There’s something irresistibly comforting about the aroma of banana bread wafting through the house.
Imagine capturing that essence in a chewy, soft cookie form with delightful chocolate chips adding a touch of indulgence.
I stumbled upon this recipe while trying to recreate a nostalgic childhood treat my grandmother used to bake.
These cookies offer a perfect balance of natural sweetness from ripe bananas and a rich chocolatey finish.
Whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a solo baking adventure, these cookies promise to impress.
Prepare to be enchanted by this harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Recipe Overview
| Recipe Times & Servings | |
|---|---|
| ⏱️ Prep Time: | 15 minutes |
| 🔥 Cook Time: | 12 minutes |
| ⏰ Total Time: | 27 minutes |
| 👥 Servings: | 24 |
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Information (per serving) | |
|---|---|
| 🔥 Calories: | 120 |
| 🥩 Protein: | 2g |
| 🌾 Carbs: | 18g |
| 🥑 Fat: | 5g |
| 🌿 Fiber: | 1g |
| 🍯 Sugar: | 10g |
Essential Equipment Guide
Stand Mixer: A stand mixer is essential for achieving a smooth and well-incorporated dough. While a hand mixer or even manual mixing can work, a stand mixer offers consistency and ease. Look for a model with a paddle attachment for best results.
Baking Sheets: Using quality baking sheets ensures even heat distribution, preventing cookies from burning on the bottom. Alternatives include silicone mats or parchment paper, which also facilitate easy cleanup.
Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop helps portion dough evenly, ensuring uniform size and cooking. While you can use spoons, a scoop speeds up the process and improves consistency.
Ingredients
For the Base
| Amount | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | all-purpose flour | sifted for light texture |
| 1 teaspoon | baking soda | leavening agent |
| 1/2 teaspoon | salt | enhances flavor |
Wet Ingredients
| Amount | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 cup | unsalted butter | softened to room temperature |
| 1/2 cup | sugar | adds sweetness |
| 1/2 cup | light brown sugar | adds depth and moisture |
| 1 large | egg | binds ingredients |
| 1 teaspoon | vanilla extract | adds aroma |
| 2 medium | bananas | mashed, ripe for natural sweetness |
Add-ins
| Amount | Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup | chocolate chips | adds richness and flavor |
Preparation Methods
Creaming Method: This technique involves beating the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. It incorporates air into the dough, leading to a tender texture. Ensure butter is at room temperature for best results.
Mashing Bananas: Use a fork or potato masher to mash bananas until smooth. This ensures even distribution throughout the dough, contributing to the cookie’s moistness and flavor.
Folding: Carefully fold in chocolate chips with a spatula to avoid overmixing the dough, which can lead to tough cookies. Aim for gentle movements that incorporate the chips without deflating the dough.
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients and equipment before starting.
Ensure butter is softened to room temperature.
Measure flour and sift it to remove lumps.
Check that bananas are ripe and ready to be mashed.
Step 2: Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat.
Ensure the oven rack is in the middle position for even baking.
Prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
Preheating ensures the cookies bake evenly from the start.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
This should take about 2-3 minutes on medium speed.
Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure even mixing.
The mixture should appear pale and creamy.
Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture.
Beat on low speed until just combined.
Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cookie.
The mixture should be smooth and homogeneous.
Step 5: Mash and Add Bananas
Mash the ripe bananas in a separate bowl until smooth.
Add the mashed bananas to the wet mixture.
Mix on low speed until just incorporated.
The batter will become slightly looser with banana addition.
Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.
Ensure the mixture is evenly distributed.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
Mix on low speed until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Using a spatula, gently fold the chocolate chips into the dough.
Ensure even distribution of chips throughout the dough.
Avoid overmixing to keep the dough light.
The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 8: Portion and Bake Cookies
Use a cookie scoop to portion dough onto prepared baking sheets.
Space each cookie about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Bake in preheated oven for 10-12 minutes.
Cookies should be golden brown around the edges with a soft center.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Remove cookies from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cooling on the rack prevents soggy bottoms.
Once cooled, serve and enjoy the chewy, soft cookies.
Critical Timing and Temperature Guide
Baking Process: Bake cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes. Look for golden edges and a soft center as indicators of doneness. Avoid overbaking, which leads to hard cookies.
Cooling Process: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set before transferring to a rack. This prevents breaking or deforming.
Storage Process: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Ensure they are fully cooled to prevent condensation and sogginess.
Pro Tips for The Best Banana
• Ingredient Selection: Choose overripe bananas with speckled skins for maximum sweetness and moisture, and use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor.
• Preparation Secret: Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before baking to enhance flavor and control spreading.
• Temperature Management: Ensure all ingredients, especially butter, are at room temperature for easy mixing and consistent texture.
• Texture Enhancement: Sift flour before measuring to aerate it, contributing to a light, chewy texture.
• Flavor Layering: Incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a subtle spice that enhances banana and chocolate flavors.
• Make-Ahead Strategies: Freeze pre-portioned dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to baking time.
• Restaurant-Quality Finishing Touches: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on freshly baked cookies to heighten the chocolate flavor.
• Equipment Optimization: Use a silicone baking mat to promote even baking and prevent sticking.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
• Cookies Too Flat: This might be due to butter being too warm. Ensure butter is softened, not melted. Chill dough if necessary.
• Cookies Too Hard: Overbaking can cause hard cookies. Check for doneness at the minimum baking time and pull when edges are golden.
• Uneven Baking: Rotate baking sheets halfway through the baking time to ensure even heat distribution.
• Banana Flavor Too Subtle: Use fully ripe bananas with brown spots for a stronger banana flavor.
• Chocolate Chips Sinking: Toss chips in a little flour before folding into the dough to help them stay suspended.
Conclusion
I hope you’re inspired to try these delightful Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies.
They offer a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will surely become a favorite.
Enjoy the process of baking and savor the delicious results.
Share the joy of these cookies with family and friends, creating new sweet memories.
