Introduction
Welcome to the delightful world of baking where we take two beloved favorites and combine them into one irresistible treat: Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies! These cookies embody the rich, comforting flavors of banana bread while offering the soft, chewy goodness of a cookie. With every bite, you’ll experience the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the decadent melty chocolate chips that create a burst of flavor that is sure to brighten your day. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of coffee in the morning or savoring one as an afternoon snack, these cookies are a wonderful way to celebrate the simple pleasures in life.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is essential for achieving the perfect cookie texture!
- Next, add the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl, mixing until all the wet ingredients are well combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together the baking soda, salt, and flour. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined — be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts, if using, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for a delightful crunch and a rich chocolatey taste.
- Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, drop rounded balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about two inches of space between each ball to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown, signaling that they are perfectly baked.
- Once out of the oven, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly, ensuring each bite is soft and chewy.
Notes or Tips
For the best flavor, use ripe bananas with plenty of brown spots; they are sweeter and juicier. If you want to experiment a bit, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or a handful of shredded coconut for an extra twist. And don’t forget, these cookies can also be frozen! Just make sure they’re completely cool before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They’ll be as good as fresh when you pull them out for a later treat.
Cooking Techniques
This recipe makes use of a few classic baking techniques that are essential for achieving that perfect cookie:
- Creaming: Mixing the butter and sugars until light and fluffy creates tiny air pockets, making your cookies tender and airy.
- Folding: Gently mixing in the chocolate chips and nuts preserves the integrity of the dough and maintains a chewy texture.
- Baking: Keep an eye on your cookies as they bake; ovens can vary, and you want them to be perfectly golden around the edges but still soft in the center.
FAQ
Can I use frozen bananas? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before mashing them.
Are these cookies gluten-free? To make these cookies gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a suitable gluten-free flour blend.
How should I store these cookies? Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are bound to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. They’re soft, flavorful, and packed with delicious morsels that make every bite feel like a warm hug. Whether you share them with family and friends or keep them all to yourself (we won’t tell!), these cookies bring a sweet touch to any day. Happy baking!