Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful twist on your classic cookie. They combine the natural sweetness and moisture of ripe bananas with melty chocolate chips, making each bite soft, chewy, and full of flavor. The texture is just perfect—tender but with a little chew that keeps you coming back for more.
I love making these cookies when I have bananas that are a little too ripe to eat on their own. Instead of letting them go to waste, I mash them up and fold them right into the cookie dough. It’s a simple way to add extra moisture and sweetness without needing much sugar. Plus, the chocolate chips add just the right amount of chocolatey goodness that everyone always asks for the recipe.
My favorite way to enjoy these cookies is fresh out of the oven with a cold glass of milk or even a cup of coffee. They’re perfect for a cozy afternoon snack or a simple dessert after dinner. I’ve found that storing them in an airtight container keeps them soft for days, making them an easy go-to when you want a little treat on hand.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bananas: Ripe bananas are the star here, adding natural sweetness and moisture. Overripe ones with brown spots work best. If you’re out, you can try unsweetened applesauce, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Butter: Softened unsalted butter gives richness and helps with the chewy texture. You can swap with an equal amount of coconut oil for a dairy-free option, though it might change the flavor a bit.
Flour: All-purpose flour is ideal for structure. For a gluten-free version, try a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend, but the cookies may turn out a little more crumbly.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips balance the banana’s sweetness. If you want less sugar, dark chocolate chips work great. You can also add chopped nuts for crunch if you like.
How Can You Achieve That Perfect Soft and Chewy Texture?
The trick is balancing moisture and avoiding overbaking. Here’s how I do it:
- Cream butter and sugar: Beat them until light and fluffy to create a soft dough base.
- Don’t overmix: Combine wet and dry ingredients gently to keep the dough tender.
- Baking time: Take the cookies out when edges start turning golden but centers still look soft to maintain chewiness.
- Cool on baking sheet: Let cookies rest for a few minutes before moving to a rack—this helps them finish setting while staying soft inside.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – A flat, sturdy sheet is perfect for even baking, plus it holds the cookies without warping.
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat – Prevents cookies from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
- Mixing bowls – At least two bowls to mix wet and dry ingredients separately for better control.
- Hand mixer or wooden spoon – A hand mixer speeds up creaming butter and sugar, but a sturdy wooden spoon works fine too.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements help get the right cookie texture every time.
- Spoon or cookie scoop – Helps portion dough evenly so cookies bake uniformly.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap semi-sweet chips for white chocolate or butterscotch for a sweeter, creamier twist.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunchy contrast that pairs nicely with soft banana.
- Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to add warm spice notes that highlight the banana flavor.
- Try half mashed banana and half pumpkin puree for a fall-inspired cookie with extra moisture.
Soft and Chewy Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 medium) ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 10-12 minutes baking time. Including cooling, the entire process should take around 25 minutes. It’s quick and simple, great for baking when you want fresh cookies in a flash.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Then beat in the egg, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning throughout your dough.
4. Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet batter, folding them in gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep your cookies soft and tender.
5. Add Chocolate Chips:
Fold the chocolate chips into the dough evenly so every cookie has delicious chocolate in every bite.
6. Form Cookies and Bake:
Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in your preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges start turning golden but the centers still appear a bit soft.
7. Cool and Enjoy:
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the cookies cool there for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy fresh for a soft and chewy experience, or store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Can I Use Frozen Bananas for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw the bananas completely and drain any excess liquid before mashing. This prevents the dough from becoming too wet.
Can I Substitute the Butter?
Absolutely! You can use the same amount of coconut oil or margarine if you prefer a dairy-free option, but keep in mind the flavor and texture might be slightly different.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To keep them soft longer, add a slice of bread to the container — it helps maintain moisture.
Can I Add Other Ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or swap chocolate chips for white chocolate or peanut butter chips for a fun twist.