Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

Introduction

If you’re torn between making banana bread and baking chocolate chip cookies, you’re in luck—this recipe combines the best of both worlds! 🍌🍪 Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies bring together the soft, chewy texture of cookies with the moist, rich flavor of classic banana bread. They’re the perfect way to use up ripe bananas, satisfy your cookie cravings, and enjoy a treat that’s comforting, flavorful, and packed with gooey chocolate in every bite.

These cookies are incredibly easy to make and come together with pantry staples you probably already have on hand. Whether you’re baking for a cozy night in, prepping school snacks, or whipping up something sweet to share with friends, these banana cookies are always a hit. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing while they bake!

🍌 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make these banana bread cookies:

1 ripe banana (medium-sized, mashed)
½ cup unsalted butter, softened
½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
¼ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
½ cup chopped walnuts (optional for crunch)

🧁 Equipment You’ll Need

✔ Mixing bowls
✔ Hand mixer or stand mixer
✔ Measuring cups and spoons
✔ Rubber spatula
✔ Cookie scoop or spoon
✔ Baking sheets
✔ Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
✔ Cooling rack

👩‍🍳 How To Make Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the mashed banana, egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.

Step 4: Add the Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chocolate chips (and chopped walnuts if using) until evenly distributed. The dough will be slightly soft due to the banana—don’t worry, that’s what gives them their chewy texture.

Step 5: Scoop and Bake

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set but still soft.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or store for later—if they last that long!

🍫 Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Cookies

🍌 Banana bread flavor in cookie form
🍪 Soft, chewy texture that stays fresh for days
🍫 Melty chocolate chips in every bite
🎉 Quick and easy – no chilling required
🌰 Customizable – add nuts, oats, or even peanut butter chips
🍽 Perfect for snacks, dessert, or breakfast-on-the-go

🔬 The Science Behind Their Unique Texture

What makes these cookies so soft and cake-like? It’s all about the moisture content from the banana and the right ratio of leavening agents. The ripe banana not only adds natural sweetness but also helps retain moisture, giving the cookies a tender, slightly cakey interior.

Meanwhile, a mix of baking soda and baking powder provides a lift that keeps the cookies from becoming too dense. The cinnamon adds warmth, enhancing the banana flavor without overpowering it. And since there’s less butter than in classic cookies, the texture leans closer to banana bread—but with golden edges and soft centers.

✨ The Magic of Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

There’s something nostalgic and homey about banana bread, and when you combine that with the magic of fresh-baked cookies, you get an entirely new comfort food. These cookies are magic in every bite—rich with banana, sweetened with chocolate, and completely melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

They’re also incredibly kid-friendly and adult-approved, making them perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, and late-night cravings. The best part? You can double the batch and freeze extras for a quick treat later on.

✅ Tips for the Best Banana Bread Cookies

🍌 Use very ripe bananas – the darker the peel, the better
🥣 Don’t overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies
⏲ Bake until just set – overbaking can dry them out
❄️ Let dough rest for 10–15 minutes if it feels too soft to scoop
🍫 Try mix-ins like white chocolate chips, cinnamon chips, or pecans
📦 Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for 3 months

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing.

Do I need to chill the dough?
Not necessary for this recipe, but you can chill for 15–30 minutes if you prefer slightly thicker cookies.

Can I make them gluten-free?
Absolutely—just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I skip the chocolate chips?
You can, but why would you? 😉 You can also swap them for dried fruit or chopped nuts.

How do I freeze the dough?
Scoop the dough into balls and freeze on a tray. Once solid, store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes to the baking time.

🎉 Conclusion

Whether you’re a banana bread lover or a chocolate chip cookie fan, these Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are a must-try recipe. 🍪💛 They’re the kind of treat that feels familiar and comforting, yet exciting and fresh all at once. Moist, chewy, and full of rich banana flavor, they’re perfect for cozy mornings, after-school snacks, or midnight cookie cravings.

Bake a batch today and watch them disappear in minutes. And don’t forget to save one for yourself before they’re all gone!