Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies filling your home, and these delightful Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are sure to become a favorite! Packed with the sweet, unmistakable flavor of ripe bananas and rich, melty chocolate chips, each bite offers a nostalgic blend of flavors that makes you feel right at home. Perfect for sharing with family and friends or simply enjoying with your afternoon coffee, these cookies strike the perfect balance of soft and chewy goodness. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s as easy to make as it is to devour!
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
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) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a luxurious base for your cookies.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and aromatic.
- Stir in the mashed bananas, letting their natural sweetness shine through as they blend into the mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt, ensuring even distribution of the dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet banana blend, mixing gently until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep your cookies tender.
- Fold in the chocolate chips, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for that delightful burst of chocolate in every bite.
- Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each for spreading.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are slightly golden, filling your kitchen with a heavenly scent.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the delightful moment as you await the taste of your creations!
Notes or Tips
For the best flavor, use very ripe bananas—those with brown spots are perfect! If you prefer a bit of crunch, consider adding chopped nuts along with the chocolate chips. These cookies can be stored in an airtight container for several days, though they likely won’t last that long!
Cooking Techniques
Creaming the butter and sugars creates air pockets that help your cookies rise while baking, leading to that irresistible chewy texture. Make sure to measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off; this prevents your cookies from becoming too dense. Lastly, resist the temptation to overbake—taking them out while they still look slightly underbaked will yield the perfect soft center.
FAQ
Can I freeze the cookie dough? Absolutely! You can scoop the dough into balls and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just bake them from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.
Can I substitute the chocolate chips? Yes! Feel free to experiment with nuts, dried fruits, or even peanut butter chips for a fun twist on flavor.
Conclusion
There you have it—Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies that are sure to bring a smile to your face with every bite! These cookies blend the nostalgic flavors of banana bread with the indulgence of chocolate chip cookies, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re sharing them at a gathering or enjoying them warm from the oven, they promise to deliver joy and warmth to your kitchen. Happy baking!