Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Are you staring at a bunch of overripe bananas on your counter, wondering what to do with them? Perhaps you’re craving a warm, comforting cookie, but you also want something a little different than your standard chocolate chip cookie? Look no further! This recipe for banana chocolate chip cookies is the answer to your cravings and your overripe banana woes. Imagine the delicious flavor of banana bread combined with the soft, chewy goodness of a classic chocolate chip cookie. These cookies are incredibly easy to make, and they’re guaranteed to become a new family favorite.

Why You’ll Love These Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

These banana chocolate chip cookies aren’t just another cookie recipe; they’re a delightful experience that combines the best of both worlds. Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore them:

Easy to Make: This recipe uses simple techniques and minimal equipment. Most recipes can be made in one bowl, which means less cleanup for you.
Incredibly Soft and Chewy: You’ll love the texture of these cookies, with their soft centers and chewy edges.
Unique Flavor: These cookies deliver the comforting taste of banana bread with the satisfying addition of chocolate chips.
Quick to Make: You can have freshly baked cookies in under 30 minutes with no chill time required.
Minimal Ingredients: The recipe calls for just 10 readily available ingredients.
Dietary Flexibility: This recipe can easily be made vegan or gluten-free.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious banana chocolate chip cookies. Gathering your ingredients before you start will make the baking process much smoother and more enjoyable.

1 Small Overripe Banana, mashed (about 1/4 cup): Using a very ripe banana will add natural sweetness and enhance the flavor of your cookies. For best results, use a banana that’s super brown.
½ cup Vegetable Oil or Melted Butter: Vegetable oil will give your cookies a silky crumb, but melted butter can be used if you prefer. Some recipes recommend browning the butter for a richer, nuttier flavor.
1 cup Light Brown Sugar, packed: Brown sugar keeps the cookies soft, chewy and perfectly sweet.
1 Egg Yolk: Using only the egg yolk is key to achieving a chewy rather than cakey texture. To make the recipe vegan, you can substitute the egg yolk with 1 ½ teaspoons of ground flaxseed mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes to congeal before using.
1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: A splash of pure vanilla extract will elevate the flavor of your cookies.
1 ⅓ cups All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour provides the perfect crumb. Some recipes may also work well with whole wheat flour or a 1:1 gluten free baking flour.
½ teaspoon Baking Soda: Baking soda is what gives your cookies that classic crinkly top.
2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon adds a cozy warmth to these cookies.
½ teaspoon Salt Balances out the sweetness of the cookie.
⅔ cup Chocolate Chips: Use your favorite type of chocolate chips.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your own batch of delicious banana chocolate chip cookies. Don’t be afraid to have fun and put your own spin on the recipe.

Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened butter, brown sugar, and mashed banana. Mix until well combined.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Mix well.
Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon to the wet ingredients. Combine until the mixture is evenly incorporated, ensuring no traces of flour are visible. Be careful not to overmix.
Incorporate Chocolate Chips: Gently mix in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly spread throughout the batter.
Let the Dough Rest: Cover the dough and set it aside while the oven preheats for about 15 minutes. This allows the flour to hydrate in the dough.
Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and give it time to reach the proper temperature. Line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or spoon to drop 1-inch dough balls onto the prepared cookie sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. The dough may have a slightly wet consistency, which is normal.
Bake the Cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges are set and the cookies have puffed up, but the middles are still slightly underbaked.
Cool: Let the cookies rest on the baking tray for a few minutes after removing them from the oven, then transfer them to a wire rack to finish cooling.

Pro Tips for the Best Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

To ensure your banana chocolate chip cookies turn out perfect every time, here are some essential tips:

Use Overripe Bananas: For the best banana flavor and moisture, use a super ripe, brown banana.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix the batter only until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this may lead to a dense and dry, bread-like consistency.
Underbake the Cookies: Remember that your cookies will continue to bake as they cool, so they should be a little raw in the middle when you take them out of the oven. As the cookies cool, they will firm up while maintaining a wonderfully gooey center.
Room Temperature Ingredients: For a smooth batter and even texture, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before starting.
Accurate Measurements: For best results, use a kitchen scale to weigh your ingredients, especially when doubling a recipe.
Oven Temperature: Ovens can fluctuate in temperature, so using an oven thermometer can help ensure that your cookies are baked at the correct temperature.
Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough for at least 30 minutes will help the butter to firm up and the ingredients to meld together so that they don’t completely spread out in the oven.
Use High-Quality Ingredients: High-quality butter and chocolate can make a big difference in the flavor of your cookies.

Recipe Variations and Additions

Want to spice up your banana chocolate chip cookies? Try these fun variations to make the recipe your own:

Add Nuts: Mix in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture and flavor.
Change the Chocolate: Experiment with dark, milk, or white chocolate chips. You can also use chocolate chunks or a chopped chocolate bar.
Add More Spice: Increase the amount of cinnamon, or add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom.
Espresso Powder: A touch of espresso powder can enhance the chocolate flavor.
Toffee Bits: Add toffee bits for a sweet and crunchy twist.

Dietary Adaptations:

Vegan: Use a high-quality vegan butter and a flax egg (1 1/2 teaspoons ground flaxseed mixed with 2 Tablespoons of cold water, let sit for 5 minutes) in place of the egg yolk.
Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about making the best banana chocolate chip cookies:

Can I use frozen bananas?

Yes, you can use frozen bananas, but thaw them first, mash them, and keep in mind that frozen bananas may release more moisture.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe, but for best results, use a kitchen scale to weigh your ingredients, especially the flour.

Can I make these cookies ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can freeze individual portions of cookie dough for baking later.

Do I need to use ripe bananas?

Yes, using ripe bananas is key to getting the best flavor and texture in your cookies. Ripe bananas are sweeter, more flavorful, and have a different texture than unripe bananas.

What is brown butter and do I need to use it?

Brown butter is regular butter that is cooked on the stove until the milk solids are toasted, giving it a nutty flavor. You don’t need to use brown butter, but it can add another level of flavor.

How can I make these cookies chewier?

If you want a chewier cookie, use a smaller banana, and increase the sugar slightly.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes baking doesn’t go as planned. Here are common issues and solutions:

Why are my cookies too flat? This can happen if the butter was too warm, if you didn’t chill the dough, or if you didn’t cook the butter long enough when browning it. Also, be sure to use the correct amount of butter.
Why are my cookies too cakey? Overmixing the dough can cause the cookies to be cakey. Also, using a whole egg instead of just the yolk can result in a cakey texture.
Why are my cookies burnt on the bottom? Your oven might be too hot, so be sure to use an oven thermometer. Also, make sure to use parchment paper to prevent burning.
Why are my cookies dry? Make sure that you are measuring your flour correctly. If you are using cup measurements, be sure to fluff the flour and then spoon it into your measuring cup, rather than scooping the flour with the measuring cup. Also, overbaking the cookies can cause them to be dry.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage will help keep your banana chocolate chip cookies delicious for days:

Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Adding a slice of bread to the container will help keep them moist.
Refrigerator: You can store the cookies in the fridge for up to a week, but the texture may change slightly.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze baked cookies or cookie dough on a baking sheet for a couple of hours. Once hardened, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy the cookies as if they were freshly baked, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds, wrapped in a paper towel.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your banana chocolate chip cookies in a variety of ways:

Warm with Milk: A classic pairing that’s perfect for a cozy night.
With Coffee or Tea: These cookies make a great afternoon treat with your favorite hot beverage.
With Ice Cream: Make a delicious ice cream sandwich or crumble the cookies over a scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
At Parties and Gatherings: These cookies are always a hit at parties, holiday gatherings, and potlucks.

Conclusion

These banana chocolate chip cookies are a delightful way to use up overripe bananas and create a truly special treat. With their soft, chewy texture, comforting flavor, and easy preparation, they are sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is a fantastic choice to add to your collection. So, go ahead, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy some of the best cookies you’ve ever tasted!