If you’ve been searching for a delightful twist on two all-time favorites, then this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies capture the warm, comforting flavors of banana bread and marry them with the irresistible charm of chocolate chip cookies. Each bite offers a perfect balance of softness and chewiness, with bursts of melty chocolate and a subtle hint of browned butter and nuts. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon treat or impressing guests with something a little different, these cookies never fail to bring smiles and satisfied sighs around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is straightforward, but each one plays an essential role in delivering the depth, texture, and that beautiful golden color these cookies are known for. From the nutty richness of browned butter to the fresh flavor of ripe bananas, every component is a star in making this recipe shine.
- 1 cup unsalted butter: Browning the butter adds a nutty, caramel-like flavor that elevates the entire cookie.
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans: Provides a satisfying crunch and complements the soft texture perfectly.
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives structure and chewy bite to the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough without overpowering the texture.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Adds a lightness that balances the density from the bananas and nuts.
- 1 teaspoon table salt: Enhances all the sweet and buttery flavors, making them pop.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses a gentle warmth without being overpowering, truly reminiscent of banana bread.
- ⅔ cup mashed banana: The star ingredient providing natural sweetness and moisture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Brings sweetness and helps with the cookie’s crisp edges.
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar (firmly packed): Adds depth with its molasses undertones and contributes to the chewy texture.
- 2 large egg yolks: Bind everything while enriching the dough for extra softness.
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Amplifies the warm, sweet flavors in every bite.
- 2 cups chocolate chips: Use your favorite variety; a mix of miniature and regular-sized semisweet chocolate chips offers the best chocolate distribution.
- Coarse granulated sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top, it forms a delightful sugary crust that adds a bit of crunch and sparkle.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures an even bake and prevents sticking, giving your cookies a perfect finish every time.
Step 2: Brown the Butter and Toast the Pecans
Place the butter and chopped pecans in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir constantly as the butter melts, and then keep stirring as it foams and eventually browns. This step fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and deepens the flavor of the fat, setting your cookies apart.
Step 3: Cool the Browned Butter Mixture
Once browned, transfer the mixture to a heatproof bowl. You want it cool but still fluid—placing it in the fridge briefly speeds this up. This prevents the butter from cooking the eggs when combined later.
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients well now ensures a uniform rise and flavor throughout your cookies.
Step 5: Mix Bananas with Butter and Nuts
Mash your ripe bananas in a large mixing bowl. Then carefully add the cooled browned butter and nut mixture, stirring everything together until it’s well combined. This union starts to create the moist, rich base of the cookie dough.
Step 6: Add Sugars
Stir in both granulated and brown sugars. The blend of sugars adds complexity—granulated sugar contributes to slight crispness while brown sugar brings chewiness and warmth.
Step 7: Incorporate Egg Yolks and Vanilla
Next, add the egg yolks and vanilla extract, stirring until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. These ingredients ensure your cookies are beautifully rich and decadent.
Step 8: Gradually Stir in the Flour Mixture
Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies tender and soft rather than tough.
Step 9: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Finally, fold in those chocolate chips until evenly dispersed throughout the dough. This is where the magic really happens—little treasures of melty chocolate in every bite.
Step 10: Portion the Dough
Use a large ¼-cup scoop for each cookie, spacing them at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheets. If you prefer smaller cookies, just reduce baking time accordingly. Precision here helps the cookies bake evenly and keeps them from running into each other.
Step 11: Add a Crunchy Finish and Bake
Optional but highly recommended: sprinkle coarse granulated sugar on top for a sparkling crust. Place your trays on the center rack and bake for 13-15 minutes, or until the edges turn a lovely light golden brown. The scent that fills your kitchen will have you hovering by the oven.
Step 12: Cooling Time
Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them to a rack or plate. This helps them set up and develop the perfect texture—soft yet with a slight crispness on the edges.
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling a pinch of flaky sea salt or a dusting of cinnamon sugar on top just before serving can amplify the flavors deliciously. For a charming touch, add a few extra pecans or chocolate chips on the plate as a visual invite to indulge.
Side Dishes
A warm cup of coffee, a cold glass of milk, or even a steaming cup of chai tea perfectly complement these cookies. When serving for brunch or a snack, pair with fresh fruit or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a balanced and indulgent experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching two cookies with creamy peanut butter or Nutella for an irresistible treat that doubles the fun. Alternatively, crumble the cookies over yogurt or ice cream to add texture and flavor, transforming your favorite dishes with ease.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll remain soft and fresh for up to a week. Layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking and preserve their chewy texture.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when needed.
Reheating
To restore that just-baked warmth, microwave individual cookies for 10-15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for a few minutes. This melts the chocolate chips again and revives the soft, tender crumb perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use overripe bananas for this recipe?
Absolutely! Overripe bananas are actually preferred because they are sweeter and mash easier, enhancing the natural flavor and moisture in these cookies.
Is it necessary to brown the butter?
While optional, browning the butter is highly recommended. It adds a rich, nutty flavor that makes these cookies stand out from your typical banana bread or chocolate chip cookies.
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans?
Yes, walnuts are a great alternative and will give a slightly different but equally delicious nutty flavor. Just be sure to toast them in the butter as directed for best results.
Why are only egg yolks used instead of whole eggs?
Using egg yolks adds extra richness and tenderness to the dough without making it too cakey, which helps keep the texture chewy and decadent.
Can I make these cookies smaller or larger?
Definitely! Just adjust the baking time accordingly—smaller cookies bake faster, while larger cookies may need a bit longer. Keep an eye on the edges for that beautiful golden brown cue.
Final Thoughts
If you love the combination of banana bread and chocolate chip cookies, this Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies Recipe is sure to become one of your favorites. The unique flavor from browned butter, the comforting warmth of cinnamon, and pockets of luscious chocolate chips make every bite unforgettable. Don’t hesitate—grab your mixing bowls and indulge in these delicious treats that will brighten any day and satisfy any sweet tooth.
Print
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 18 large cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these rich and flavorful Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies, combining the moist sweetness of ripe bananas with the classic taste of chocolate chips and toasted pecans. Browned butter adds a nutty depth, transforming simple ingredients into a decadent treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Butter and Nuts
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup coarsely chopped pecans
Dry Ingredients
- 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon table salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- ⅔ cup mashed banana (about 1 large banana)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar (firmly packed)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Mix-ins and Toppings
- 2 cups chocolate chips (a mix of miniature and regular-sized semisweet recommended)
- Coarse granulated sugar for sprinkling on top (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line several baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside for ready use.
- Braise Butter and Pecans: In a medium skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter with the coarsely chopped pecans. Stir constantly until the butter foams, sizzles, and pops, allowing it to brown and develop a toasty aroma. This browning process enhances flavor significantly.
- Cool Butter Mixture: Pour the browned butter and nuts into a large heatproof bowl. Place it in the refrigerator briefly to cool it down while avoiding letting the butter become cold or solidified before continuing.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
- Mash Banana and Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mash the banana until smooth. Add the cooled browned butter and pecans and stir thoroughly to combine all wet components evenly.
- Add Sugars: Stir in the granulated sugar and light brown sugar until the mixture is well blended.
- Incorporate Egg Yolks and Vanilla: Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the mixture and stir until fully combined, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Combine with Dry Mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until all flour is absorbed and the dough is uniform without overmixing.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Portion Dough: Using a large scoop (¼ cup or approximately 95 grams), drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Optional Sugar Topping: Lightly sprinkle coarse granulated sugar on top of each cookie for a sweet, crunchy finish, if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven on the center rack for 13 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn a light golden brown, indicating the perfect balance of softness and crispness.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before serving to allow them to set and develop their full flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using browned butter with pecans adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the cookies beyond a traditional banana bread.
- Adjust cookie size if desired—smaller cookies will require less baking time.
- To speed up cooling of the browned butter, briefly refrigerate but avoid letting the butter harden completely before mixing.
- The cinnamon can be omitted or substituted with nutmeg for a different spice profile.
- Coarse sugar sprinkled on top is optional but adds a nice crunch and sparkle.
