Are you ready to discover a sweet treat that combines banana bread and cookies? My Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with flavor. Perfect for any time of day, these cookies are easy to bake and even easier to enjoy. Let’s dive into the simple ingredients and steps that will have your kitchen smelling like a bakery in no time!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients for Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies
– 2 ripe bananas, mashed
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 cup chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
To make these cookies, start with ripe bananas. The riper they are, the sweeter your cookies will be. Softened butter helps create a nice, creamy mixture when you mix it with sugar. Using both brown and granulated sugar adds depth to the flavor.
You will need a large egg to bind everything together. Vanilla extract gives a lovely aroma and flavor. The dry ingredients include all-purpose flour, baking soda for rise, and salt for balance. Ground cinnamon brings warmth and spice to the cookies.
If you enjoy a bit of crunch, consider adding chopped walnuts. They will provide a nice texture contrast to the soft cookies.
This recipe is simple but rewarding. Follow the Full Recipe for detailed steps, and soon you’ll have a batch of these delightful treats.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing Your Oven and Cookie Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step helps the cookies bake evenly. While the oven heats up, grab two baking sheets. Line them with parchment paper. This keeps the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Then, add the mashed bananas. Next, crack in one large egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Stir until everything is well combined.
Combining Dry Ingredients with Wet
In a separate bowl, take your whisk and mix together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Once these dry ingredients are mixed, slowly add them to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined. Don’t overmix. This keeps your cookies soft and chewy.
Forming and Baking the Cookies
Using a tablespoon, scoop out generous amounts of dough. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave space between each cookie. This allows them to spread while baking. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. Look for golden edges. They may seem soft in the center. That’s alright; they will firm up as they cool. After baking, let them cool on the sheets for about five minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. For the full recipe, you can refer back to the ingredients and instructions provided.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfect Texture
To make your cookies soft and chewy, start by creaming the butter and sugars well. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer at medium speed. Mix until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step adds air to the batter, helping the cookies rise.
Be careful not to overmix the dough after adding the flour. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Stir until just combined. It’s okay if you see some flour. The dough should be slightly sticky and thick.
Flavor Enhancements
To make these cookies even more special, try adding spices. A dash of nutmeg or a hint of allspice can elevate the flavor. You can also switch up the chocolate. Use dark chocolate chips or white chocolate for a twist.
When serving, consider garnishing with a drizzle of melted chocolate. A sprinkle of sea salt on top can enhance the sweetness. Serve the cookies warm for the best taste. You can also pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat.
For the full recipe, refer to the instructions above.
Variations
Gluten-Free Version
To make these cookies gluten-free, swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a mix that contains xanthan gum. This helps mimic the structure of regular flour. When baking gluten-free, add a bit of extra moisture. You can do this by including a tablespoon of applesauce or a splash of milk. This will keep your cookies soft and chewy.
Vegan Option
Making these cookies vegan is easy. Replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative. For the egg, use a flax egg. To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about five minutes until it thickens. This will bind your cookies without using animal products.
Different Flavor Combinations
You can get creative with flavors. Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. Dried fruits such as cranberries or raisins can add a nice sweetness. Want more chocolate? Try using dark chocolate chips or even white chocolate chips. Each option offers a tasty twist on the classic cookie, making every batch a little different. For the full recipe, check the details above!
Storage Info
Proper Storage Techniques
To keep your chocolate chip banana bread cookies fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they are clean and dry before placing the cookies inside. Layer parchment paper between cookies to avoid sticking. Store them at room temperature for up to five days. For longer freshness, place the cookies in the fridge. However, this may change their texture a bit.
Freezing Cookies for Later
Freezing cookies is a great way to save some for later. To freeze, first let the cookies cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about one hour. This makes them firm. After that, transfer the cookies to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as you can. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want one, just take it out. Let it thaw at room temperature. You can also microwave it for a few seconds to warm it up. This helps keep the texture soft and delicious.
FAQs
How do I know when the cookies are done?
You can tell when cookies are done by looking at the edges. They should be golden brown. The center might seem soft, but that’s okay. The cookies will firm up as they cool. This helps keep them chewy and delicious.
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen bananas! They work well in this recipe. Just thaw them first and mash them up. Frozen bananas tend to be softer and sweeter. They add great flavor to your cookies.
What should I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, don’t worry! You can add a bit more flour. Start with one tablespoon at a time. Mix it in until the dough feels right. You can also chill the dough for 30 minutes. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to scoop. If you follow the full recipe, you’ll get great results!
You learned how to make tasty chocolate chip banana bread cookies. We discussed ingredients, mixing methods, and a few useful tips. I shared some cool variations, like gluten-free and vegan options. You also got the scoop on storage and handling common issues. Baking cookies can be fun and easy. Now, it’s your turn. Enjoy baking, and experiment with flavors. Trust me, your cookies will be a hit!
