Name: Irresistibly Soft Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 41 min
Ingredients: 0.25 cup overripe banana (mashed); 0.33 cup vegetable oil or melted butter (or coconut oil for a tropical twist); 0.75 cup light brown sugar; 1 large egg yolk (or 1.5 tsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tbsp water for vegan option); 1 tsp vanilla extract (preferably pure); 1.5 cups all-purpose flour (properly measured); 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional but recommended); 0.25 tsp salt; 1 cup chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate/nuts for added texture)

As I sifted through my pantry, a vibrant thought struck me: transforming ripe bananas into something utterly delightful. Enter my Moist and Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies! This recipe perfectly blends the comforting essence of banana bread with the playful twist of a cookie, creating a treat that’s hard to resist. Not only is it simple—requiring just one bowl and a handful of ingredients—but these cookies promise moist chewiness and rich chocolate goodness that will make any gathering feel special. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, this quick and easy recipe is your golden ticket to homemade happiness. Curious about how to whip these up? Let’s dive into the delicious details!

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Moist and Chewy: These Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are incredibly soft with a chewy texture that melts in your mouth, making them a delightful treat for any time of day.
One-Bowl Wonder: Perfect for busy bakers, everything comes together in just one bowl, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor.
Beginner-Friendly: No complicated techniques here! Even if you’re new to baking, this easy-to-follow recipe ensures your cookies will turn out perfectly every time.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: With rich chocolate chips blending beautifully with banana flavors, these cookies are sure to impress family and friends at any gathering. Enjoy with a glass of milk or grab a warm cookie right from the oven!
Vegan Option Available: Don’t shy away from this recipe if you follow a vegan diet. A simple egg swap means everyone can join in the fun! You might also enjoy my Gluten Free Chocolate cookies as another delicious alternative.

Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookie Dough
• Overripe Banana – Provides natural sweetness and moisture; measure 1/4 cup and discard excess.
• Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter – Adds fat for richness and softness; substitute with coconut oil for a tropical twist.
• Light Brown Sugar – Sweetens the cookies and adds depth; avoid substitutions for the best flavor.
• Egg Yolk – Contributes to richness and binding; replace with 1.5 teaspoons ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tablespoons water for a vegan option.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances sweetness; opt for pure vanilla for optimal taste.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; ensure proper measuring to prevent dense cookies.
• Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent; essential for a slight rise.
• Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and flavor; optional but highly recommended for a cozy touch.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness; critical for enhancing flavor.
• Chocolate Chips – Infuses chocolatey goodness; substitute with chopped chocolate or nuts for added texture.

These Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect combination of chewy and moist, bringing the beloved flavors of banana bread into a delightful cookie form!

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

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). As your oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring a non-stick surface for your cookies. This preparation sets the stage for perfectly baked Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 2: Blend Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine melted butter (or vegetable oil), light brown sugar, and the mashed overripe banana. Use a whisk or sturdy spatula to mix until the mixture is creamy and fully combined, with no visible lumps of banana. This will form the moist base for your cookies.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, stir in the egg yolk and vanilla extract, mixing until thoroughly incorporated. The addition of these ingredients adds richness to the dough, enhancing the flavor profile of your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies. Ensure the mixture has a smooth consistency before moving on.

Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to add your dry ingredients. Gradually stir in the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon, mixing just until no flour streaks remain. Take care not to overmix, as this will keep your cookies tender and chewy.

Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. This step transforms your cookie mixture into a delightful blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of chocolate with the banana richness, essential for your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 6: Let Dough Rest
Allow the dough to rest for about 15 minutes while the oven continues to preheat. This allows the flavors to meld and improves the cookie’s texture, resulting in a softer, chewier bite when baked. A small but crucial step for the perfect cookie!

Step 7: Scoop and Space
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion out 1-inch balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This spacing allows the cookies to spread without merging together, ensuring beautifully shaped Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-11 minutes. Look for the edges to be set and the centers to remain slightly puffed and underbaked for that perfect chewy texture. The aroma will fill your kitchen as they bake!

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This brief cooling time allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to transfer to a wire rack. And there you have it—your warm, gooey Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are ready to be enjoyed!

What to Serve with Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Elevate your cookie experience by pairing these delightful treats with complementary flavors and textures to create the perfect dessert spread.

Cold Glass of Milk: A classic pairing, the creamy richness of milk balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolatey goodness of the cookies.
Fresh Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy pieces of seasonal fruit add a refreshing contrast to the dense, chewy cookies, providing a light touch.
Coffee or Espresso: The bold flavors of brewed coffee or a shot of espresso enhance the warm spices and chocolate notes, perfect for adult enjoyment.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of smooth vanilla ice cream on the side creates a delightful combination of warm and cold, enhancing the cookies’ sweetness.
Chocolate Drizzle: For chocolate lovers, drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies adds an extra layer of indulgence, making an already delicious treat even more special.
Chopped Nuts: Sprinkle some chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the rich banana and chocolate perfectly.
Homemade Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce elevates the cookie experience into a decadent dessert craving, offering a sweet contrast to the banana flavor.
Herbal Tea: A cup of soothing herbal tea can cleanse the palate, bringing a calming note that complements the sweet energy of the cookies.
Chocolate Lava Cake: If you’re feeling extravagant, serving these cookies alongside a rich chocolate lava cake can create a luxurious dessert experience that’s hard to resist.

Choose your favorites to make every bite of Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies an unforgettable indulgence!

Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations

Feel free to explore these delightful twists and substitutions to make this recipe your own!

Whole Wheat Flour: Swap half the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
Nuts Galore: Toss in your favorite nuts like walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch that complements the chewy cookies beautifully. The combination of flavors and textures will elevate your cookie experience!
Dark Chocolate Chunks: Replace chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks for a richer, more intense chocolate experience. This substitution will transform your cookies into an indulgent treat.
Spices Galore: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom alongside the cinnamon for an exciting flavor twist that warms the soul. Experimenting with spices introduces a new aromatic layer that makes each bite unique.
Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle warm cookies with homemade caramel sauce for an irresistible sweetness boost, making them feel festive and extra special. The gooey addition elevates your cookies from ordinary to extraordinary!
Peanut Butter Swirl: Create a peanut butter swirl in your dough for a delightful flavor combination that makes every bite a surprise. The rich, nutty essence pairs perfectly with the banana and chocolate.
Vegan Version: Keep it completely plant-based by using coconut oil in place of butter and a flax egg. Not only are you accommodating dietary needs, but you’re crafting a treat that everyone can enjoy! You might also love trying my Gluten Free Chocolate cookies for more delightful vegan options.
Zesty Kick: Add citrus zest, like orange or lemon, to brighten the flavor profile and enhance the cookies with a refreshing twist.

Dive into these variations to find your favorite, and don’t hesitate to share your own unique twists that excite your palate!

Expert Tips for Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

Measure Accurately: Properly measuring flour is crucial; spoon and level to avoid dense cookies. Too much flour can ruin the perfect texture.
Avoid Overmixing: Mix just until combined to keep your cookies tender and chewy. Overmixing activates the gluten, making them tough.
Rest the Dough: Letting the dough rest before baking allows flavors to meld and improves the cookie’s chewiness, enhancing your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Bake Until Underbaked: For that gooey center, aim for slightly underbaked cookies. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
Customize with Goodies: Feel free to include nuts or swap chocolate chips for dark chocolate to elevate the flavors of your delicious treats.

Make Ahead Options

These Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep, making busy weeknights a breeze! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. To maintain their delicious quality, simply scoop the dough into balls and chill before storing—this helps keep the cookies chewy and flavorful. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time, ensuring your cookies come out just as moist and delightful as if they were freshly made. Feel free to freeze the dough for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake and enjoy these warm, comforting treats at a moment’s notice!

How to Store and Freeze Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week to keep them soft and chewy.

Fridge: For longer freshness, place cookies in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, but expect slight changes in texture. Allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.

Dough Storage: Refrigerate cookie dough for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months for quick baking whenever you’re craving those delicious Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs

What type of bananas should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! For this recipe, overripe bananas are essential. Look for bananas that are past their prime, with dark spots or even turning black. The more mature they are, the sweeter and moister your cookies will be. Aim for about 1/4 cup of mashed banana; any excess can be discarded if you’re measuring precisely.

How should I store my Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies?
You can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. This keeps them delightfully soft and chewy. If you prefer some extra freshness, you can refrigerate them for up to 2 weeks—keep in mind that the texture may change slightly. Simply let them come to room temperature before enjoying!

Can I freeze Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Of course! To freeze, arrange your cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to prevent sticking. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds—trust me, it’s a warm hug in cookie form!

What if my cookies come out too dry?
Don’t worry! If you find your cookies are dry, it might be due to overmixing the dough or using too much flour. Always spoon and level your flour for accuracy. To fix dry dough next time, try adding a tablespoon of milk or an extra mashed banana to maintain moisture. And remember, remove them from the oven when they still look slightly underbaked for that perfect chewy texture!

Are these cookies suitable for allergy concerns?
Good question! This recipe can be made vegan by substituting the egg yolk with 1.5 teaspoons ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tablespoons of water. For nut allergies, feel free to skip any nuts added to the dough. Always check your specific chocolate chip brand for potential allergens, as some may contain traces of nuts or dairy.