Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are a warm, inviting treat that beckons you with their sweet aroma and enticing chocolatey goodness. Each cookie boasts a golden-brown exterior with a soft, gooey center, creating a delightful contrast that makes every bite irresistible. These cookies are specially made to celebrate overripe bananas, transforming them into an easy and delicious dessert that’s perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy night in or a casual gathering with friends. Enjoy these delightful bites that not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also make great use of produce that might otherwise go to waste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to whip up a batch of Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies! They make the perfect dessert for parties, holidays, or simply a comforting treat to share with loved ones. The beauty of this recipe lies in its convenience—fewer ingredients mean less fuss, allowing you to indulge in a rich, chocolatey delight in no time. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile; you can enjoy them warm from the oven or store them for an easy snack throughout the week. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned chef, these cookies promise satisfaction with every batch.
Seasonal Ingredients Spotlight
In this recipe, the star of the show is the overripe banana—rich in flavor and packed with natural sweetness. As it ripens, its vibrant yellow peels become speckled with brown spots, enhancing its delectable taste. Alongside the bananas, aromatic ground cinnamon adds warmth and depth, filling your kitchen with inviting scents reminiscent of cozy days spent baking. The combination of locally sourced ingredients not only supports sustainability but also ensures freshness, making this dish a wonderful choice for anyone looking to create something truly special. Embrace the natural appeal of these seasonal ingredients for a dessert that’s both comforting and delicious!
What You’ll Need
To create these delightful cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 small overripe banana, mashed (measuring 1/4 cup; discard any overflow)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips
Ingredient Notes
- Banana: The riper, the better! A very ripe banana not only enhances the flavor but also adds moisture to the cookies.
- Vegetable Oil vs. Butter: Using butter will give a richer flavor, while vegetable oil creates a slightly lighter texture. Feel free to choose based on your preference.
- Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chips are classic, but dark chocolate or even white chocolate can provide unique flavor variations.
How to Make This Recipe
1. Prepare the Base
In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and mashed banana. Mix well to create a smooth and glossy base that will fill your kitchen with a warm aroma of sweetness.
2. Mix in the Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the banana mixture. Stir until thoroughly combined, ensuring a cohesive blend for a rich flavor.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
Next, add the flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. Stir until just combined; take care not to overmix—this will ensure your cookies stay soft and chewy. You’re looking for a consistent dough without streaks of flour.
4. Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough, creating delightful little pockets of chocolate in every cookie.
5. Allow to Rest
Cover the dough and let it rest for about 15 minutes while preheating the oven. This allows the flour to hydrate, resulting in a chewier texture.
6. Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350°F.
7. Scoop and Bake
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to scoop out about 1-inch balls of dough, spacing them about 2 inches apart on the prepared sheet. The dough may be slightly wet, which is normal! Bake for 10 to 11 minutes or until the edges are set, but the centers are still soft and puffy.
8. Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm for that gooey, melty chocolate experience!
Essential Tools
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Mixing bowls: A large bowl for mixing and a smaller one for measuring.
- Parchment paper: For easy baking and cleanup.
- Cookie scoop or spoon: For evenly sized cookies.
- Oven mitts: To keep your hands safe when taking hot trays out.
- Cooling rack: To cool your cookies evenly.
Meal Prep & Storage Tips
To keep your Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. For longer storage, pop them in the freezer; they’ll stay good for up to three months. To enjoy them warm after freezing, simply reheat in the oven for a few minutes. You can also make the dough in advance and freeze it in balls, ready to bake whenever you’re in the mood for a delicious treat!
Perfect Pairings
These cookies are delicious on their own, but why not elevate your experience with some perfect pairings? Enjoy them with a tall glass of chilled milk or a steaming cup of coffee or tea—each sip complements the sweetness of the cookies beautifully. For an extra treat, try serving them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert!
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Fat: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 14 g
Avoid These Common Pitfalls
Here are some common pitfalls to watch for when making your cookies:
Dough Too Dry
If your dough seems too dry, add a splash of milk until it’s more pliable, ensuring a perfect texture.
Chocolate Coating Breaks
To prevent chocolate from breaking, make sure it is melted smoothly and doesn’t cool too much before folding it into the dough.
Unevenly Shaped Balls
Using a cookie scoop helps with uniform size, ensuring even baking and consistent delightful bites.
Pro Tips for Best Results
- For a deeper flavor, substitute half the chocolate chips with chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans.
- Test the dough by baking a single cookie if you’re unsure about the flavor or texture.
- Consider lightly sprinkling sea salt on top before baking for an indulgent sweet-salty balance.
Recipe Variations to Explore
Get creative with these cookie variations:
- Nutty Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Spiced Version: Experiment by adding a pinch of nutmeg or some chopped dried fruit for a seasonal twist.
- Oatmeal Banana Cookies: Substitute 1/3 of the flour with rolled oats for a chewy, hearty option.
Dietary Adaptations & Safety Info
This recipe can be adapted to suit various dietary needs:
- Vegan: Use flaxseed meal as an egg substitute and coconut oil instead of butter.
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Be cautious about allergens like chocolate; choose dairy-free chocolate chips if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw and mash them before measuring.
2. How do I make these cookies chewier?
For chewier cookies, avoid overbaking and let them rest on the baking sheet after taking them out of the oven.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredient amounts, and follow the same steps!
4. How do I store leftover cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.
5. Are these cookies suitable for kids?
Definitely! They offer a tasty, sweet treat that kids will love.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Ready to delight your taste buds with these Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies? We can’t wait to hear your feedback or see your creations! Share your photos and thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to tag your baking adventures on social media. For more delicious dessert ideas, check out our other recipes here: {internal_link_1}. Happy baking!
Print
Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and chewy cookies made with overripe bananas and chocolate chips, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 small overripe banana, mashed (measuring 1/4 cup)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and mashed banana. Mix well.
- Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the banana mixture and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Next, add the flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. Stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Cover the dough and let it rest for about 15 minutes while preheating the oven to 350°F.
- Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop out about 1-inch balls of dough onto the prepared sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes and then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Store cookies in an airtight container for up to five days. Freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: banana, chocolate chip, cookies, dessert, easy recipe
