Name: Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies You’ll Crave
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 82 min
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter (cooled after melting); 1 cup brown sugar (or coconut sugar for a healthier option); 1 small ripe banana (with plenty of dark spots); 1 large egg yolk (to bind the dough); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (preferably pure); a pinch salt (to balance sweetness); ½ teaspoon baking soda (ensure it’s fresh); ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional but recommended); 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (do not over-mix); 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark chocolate); ½ cup walnuts (optional, can be omitted)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

As I sifted through my kitchen, the sweet, ripe bananas quietly beckoned for attention. How could I let them go to waste? Enter these chewy banana bread chocolate chip cookies, a delightful twist on a classic favorite! This easy baking recipe combines the comforting taste of home-baked banana bread with the irresistible allure of melted chocolate chips. Whether you’re looking for a quick afternoon treat or a cozy dessert, these cookies deliver on both flavor and nostalgia. Plus, they come together in a fraction of the time it takes to bake an entire loaf—winning! So, are you ready to create a scrumptious batch of these chewy delights that will surely become your new go-to?

Why Are These Cookies So Irresistible?

Chewy Texture: Indulge in the perfect blend of chewy banana bread and chocolate chip cookie textures that keeps your taste buds craving more.

Quick & Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up these cookies faster than a traditional loaf—ideal for busy days!

Versatile Flavor: Customize them with dark chocolate chips or nuts to suit your preferences, and make each batch uniquely yours.

Comforting Aroma: The scent of warm bananas and chocolate wafting through your kitchen will evoke feelings of nostalgia, making them perfect for cozy evenings.

Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them solo, these cookies are sure to delight everyone—much like our Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars or Cosmic Brownie Cookies.

Bake a batch soon, and get ready to share the love!

Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients

• Here’s what you need to create these delightful treats!

For the Cookie Dough

Butter – Adds richness and moisture; use unsalted or ensure it cools after melting.
Brown Sugar – Provides sweetness and moisture; coconut sugar is a great substitute for a healthier option.
Ripe Banana – Key for flavor and moisture; opt for one small banana with plenty of dark spots for maximum taste.
Egg Yolk – Binds the dough and enhances flavor; avoid whole eggs as they change the cookie texture.
Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor; choose pure vanilla for the best results.
Salt – Balances out the sweetness; essential for enhancing flavor.
Baking Soda – Acts as a leavening agent; make sure it’s fresh to ensure a good rise.
Cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth; optional but recommended for extra flavor.
All-Purpose Flour – Provides the structure; be careful not to over-mix to keep cookies chewy.
Chocolate Chips – Delivers sweetness and dessert goodness; semi-sweet for classic flavor, dark chocolate for a richer taste.
Walnuts (optional) – Introduces crunch and extra flavor; can be swapped with pecans or omitted for a nut-free option.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prepare Dough
In a large mixing bowl, begin by combining ½ cup of cooled melted butter and 1 cup of brown sugar, mixing until fully blended. Next, add in 1 ripe mashed banana, 1 egg yolk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.

Step 2: Add Flour
Gradually fold in 1 ½ cups of all-purpose flour to the dough mixture, mixing gently until just combined; this helps retain that coveted chewy texture in your Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies. Be careful to avoid overmixing, as it may toughen your cookies. Lastly, gently fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips and ½ cup of chopped walnuts if you’re using them.

Step 3: Chill Dough
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel and refrigerate the dough for 1 hour. Chilling helps firm up the dough, making it easier to scoop and reducing spreading during baking. Use this time to preheat your oven and prepare your baking sheets for the next steps.

Step 4: Preheat Oven
While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake. Meanwhile, line your baking sheets with parchment paper, which provides a non-stick surface for your cookies and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 5: Scoop Cookies
After the dough has chilled, use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches of space between each cookie dough ball to allow for spreading as they bake. This spacing is crucial for creating perfectly shaped Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Step 6: Bake
Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Watch closely as the edges turn golden brown while the centers remain soft; this is the perfect doneness for a chewy and delicious cookie. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 7: Cool
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 2 minutes. This allows them to set slightly before transferring. After a brief cooling, move the cookies to wire racks to cool completely. This final touch ensures the chewy texture that defines these banana bread chocolate chip cookies.

Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Variations

Feel free to get creative with these chewy delights and make them your own!

Dark Chocolate Chips: Swap semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate chips to deepen the flavor and add a gourmet touch.
Gluten-Free: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version that still retains a chewy texture. Just be sure to adjust baking time slightly, as they may bake quicker.
Tropical Twist: Add ½ cup of shredded coconut to the dough for a delightful hint of the tropics, bringing a new layer of sweetness and texture.
Nutty Surprise: Incorporate chopped pecans or macadamia nuts in place of walnuts for a delicious crunch and a different flavor profile.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for an unexpected warmth that will elevate your cookies even more. You could also try a tablespoon of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
Fruit Fusion: Mix in ½ cup of diced dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a sweet, chewy surprise in each bite—much like our irresistible Chunky Monkey Banana treats.
Low Sugar: Replace brown sugar with mashed dates or coconut sugar, creating a healthier, yet still delicious cookie suitable for those watching their sugar intake.
Peppermint Hint: For a festive touch, add ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract, perfect for a winter gather—sipping hot cocoa alongside these cookies is a match made in heaven!

Make Ahead Options

These Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance by mixing all the ingredients and refrigerating it in an airtight container. This not only saves you time on busy days but also consolidates the delicious banana and chocolate flavors. Alternatively, you can scoop out the cookie dough and freeze the individual balls for up to 3 months; just place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, simply preheat your oven and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for perfectly chewy cookies, just as delicious as when they’re freshly made!

What to Serve with Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

There’s something magical about pairing these delightful cookies with the perfect accompaniments that enhance their warm, comforting flavors!

Warm Milk: The classic pairing that complements the chocolatey richness while adding a soothing touch to your experience.
Rich Coffee: A cup of freshly brewed coffee adds a delightful bitterness that balances the sweetness of the cookies for the ultimate treat.
Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a generous serving atop a warm cookie. The melting ice cream creates a decadent dessert that’s simply irresistible.
Fruit Salad: Fresh, vibrant fruits like berries or sliced bananas provide a refreshing contrast, adding a pop of color and flavor to your plate.
Chocolate Dipping Sauce: Elevate your cookies by serving them with a side of warm chocolate sauce. It’s a delightful way to indulge your chocolate cravings!
Nutty Tea: Chai or any nut-infused tea enhances the comforting aroma of the cookies, making them perfect for cozy afternoons spent in good company.
Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt can balance the sweetness while introducing a creamy texture that pairs beautifully with each chewy bite.

Bake up a batch of these cookies soon, and try one of these pairings for the perfect sweet encounter!

How to Store and Freeze Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For extra moisture, add a piece of bread inside the container.

Fridge: If you prefer chilled cookies, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 7 days. Make sure they are properly covered to prevent drying out.

Freezer: Freeze cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature and microwave for 10-15 seconds, bringing back that fresh-baked taste to your chewy banana bread chocolate chip cookies!

Expert Tips for Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

Use Ripe Bananas: Choose bananas with lots of dark spots; they provide optimal sweetness and moisture, avoiding a cakey texture.
Chill the Dough: Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour; this minimizes spreading and helps maintain the chewy look of your cookies.
Avoid Overmixing: When adding flour, mix until just combined; overmixing can lead to tough cookies and compromise the chewiness.
Space Them Out: Ensure sufficient distance between each dough ball on the baking sheet; this allows for proper spreading without merging.
Check for Doneness: Watch for golden edges with soft centers; pulling the cookies while they’re slightly underbaked ensures a chewy finish that’s simply irresistible!

Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe FAQs

What bananas should I use for the best flavor?
Absolutely! For the best flavor in your chewy banana bread chocolate chip cookies, use bananas that are very ripe with lots of dark spots. These bananas are sweeter and provide more moisture. Avoid yellow bananas, as they won’t give you that rich, banana-y taste essential for this recipe.

How should I store the cookies?
You can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For an extra touch of moisture, placing a slice of bread in the container will help keep them soft longer. If you love them chilled, keep them in the fridge for up to 7 days, but ensure they’re well-sealed to prevent drying out!

Can I freeze Chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies?
Absolutely! To freeze your cookies, first place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the cookies to an airtight container or a freezer bag, where they can remain fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, thaw at room temperature and microwave for 10-15 seconds for that fresh-baked feel!

What can I do if my cookies come out too cakey?
If your chewy banana bread chocolate chip cookies turn out cakey, it’s often due to too much banana or overmixing the dough. Stick to one small mashed banana and mix gently, just until combined, to keep that chewy texture intact. If you prefer a more chewy texture, consider chilling your dough longer before baking.

Are there any dietary considerations for these cookies?
Very! These cookies can be made nut-free by omitting the walnuts or swapping them with seeds like sunflower seeds. You can also substitute almond flour for a gluten-free treat but remember that it may slightly change the texture. Always check labels on chocolate chips if you have allergies, as some may contain allergens.