These Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies bring together the nostalgic flavors of banana bread with the irresistible charm of chocolate chips, creating a soft, chewy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Their golden edges and melty chocolate pockets make them an inviting snack to enjoy with a cup of coffee or as an easy dessert after dinner. Ideal for busy bakers, this recipe requires minimal ingredients and little prep time, yet delivers maximum flavor and comfort. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, these cookies offer a delicious way to use up ripe bananas and satisfy your sweet tooth all at once.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 ripe bananas, mashed
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1 cup brown sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing well until combined.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
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Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
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Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, drop rounded spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
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Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: 150 kcal per cookie | Servings: 24 cookies
Background and Origin of Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies
Banana bread and chocolate chip cookies are two of the most beloved baked treats in the world, each with its own rich history and devoted fan base. Banana bread emerged as a popular recipe in the United States during the Great Depression when home cooks found creative ways to use overripe bananas instead of wasting them. This resourcefulness made banana bread a symbol of comfort, thriftiness, and home baking. Chocolate chip cookies, invented in the 1930s by Ruth Wakefield, quickly became a quintessential American treat loved for their perfect balance of crisp edges and gooey centers studded with chocolate morsels.
The fusion of these two favorites—banana bread and chocolate chip cookies—creates an innovative and irresistible hybrid that combines the moist texture and natural sweetness of banana bread with the rich, melty bursts of chocolate chips found in classic cookies. This unique recipe brings a fresh twist to traditional baking, appealing to cookie lovers and banana bread fans alike.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe is special because it merges the best characteristics of two iconic desserts while maintaining simplicity and ease. Unlike traditional banana bread, which requires loaf pans and longer baking times, this recipe turns the banana bread flavor into quick, handheld cookies that bake in just 10-12 minutes. This makes them perfect for busy bakers who want delicious results without spending hours in the kitchen.
The recipe uses ripe bananas, which naturally sweeten the cookies and add moisture, eliminating the need for excessive sugar or fats. The semi-sweet chocolate chips provide the perfect contrast to the mild banana flavor, adding texture and a rich, indulgent taste. This balance ensures that the cookies are neither too sweet nor too dry—just soft, chewy, and satisfyingly rich.
Nutritional Benefits and Ingredients Highlights
Bananas are a powerhouse fruit packed with vitamins and minerals such as potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. They provide natural sugars and dietary fiber, supporting heart health, digestion, and sustained energy levels. Using bananas in cookies means you’re sneaking some nutritional benefits into a delicious treat, making these cookies a slightly healthier alternative to many traditional sweets.
Butter adds richness and flavor, while the brown sugar contributes a subtle molasses note that complements the bananas’ sweetness. The egg acts as a binder and adds protein, helping the cookies hold together without becoming crumbly. Flour and baking soda create the necessary structure and leavening to give the cookies a tender crumb.
Versatility and Customization
One of the best features of this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. You can substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even chunks of your favorite candy bars depending on your preference. For those who want an extra nutritional boost, adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans adds crunch and healthy fats.
If you’re aiming to make this recipe vegan, you can swap the butter for plant-based margarine or coconut oil, and use a flax egg (ground flaxseed mixed with water) in place of the regular egg. Gluten-free flour blends also work well here, making these cookies accessible to those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor or texture.
The Perfect Treat for Every Occasion
These Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are incredibly versatile. Their soft texture and familiar flavors make them great for afternoon snacks, lunchbox treats, or after-dinner desserts. They’re also ideal for potlucks, bake sales, or casual gatherings since they’re easy to transport and loved by all ages.
They satisfy those mid-day sweet cravings while also delivering a comforting, homey flavor that reminds many people of simpler times and cozy kitchens. Plus, since they use up ripe bananas, they’re a fantastic way to reduce food waste and transform something that might otherwise be tossed into the trash into a delicious delight.
Easy Baking for Beginners and Experts Alike
This recipe’s straightforward ingredient list and simple steps make it approachable for bakers of all skill levels. There’s no need for complicated techniques or special equipment—just mix, scoop, and bake. The quick baking time also means you can whip up a batch whenever the craving strikes, even on a weeknight.
At the same time, experienced bakers will appreciate how this recipe lends itself to experimentation with mix-ins and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, making it a flexible foundation for a variety of personalized cookie creations.
Why Choose This Recipe Over Others?
Many banana cookie recipes can turn out dry or crumbly, but this one’s emphasis on ripe bananas, brown sugar, and butter ensures moistness and chewiness. The use of baking soda rather than baking powder helps create a lighter texture, and the chocolate chips add that irresistible gooey richness.
Moreover, the balance of sweetness is carefully crafted so that the cookies never taste overly sugary, making them suitable for those who want an indulgent but not overwhelming treat. This recipe also avoids artificial additives and preservatives, meaning you’re baking with wholesome, real ingredients.
A Recipe That Brings Comfort and Joy
Food is often more than just nourishment; it’s about memories, emotions, and connection. These Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies offer all of that by evoking the warmth of home baking and the simple happiness that comes with sharing treats with loved ones. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven with a glass of milk or packing them up to brighten someone’s day, these cookies bring a smile with every bite.
Conclusion
In a world where quick snacks are often processed and artificial, this recipe stands out as a wholesome, comforting option that can be made from scratch with basic pantry staples. It’s a delicious example of how classic flavors can be combined to create something fresh and exciting, yet familiar and nostalgic. Perfect for all ages and occasions, these Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to become a go-to favorite in your baking repertoire.
