Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a truly irresistible treat to brighten your snack time, these Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are here to steal the show. They bring together the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas with melty pockets of chocolate chips, all wrapped in a tender, chewy cookie that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and easy to make, these cookies are a must-try for anyone who loves a soft, comforting dessert with a little twist. I promise, once you try these, you’ll find yourself reaching for more, again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet play crucial roles in delivering that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color in your Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies. Each one brings something special to the dough, from moisture and sweetness to a gentle spice note and melty chocolate goodness.

• 1 small overripe banana, mashed: This adds natural sweetness and moisture, making the cookies soft without needing extra sugars or oils.
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter: Provides richness and tenderness to the cookies, helping with that chewy texture.
• 1 cup light brown sugar, packed: Gives a caramel-like flavor and contributes to the chewy crumb.
• 1 egg yolk: Adds extra richness and binds everything together while keeping the cookies soft.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses a lovely warm aroma that enhances the sweetness and flavor complexity.
• 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour: The structural base that holds the cookies together and balances the moisture.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough to be fluffy and soft without becoming cakey.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds a cozy, spicy depth that pairs beautifully with banana and chocolate.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Elevates all the sweet flavors and balances the overall taste.
• 2/3 cup chocolate chips: The star ingredient for pockets of gooey chocolate that melt in your mouth.

How to Make Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

Step 1: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Start by combining your mashed banana, melted butter or oil, and brown sugar in a large bowl. This mix is the flavor foundation of your Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies, ensuring each bite is moist and sweet. Stir well so the banana blends evenly with the sugar and fat, creating a smooth, luscious base.

Step 2: Add Egg Yolk and Vanilla

Next, add the egg yolk and vanilla extract into your wet mixture. The egg yolk adds richness and helps the cookies maintain a soft, tender texture, while the vanilla brings warmth and amplifies the sweet notes you want in every bite.

Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients

Now it’s time to blend in your flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir gently until the flour just disappears and no streaks remain. The cinnamon is what gives these Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies a delightful, inviting spice that perfectly complements the banana’s sweetness.

Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold the chocolate chips into your dough. These gems will create melty pockets of joy inside each cookie. Once mixed, cover the dough and let it rest while your oven preheats—this rest time helps the flour hydrate, which is key to that soft, chewy texture.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop dough balls about one inch in diameter onto the sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. The dough will be a bit wet, but that’s exactly how it should be. Bake for 10 to 11 minutes, just until the edges set and the cookies puff up, but the centers remain slightly underbaked—this is the secret to keeping them soft and chewy.

Step 6: Cool Before Enjoying

Let your Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies cool completely on the baking sheet or a rack before digging in. This allows them to set up perfectly; eating them too hot might risk missing out on that delightful chewy texture you worked to achieve.

How to Serve Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies

Garnishes

To elevate your serving, sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the cookies right after baking to contrast their sweetness beautifully. Alternatively, a light dusting of cinnamon sugar can add a fun sparkly touch and enhance the spice flavor.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cozy cup of coffee or tea to balance their sweetness and texture. For something a bit different, try serving alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a warm-cold contrast that’s utterly indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies into a dessert sandwich by filling two cookies with cream cheese frosting or peanut butter. You could also crumble them over yogurt or ice cream for a delicious topping with a tender bite of banana and rich chocolate chips in every crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay soft and perfect for up to 3 days. If you want to tuck them away longer, make sure they are fully cooled before sealing.

Freezing

You can freeze these cookies after baking to enjoy later without losing their delightful texture. Place them in a single layer on a tray to freeze initially, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and thaw easily at room temperature when you are ready to indulge.

Reheating

If your cookies have lost a bit of their softness, gently warm them in a microwave for about 10 seconds or in a low oven for a few minutes. This refreshes their chewy texture and melts the chocolate chips just right, bringing them back to life.

FAQs

Can I use regular eggs instead of just egg yolks in this recipe?

While the recipe calls for just egg yolks to keep the cookies extra rich and tender, you can use a whole egg if that’s what you have. Just keep in mind the texture might be a bit less soft and slightly more cake-like.

What if I don’t have ripe bananas?

Ripe bananas are essential because they provide natural sweetness and moisture for these Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies. If your bananas aren’t quite ripe, you can speed up ripening by placing them in a paper bag with an apple for a day or two.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?

Absolutely! Using melted butter will give the cookies a richer flavor and a slightly denser chew. Both options work beautifully, so it’s really up to what you prefer or have on hand.

Is it okay to add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or even shredded coconut add great texture and flavor. Just fold them in alongside the chocolate chips without altering the rest of the recipe.

Why are the cookies still a bit underbaked in the center?

This is intentional! The softness and chewiness come from slightly underbaking the cookies so the centers remain tender rather than fully firm or crunchy. Trust the timing and cooling—it’s what makes these Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies so special.

Final Thoughts

These Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are such a delightful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of bananas combined with the classic pleasure of chocolate chips. Soft, tender, and packed with cozy cinnamon flavor, they make every cookie lover’s heart sing. Next time you want a homemade treat that feels comforting and special, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!

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