Introduction
Who can resist the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house? These Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the delightful flavors of ripe bananas and rich chocolate chips, creating a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a batch of scrumptious cookies that are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. Ideal for snacking, sharing, or savoring alone with a cup of tea or coffee, these cookies are bound to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2-3 bananas)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 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 chocolate chips
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies bake evenly and come off the sheet easily.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the dough, resulting in wonderfully soft cookies.
- Add the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until everything is well combined. The bananas will add a lovely moisture and flavor to your cookies.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This will help to evenly distribute the leavening agents throughout the flour.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Fold in the chocolate chips gently to ensure they’re evenly distributed without overworking the dough.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows the cookies to spread without sticking together.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are a lovely golden brown and the center is set. Your kitchen will smell divine!
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This will help them firm up and achieve the perfect texture.
Notes or Tips
- These cookies are best enjoyed warm, right out of the oven, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- If you want to elevate the flavor even further, consider adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Feel free to mix it up by adding nuts or using different types of chocolate chips, like dark or white chocolate, for a unique twist!
Cooking Techniques
Creaming the butter and sugars together until light and fluffy is key to getting the right texture. This process incorporates air into the mixture, leading to softer cookies. Additionally, folding in the chocolate chips gently ensures they’re evenly distributed without breaking up the dough.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen bananas? Yes! Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mashing.
- What can I substitute for butter? You can use applesauce or a dairy-free butter substitute if you’re looking for a healthier or vegan option.
- How can I make these cookies gluten-free? Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, making sure it contains xanthan gum for the right texture.
Conclusion
These Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are a delightful blend of nostalgia and indulgence. With their soft and chewy texture, they’re the perfect way to use up those ripe bananas sitting on your counter. Whether for a cozy family gathering or a sweet afternoon treat, you’re sure to create smiles with every bite. So, grab those ingredients and bake up some joy!