Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies
Imagine your favorite warm, comforting banana bread transformed into a chewy, delightful cookie studded with melted chocolate chips. These unique cookies offer the best of both worlds, combining the rich, moist texture and distinct flavor of classic banana bread with the beloved indulgence of a chocolate chip cookie. They're incredibly easy to make and perfect for a satisfying treat any time of day.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
10-12 minutes per batch
Total Time
Approximately 1 hour
Servings
Makes 24-30 cookies
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- A unique flavor fusion that combines two beloved desserts into one irresistible cookie.
- Incredibly chewy texture with perfectly melted chocolate chips in every bite.
- A fantastic way to use up those overripe bananas, preventing food waste.
- Relatively quick and straightforward to prepare, making them perfect for any baker.
- Comforting and familiar, yet excitingly new, appealing to all ages.
Ingredients
- 60 grams (1/4 cup) mashed overripe banana (from 1 small banana)
- 120 milliliters (1/2 cup) vegetable oil or melted unsalted butter
- 200 grams (1 cup) light brown sugar, firmly packed
- 1 large egg yolk
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) pure vanilla extract
- 160 grams (1 1/3 cups) all-purpose flour
- 2.5 milliliters (1/2 teaspoon) baking soda
- 10 milliliters (2 teaspoons) ground cinnamon
- 2.5 milliliters (1/2 teaspoon) fine sea salt
- 115 grams (2/3 cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the measured melted unsalted butter (or vegetable oil), firmly packed light brown sugar, and precisely 60 grams (1/4 cup) of mashed overripe banana. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is well-incorporated and smooth, ensuring no lumps of banana remain and the sugar begins to dissolve into the wet ingredients. This step lays the groundwork for the cookie's foundational moisture and flavor.
- Introduce the large egg yolk and the pure vanilla extract to the banana-sugar mixture. Continue mixing vigorously for about 1-2 minutes until the yolk is fully integrated, contributing to the richness and binding properties of the dough, and the vanilla extract imparts its aromatic depth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, fine sea salt, baking soda, and ground cinnamon, directly into the wet mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. It is crucial to mix only until no visible streaks of flour remain to prevent gluten overdevelopment, which can result in tough cookies. The dough will still be quite soft and moist.
- Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips using a spatula, distributing them evenly throughout the dough without crushing them. Once incorporated, cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and allow the dough to rest at room temperature for at least 15 minutes while your oven preheats. This resting period is vital as it allows the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in a more tender and flavorful cookie with a better texture.
- Prepare your baking environment by lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Once the oven has reached temperature, use a 2.5 cm (1-inch) cookie scoop or a rounded tablespoon to portion out dough balls. Place them approximately 5 cm (2 inches) apart on the prepared baking sheet. It is normal for the dough to be quite soft and slightly wet. This contributes to the final cookie's moist, chewy texture.
- Carefully transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 10 to 11 minutes. The cookies are done when their edges are visibly set and lightly golden, and they have puffed up beautifully, but their centers still appear slightly soft and underbaked. This ensures a wonderfully chewy interior.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes. This crucial step allows them to firm up slightly before you attempt to move them. Then, transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling thoroughly allows the flavors to meld and the texture to fully set, making for the best possible eating experience.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons (or kitchen scale)
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet
- Cookie scoop (optional, but recommended)
- Wire cooling rack
Essential Success Tips
- Use truly overripe bananas (with plenty of brown spots) for the best flavor and sweetness, as they are naturally sweeter and easier to mash.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added; this can develop too much gluten and result in tougher cookies. Mix just until combined.
- The resting period for the dough is not optional; it allows the flour to hydrate properly, leading to a softer, more tender cookie texture.
- Pay close attention to the baking time. Pull the cookies when the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft for that perfect chewy texture.
- Allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack. They will continue to set and firm up as they cool, improving their texture and making them easier to handle.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an even richer banana flavor, roast your overripe banana halves (peel on) in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until very soft and caramelized before mashing. The sugars intensify, adding depth to the cookies.
- To enhance the chocolate flavor, use a mix of chocolate chips and finely chopped good quality chocolate bars. The chopped chocolate melts more unevenly, creating pockets of intense chocolate goodness.
- A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies immediately after they come out of the oven can dramatically elevate their flavor, balancing the sweetness and enhancing both the banana and chocolate notes.
Notes
- Storage: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. They also freeze well for up to 2 months.
- Variations: Feel free to add 30 grams (1/4 cup) of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the chocolate chips for added crunch and nutty flavor. A pinch of nutmeg can also complement the cinnamon beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use less ripe bananas for this recipe?
While you technically can, using overripe bananas (with brown spots) is highly recommended. Overripe bananas are sweeter and have a stronger banana flavor, which is crucial for the distinct banana bread taste in these cookies. They also mash more easily into a smooth consistency.
My dough seems very wet. Is this normal?
Yes, it is perfectly normal for this dough to be quite soft and slightly wet, especially compared to traditional chocolate chip cookie doughs. The mashed banana adds significant moisture. This wetness contributes to the final cookie's moist, chewy texture, so don't be tempted to add more flour.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be prepared and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24-48 hours. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly before scooping and baking as directed.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: ~180-200 per cookie, Protein: ~2g, Fat: ~10-12g, Carbs: ~25-28g (estimated based on ingredients and yield).
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (if using butter), eggs, and gluten. For a dairy-free version, ensure to use vegetable oil and dairy-free chocolate chips. This recipe is not easily adaptable to be gluten-free due to the flour ratio and specific texture requirements.
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