Name: Irresistibly Soft Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 41 min
Ingredients: 1 small overripe banana (adds natural sweetness and moisture); 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter (provides fat for texture); 1/2 cup light brown sugar (sweetens and enhances chewiness); 1 large egg yolk (contributes richness and structure); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (adds depth of flavor); 1 cup all-purpose flour (provides structure); 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (acts as a leavening agent); 1/4 teaspoon salt (balances sweetness); 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (enhances flavor with warmth); 1/2 cup chocolate chips (adds melt-in-your-mouth sweetness)

“Have you ever found yourself with overripe bananas staring back at you, begging to be used? That’s how my journey into creating these Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies began! This delightful recipe transforms the classic flavors of banana bread into easy-to-make cookies that are perfect for indulging your sweet cravings. Not only do they come together in one bowl, but they also require just ten common ingredients, making them an effortless choice for any home chef. Plus, if you’re in a hurry, you’ll love that they bake up in under 30 minutes! So, what are you waiting for? Let’s turn those bananas into something truly special! What would you pair with these warm, gooey cookies?”

Why are these cookies so irresistible?

Deliciously Unique: These Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies bring the iconic flavors of banana bread right into cookie form, making each bite truly special.
Crazy Easy: With just one bowl and ten ingredients, you’ll breeze through this recipe, perfect for those days when you crave something sweet without the hassle.
Quick Baking: Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re ideal for spontaneous baking moments or when guests drop by unannounced.
Gooey Goodness: Sink your teeth into soft, chewy cookies that feature gooey chocolate bits, striking the perfect balance between sweet and satisfying.
Customizable Options: Add nuts or dried fruits for a delightful twist, or mix in spices for a unique flavor experience that keeps things interesting!
Perfect Pairing: Enjoy them warm with a glass of milk or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.

Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients

For the Cookies
• Ripened Banana – Adds natural sweetness and moisture; prefer using one small overripe banana for the best flavor.
• Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter – Provides fat for texture; can substitute with coconut oil if desired.
• Light Brown Sugar – Sweetens and enhances chewiness; dark brown sugar can also be used for a richer flavor.
• Egg Yolk – Contributes richness and structure; for a vegan option, substitute with 1½ teaspoons ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tablespoons water (let it sit for 5 minutes).
• Vanilla Extract – Adds depth of flavor; always choose pure vanilla for optimal taste.
• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure; a gluten-free flour blend can be used as a substitute but may alter texture.
• Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent, helping the cookies rise perfectly.
• Ground Cinnamon – Enhances flavor with warmth; can be omitted if you prefer a simpler taste.
• Salt – Balances sweetness; essential for enhancing overall flavor.
• Chocolate Chips – Adds melt-in-your-mouth sweetness; feel free to use dark or milk chocolate based on your preference.

With these simple ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to baking the most delightful Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies that everyone will adore!

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

Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, gently mash one small overripe banana until smooth, then whisk in 1/4 cup of melted butter or vegetable oil, along with 1/2 cup of light brown sugar. Mix thoroughly until well combined and the mixture is slightly glossy, which usually takes about 2 minutes. This forms the sweet base of your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 2: Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla
Next, add in the egg yolk and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Using a whisk or a spatula, blend these ingredients together until they are fully incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. You should have a creamy, uniform mixture with no visible lumps, ensuring rich flavor in every cookie.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Now it’s time to add your dry ingredients. Gradually stir in 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Continue mixing until no dry flour streaks remain, being careful not to overmix as that can lead to tougher cookies. The dough should be slightly sticky and smooth.

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough; you want the chocolate chips to remain intact for delightful bites in your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 5: Rest the Dough
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the cookie dough rest for approximately 15 minutes. This allows the flour to fully hydrate and can enhance the overall texture of your cookies. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking
While the oven is preheating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Once the dough has rested, use a cookie scoop or two tablespoons to drop rounded balls of dough onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies
Carefully place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers look slightly underbaked. This subtle underbaking helps achieve the soft and chewy texture that makes these Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies truly irresistible.

Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, remove the cookie sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool on it for about 5 minutes, allowing the edges to firm up while the centers remain gooey. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Indulge in the warm, soft cookies and savor that banana bread goodness!

Make Ahead Options

These Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance; simply cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it. This allows the flavors to deepen and ensures the dough maintains its quality. Alternatively, you can shape the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months—just bake them directly from the freezer, adding an extra minute to the baking time. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven and follow the baking instructions, and you’ll have irresistible cookies that taste just as fresh and delicious as if they were made that day!

What to Serve with Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

Indulge in the warmth of freshly baked cookies while exploring delightful pairing options to elevate your dessert experience.

Cold Glass of Milk: The classic pairing! Milk enhances the cookie’s sweetness, creating a nostalgic and comforting combination.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of ice cream adds creamy richness, perfectly complementing the soft, chewy texture of the cookies. It’s a match made in dessert heaven!
Fresh Berries: Sweet and tart berries, like strawberries or raspberries, provide a refreshing contrast to the warm cookies, balancing flavors deliciously.
Creamy Nut Butter: Spread almond or peanut butter on top for an extra layer of flavor and protein that will make your indulgence even more satisfying.
Cup of Coffee: Sip on a warm cup of coffee to cut through the sweetness while enhancing the deep banana flavors found in the cookies.
Coconut Whipped Cream: This airy and tropical topping creates a light and fluffy experience, adding a unique twist that enhances the bananas’ rich flavors.
Dark Chocolate Drizzle: A simple drizzle of melted dark chocolate elevates the indulgence factor. It’s a delightful way to add more chocolatey goodness to each bite!
Homemade Chai Latte: Enjoy the spices in a chai latte, which beautifully contrasts and highlights the warm, comforting flavors of the cookies.
Cinnamon Sugar Dusting: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top brings warmth and a touch of sweetness, making these treats even more irresistible!

Expert Tips for Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

Choose Ripe Bananas: The more overripe the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be; look for brown or speckled peel.
Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour, mix just until no dry streaks remain to ensure your cookies stay soft and chewy.
Cool the Fat: Let melted butter or oil cool slightly before adding to the mixture to prevent cooking the egg yolk and maintain a creamy texture.
Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your cookies while baking; they should look slightly underbaked in the center for that perfect gooey bite.
Storage Matters: Store your banana bread chocolate chip cookies in an airtight container to keep them chewy for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer freshness.

Storage Tips for Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain softness and freshness.

Freezer: For longer shelf life, freeze cookies in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-friendly bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating: To enjoy that fresh-baked flavor, reheat thawed cookies in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-8 minutes until warm.

Baking Tips: Keep some cookie dough in the fridge for a quick treat anytime; it can stay fresh for up to 1 week!

Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative with your baking! There are so many delicious ways to customize these cookies to suit your taste buds.

Nutty Twist: Substitute half of the chocolate chips with your favorite nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added crunch. The added textures will create a delightful surprise in every bite!
Fruity Delight: Fold in a handful of dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries, for a burst of sweetness and texture. These fruity morsels can complement the rich banana flavor perfectly.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for extra warmth and depth. This quick twist will elevate the cookies and bring out cozy, nostalgic flavors you love!
Vegan Version: Replace the egg yolk with 1½ teaspoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tablespoons of water for a completely vegan-friendly cookie. You won’t miss the egg, as these will still yield that sought-after chewiness.
Coconut Flake Addition: Stir in some unsweetened coconut flakes for a tropical flair. The hint of coconut will add a subtle sweetness and chewiness that pairs beautifully with bananas.
Dark Chocolate Indulgence: Swap regular chocolate chips for dark chocolate chips to give a more decadent, rich taste. The slightly bitter chocolate pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the banana.
Healthier Oats: Fold in quick oats to the dough for a heartier texture. This addition will not only give a nice chewiness but also lend some fiber, making your cookies feel even more satisfying.
Chili Powder Infusion: If you’re feeling brave, add a pinch of chili powder for a surprising touch of heat. This might just become your new secret ingredient that everyone will rave about!

These variations allow you to play with flavors and textures, making each batch of banana bread cookies uniquely your own. And if you’re in the mood for something else delicious, you might enjoy these Meringue Cookies Homemade or Pecan Snowball Cookies too!

Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs

How do I select the right bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and moisture, use overripe bananas with brown spots or a dark peel. The sugar content increases as bananas ripen, so you want one small banana that is soft and sweet. If you notice dark spots all over, it’s perfect for mashing!

What is the best way to store my cookies?
To keep your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies deliciously soft, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. If you need to preserve them longer, freezing is a great option!

Can I freeze these cookies for later?
Very! To freeze, first let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze for about an hour. Once firm, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They can be stored for up to 2 months.

What should I do if my cookies are too dry?
If your cookies turn out dry, it’s likely due to overmixing the dough or baking them for too long. To achieve a softer texture, ensure you’re mixing just until combined after adding flour. Also, remember to check your cookies at the 10-minute mark. If they appear slightly underbaked in the center, that’s the perfect indicator to take them out.

Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! To make your Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies vegan, replace the egg yolk with a mixture of 1½ teaspoons ground flaxseed and 2 tablespoons water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens. This flax egg works wonderfully in maintaining texture while adding moisture!

Are these cookies safe for my pets?
While these cookies are delectable for humans, it’s best to keep them away from pets, especially due to the inclusion of chocolate chips, which are toxic to dogs and cats. Always opt for pet-friendly treats to ensure their safety!