Imagine a world where the comforting nostalgia of a classic chocolate chip cookie meets the natural sweetness and moist texture of ripe bananas — that’s precisely what you get with Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies. These little treats are pure magic, blending two of the most beloved dessert flavors into a soft, chewy cookie that’s impossible to resist. Whether you have overripe bananas to use up or just want to delight your family with something a little different, these cookies fit the bill for cozy afternoons, lunchbox surprises, or sweet midnight cravings.

Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of pantry staples to whip up Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies, but don’t let their simplicity fool you. Each ingredient plays a starring role, creating that perfect harmony of sweetness, softness, and a touch of warm spice in every bite.

Unsalted butter, softened: Gives the cookies their rich flavor and helps achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Brown sugar, packed: Adds a hint of molasses for moistness and a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
Granulated sugar: Provides that classic cookie sweetness and contributes to those golden edges.
Ripe banana, mashed: The secret to a soft, tender cookie with a subtle banana flavor — overripe is best!
Large egg: Binds everything together and gives the cookies structure.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the dough with aromatic warmth and enhances the banana notes.
All-purpose flour: Forms the cookie’s base and ensures just the right amount of chew.
Baking soda: Provides a gentle lift so your cookies stay light and fluffy.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens the other flavors.
Cinnamon (optional): Adds a whisper of spice that plays beautifully with banana and chocolate.
Semisweet chocolate chips: The indulgent bursts of chocolate that take these cookies from tasty to utterly crave-worthy.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper — this makes cleanup a breeze and prevents sticking, so every chocolate chip banana cookie comes out perfectly golden on the bottom.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Take your time with this step; creaming until light and fluffy ensures your cookies have that irresistible, soft texture.

Step 3: Add Banana, Egg, and Vanilla

Mix in the mashed ripe banana, egg, and vanilla extract. The banana adds natural sweetness and keeps the cookies moist, while the egg and vanilla deepen the flavors and help everything come together smoothly.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon (if you’re using it). Blending these ingredients first ensures they’re evenly distributed, which makes for a consistently tender cookie.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips. Each dollop of dough should be studded with plenty of chocolate — the hallmark of a great Chocolate Chip Banana Cookie!

Step 7: Portion the Dough

Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them plenty of room to spread and bake evenly.

Step 8: Bake to Cookie Perfection

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft. Let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling — though we won’t blame you if you sneak one while they’re still warm and gooey!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies

Garnishes

For that extra-special touch, sprinkle each cookie with a pinch of flaky sea salt straight out of the oven, or top with a few extra chocolate chips while they’re still warm. A dusting of powdered sugar can also add a delicate, bakery-style finish.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with an ice-cold glass of milk, a cozy cup of coffee, or even a banana smoothie for the ultimate treat. For dessert, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream and fresh banana slices — it’s pure heaven!

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the cookies high on a rustic plate, bundle them into little gift bags tied with twine, or create a DIY cookie sandwich with a scoop of your favorite ice cream in the center. Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies also make a delightful addition to dessert platters or lunchbox surprises.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies soft and fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. You can even tuck in a slice of bread to help maintain their dreamy, moist texture.

Freezing

To freeze the cookies, let them cool completely, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to three months. You can also freeze unbaked dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer for fresh cookies anytime.

Reheating

If you love warm, melty chocolate chips, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 10 seconds before serving. If reheating a larger batch, a quick stint (3 to 4 minutes) in a 300°F oven will restore that just-baked texture.

FAQs

Can I use bananas that aren’t fully ripe?

For Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies, super-ripe bananas are key; they mash easily, add sweetness, and deliver the best banana flavor. If yours are still a bit firm, you may not get the same moistness or depth of taste, but they’ll do in a pinch!

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative, use a flax egg instead of the regular egg, and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free. The banana does a lot of the binding, so vegan versions turn out deliciously soft too.

Why did my cookies turn out cakey?

If your cookies are more on the cakey side, it may be due to extra flour or an especially large banana. For chewier cookies, aim for a medium-sized banana and make sure to measure your flour using the spoon-and-level method.

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Yes! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even a handful of shredded coconut add wonderful texture and flavor. Just fold them in with the chocolate chips for a fabulous nutty twist on classic Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies.

Is chilling the dough really necessary?

While not required, chilling the dough for 30 minutes makes the cookies even chewier and helps control spreading. If you have the patience, it’s definitely worth the wait!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll fall in love with Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies as much as I have. They’re a delightful twist on two classic favorites, simple to make, and guaranteed to make every cookie moment extra special. Go ahead, give them a try — and don’t forget to save a few for yourself!