Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies

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When life hands you ripe bananas, why settle for ordinary banana bread when you can turn them into irresistible chocolate chip banana cookies? These delicious treats combine the sweetness of ripe bananas with the rich indulgence of chocolate chips, creating the perfect combination for satisfying your sweet cravings.

Banana chocolate chip cookies on a white dish.

When we have too many ripe bananas not only do we love making these Banana Cookies but also this Tasty Banana Cake.

It’s been awhile since I made cookies, so when I found this old recipe of my Mom’s that would use up some of my very ripe bananas I decided to give it a try. Through the years I have shared quite a few of my Mom’s cookie recipes from Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cookies to a delicious classic Chocolate Chip Cookie!

Recipe Ingredients

Flour – all purpose flour
Baking powder
Butter – if you use unsalted then add a bit more salt
Brown sugar – packed light brown also known as golden brown sugar
Sugar – granulated sugar
Egg – large room temperature egg
Banana – very ripe bananas
Vanilla – vanilla extract
Chocolate chips – mini or regular semi sweet chocolate chips
Nuts – I like to add some chopped nuts but it is optional

How to Ripen Bananas

These cookies are made with ripe bananas, but if your bananas are not quite ripe, the easiest way to ripen them is to place the bananas in a paper or plastic bag together with an unpeeled, uncut apple, pear, or even a tomato.

If you don’t have one of these then another banana will work also. Leave them to ripen at room temperature, not in the refrigerator. It will take a green banana approximately 4 days to ripen, if the bananas are already slightly yellow than 1-2 days should be enough.

For room temperature ingredients remove them from the fridge approximately 45-60 minutes before needing.

How to make Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies

In a medium bowl whisk together the flour and baking powder.

Whisking the dry ingredients in a glass bowl.

In a large bowl beat the butter and sugars until light and fluffy, then add the egg, banana and vanilla beat to combine.

Beating the wet ingredients in a silver bowl.

Add the whisked flour mixture a little at a time and combine with a wooden spoon or spatula. Then stir in the chocolate chips and chopped nuts.

Adding in the flour and the chopped nuts and chips.

Drop by spoonfuls on the prepared cookie sheet.

The unbaked cookies on the baking sheet.

Bake until done and golden brown.

What are the best nuts to mix with Bananas?

I added nuts to mine but you can leave them out if you wish. I prefer to mix pecans or walnuts with bananas but you can also use peanuts, macadamia nuts, almonds, cashews or even hazelnuts.

What Are Drop Cookies

These cookies are called this because they are formed by dropping spoonfuls of dough or batter onto a cookie sheet. They tend to be moister and more cake like then regular rolled out cookies.

How To Tell When The Cookies Are Done

The cookies are done when the edges are set and lightly browned; the center will still be soft but will set as they cool.

Recipe FAQs

How ripe should the bananas be?

The bananas should be very ripe, with a lot of brown spots, for the best flavor and sweetness.

Can I use regular sugar instead of brown sugar?

Brown sugar is recommended for its moisture and flavor, but you can substitute an equal amount of granulated sugar, although the cookies may be crisper and less flavorful.

Is it necessary to use ripe bananas?

Yes, ripe bananas are essential as they are sweeter and mash easily, contributing to the moistness and flavor of the cookies.

Can I omit the nuts?

Yes, nuts can be omitted if you prefer or have allergies, without significantly affecting the texture of the cookies.

How to store the Banana Cookies

The cookies should be stored in an airtight container. They can be left out at room temperature (if it isn’t too warm) over night. Longer than that they should be stored in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to a week.

Or freeze the completely cooled cookies on a cookie sheet for about 1-2 hours until firm then place in a freezer safe container or bag. They will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw the cookies at room temperature.

More Banana Recipes

So if you have any leftover Bananas and you want something different other than Banana Bread or Banana Cake I hope you give these Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies a try! Enjoy.