist that adds protein and richness.
Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of caramel introduces a sweet, buttery contrast to the chocolate chips, elevating the flavor experience of each cookie.

Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations

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

Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut oil for butter to make these cookies dairy-free without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Nutty Addition: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch that complements the soft, chewy cookie base. It adds both texture and richness!
Fruit Fusion: Swap in ¼ cup of dried fruit, like cranberries or raisins, for a fruity surprise that brightens each bite. These touches can elevate your cookie’s flavor profile beautifully.
Flavor Twist: Use butterscotch chips or white chocolate in place of traditional chocolate for a sweet variation that will have your taste buds rejoicing. Don’t be afraid to mix and match!
Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend, ensuring your cookies stay just as chewy and delicious for those with dietary restrictions.
Spicy Kick: Enhance the warmth by adding a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon to deepen the flavor profile and add a cozy warmth that’s perfect for chilly days.
Extra Chocolate: For true chocolate lovers, fold in a mix of dark chocolate and milk chocolate chips. The contrast in flavors will elevate the cookie experience!
Banana Boost: Love bananas? Increase the mashed banana to ½ cup for an even richer flavor, but be careful not to overdo it; keep that perfect chewy balance!

These variations will help you make these Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies uniquely yours! And if you’re looking for another quick treat, consider trying out the Brownie Mix Cookies. Happy baking!

Expert Tips for Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

Use Ripe Bananas: Ensure your bananas are very ripe, with dark spots, to achieve optimal sweetness and flavor in your chewy cookies.
Chill the Dough: Don’t skip the chilling step! It prevents the cookies from spreading too thin during baking, keeping them soft and chewy.
Measure Flour Carefully: Spoon flour into your measuring cup instead of scooping it directly to avoid overly dense, tough cookies.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; they should look slightly underbaked in the center for that perfect chewy texture.
Store Correctly: Store your cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them soft. Enjoy them up to 5 days later!

Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of bananas should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and sweetness, use very ripe bananas with dark spots. These bananas have a higher sugar content, leading to a tastier and more effective mash. Aim for about 1 small banana or 1/3 cup of mashed banana, ensuring it’s easy to blend into your dough.

How should I store my cookies for freshness?
To keep your cookies soft and scrumptious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. I often like to add a slice of bread inside the container to maintain moisture. However, if you have leftovers, they can last up to 10 days in the fridge if tightly wrapped!

Can I freeze the dough or baked cookies?
Absolutely! For freezing unbaked dough, scoop it into balls and place on a baking sheet to flash freeze. Once firm, transfer them to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, add an extra minute to the baking time for perfectly fresh cookies. You can also freeze baked cookies; they can be microwaved for a few seconds to regain that warm, fresh-baked feel.

What if my cookies turn out too cake-like instead of chewy?
No worries! If your cookies come out more cake-like, it may be due to using too much banana or overmixing the dough. Ensure you follow the measurement of 1/3 cup mashed banana; exceeding this can lead to excess moisture. Also, remember to fold in your flour just until combined—this keeps cookies tender and chewy!

Can these cookies be made allergy-friendly?
Very much so! For a dairy-free option, swap butter for coconut oil. If you need to avoid gluten, you can experiment with a gluten-free flour blend. Always check your chocolate chips to ensure they’re allergen-free, especially with nut allergies. These variations make the recipe inclusive for everyone to enjoy!

How can I enhance the flavor of these cookies?
To add more depth of flavor, consider incorporating spices like nutmeg or adding a teaspoon of orange zest. You can also mix in a bit of almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist. The more you experiment, the more personal and delightful your cookies will become!