Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the flavors of banana bread with the irresistible chewiness of a cookie, then you’ve come to the right place! These Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite in your home. They bring back warm memories of baking with loved ones and make the perfect snack for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.

What makes these cookies so special is their moist texture and rich flavor. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, they’re quick to make, which means you can enjoy freshly baked cookies in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: In just 22 minutes, you can have these delicious cookies ready to enjoy!
• Family-friendly: Kids love the sweet banana flavor and gooey chocolate chips—perfect for all ages!
• Make-ahead option: You can easily prepare the dough ahead and bake them fresh when needed.
• Irresistible flavor: The blend of banana and chocolate is simply divine, making them hard to resist!
• Soft and chewy texture: These cookies are delightfully soft in the middle with slightly crisp edges.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that make these cookies so delicious! You probably have most of these items in your pantry already.

For the Cookies

• 1 small overripe banana, mashed (it should measure 1/4 cup; if it’s more just discard the 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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations to try, depending on what you have on hand or what flavors you love:

• Add nuts: Toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
• Use different chips: Swap out chocolate chips for peanut butter or butterscotch chips for a new twist.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon for extra warmth.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, mix together the melted butter (or vegetable oil), brown sugar, and mashed banana. This step is key because it combines all those wonderful flavors right from the start. Ensure everything is well mixed so that every bite is full of sweetness!

Step 2: Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla

Next, add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to your bowl. Mixing these in adds richness to your cookies, making them soft and flavorful. Give it a good stir until everything is well blended.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to add the flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. Stir until combined, making sure there are no streaks of flour left. This step helps create that perfect cookie dough texture—smooth and ready for those delicious chocolate chips!

Step 4: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the chocolate chips. They are what makes these cookies truly special! After this step, cover your dough and let it sit while the oven preheats. This resting time helps hydrate the flour for an even better texture.

Step 5: Bake Your Cookies

Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once ready, scoop out about one-inch balls of dough onto your prepared sheet. Remember to leave some space between them since they will puff up while baking! Bake for about 10-11 minutes until they’re puffed but still soft in the center.

Step 6: Cool Before Enjoying

Once they come out of the oven, let your cookies cool on the sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling step allows them to set perfectly while keeping that delightful chewy texture inside.

And there you have it! A batch of Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies that will warm your heart and satisfy your sweet tooth! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

Baking can be a delightful adventure, and with these tips, you’ll ensure your cookies turn out perfectly every time!

• Use overripe bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. This enhances the natural banana flavor in each bite.
• Don’t skip chilling the dough: Allowing the dough to rest for about 15 minutes allows the flour to hydrate properly, resulting in a softer and chewier texture.
• Underbake slightly: Pull your cookies out of the oven when they’re still a little underbaked. They’ll continue to cook on the baking sheet after you remove them from the oven, leading to that perfect soft center.
• Experiment with mix-ins: Feel free to add nuts or dried fruits for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Walnuts or pecans can complement the bananas beautifully!
• Store correctly for freshness: Keep your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will maintain their soft and chewy texture for several days!

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

Presenting your delicious cookies can make them even more special! Here are some fun ways to serve them.

Garnishes

• Drizzle of chocolate: A light drizzle of melted chocolate over the top adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.
• Sprinkle of sea salt: Just a pinch of flaky sea salt on top enhances the chocolate flavor and provides a delightful contrast.

Side Dishes

• Milk: A classic pairing! The coolness of milk complements the warmth of freshly baked cookies perfectly.
• Ice cream: Serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla or banana ice cream for an indulgent dessert that’s sure to impress!
• Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing side that balances out the sweetness of the cookies. Choose seasonal fruits for vibrant flavors.
• Coffee or tea: The warmth of coffee or tea makes for a cozy experience alongside these soft, chewy delights—perfect for an afternoon treat!

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions ready, go ahead and whip up a batch of these Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, making them a delightful treat to have on hand throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Freezing

• Allow cookies to cool completely before freezing.
• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer frozen cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To enjoy warm cookies, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place the cookies on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5 minutes or until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave a cookie for about 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies that might help you out!

Can I use ripe bananas for Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies?

Absolutely! Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe as they provide the best flavor and sweetness. Just mash one small banana (about 1/4 cup) for optimal results.

How do I ensure my Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies stay soft?

To keep your cookies soft, avoid overbaking them. Take them out of the oven when the edges are just set but the centers still look slightly underbaked. They’ll continue to cook as they cool!

Can I make these Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure it is a blend that contains xanthan gum for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to make these delicious Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies! Their delightful taste and wonderful texture truly bring the comfort of banana bread into cookie form. Enjoy making them with loved ones or treat yourself—either way, they’re sure to brighten your day. Happy baking!