Chocolate Banana Cookies
These Chocolate Banana Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly blends the rich flavor of chocolate with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. If you’re a fan of cookies that are soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor, then this recipe is just for you! The combination of cocoa and banana creates a unique twist on classic chocolate chip cookies, making them a must-try for any cookie lover.
The best part? You likely have most of the ingredients on hand, and the process is incredibly simple. Let’s dive into what makes these cookies so special and how you can whip them up in no time!
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients.
- Deliciously soft and chewy texture.
- Rich chocolate flavor balanced by the sweetness of bananas.
- Perfect for using up overripe bananas.
- Customizable with your favorite mix-ins.
What to Buy
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/4 cups for the base of the cookies.
- Cocoa powder: 1/2 cup of Dutch process or unsweetened for rich chocolate flavor.
- Baking soda: 1/2 teaspoon to help the cookies rise.
- Sea salt: 1/2 teaspoon to enhance the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, melted and slightly cooled.
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup for sweetness.
- Light brown sugar: 1/4 cup packed for added moisture and flavor.
- Ripe banana: 1 mashed (about 1/2 cup) for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Egg yolk: 1 large for binding the ingredients together.
- Pure vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons for a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips: 1 cup for an extra chocolatey goodness.
- Flaky sea salt: For sprinkling on top of the cookies before baking.
Setup & Equipment
- Mixing bowls: For combining ingredients.
- Whisk or spatula: For mixing the batter.
- Baking sheet: To place the cookies on.
- Parchment paper: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Oven: Preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking.
- Cooling rack: To cool the cookies after baking.
Chocolate Banana Cookies, Made Easy
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and develop the perfect texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Set this mixture aside for later.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Next, add in the mashed banana, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 7: Scoop the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about two inches between each cookie.
Step 8: Sprinkle with Flaky Sea Salt
Before baking, sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie. This adds a delicious contrast to the sweetness.
Step 9: Bake the Cookies
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Banana Cookies warm or at room temperature!
Holiday & Seasonal Touches
- Add festive spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a holiday twist.
- Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
- Use seasonal chocolate varieties, such as peppermint or orange-infused chocolate.
- Decorate with festive sprinkles for celebrations or special occasions.
Watch Outs & How to Fix
When making Chocolate Banana Cookies, here are a few things to watch out for:
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
- Using too much flour can result in dry cookies. Make sure to measure accurately.
- Underbaking can cause cookies to be too soft; ensure the edges are set before removing them from the oven.
- If the cookies spread too much, refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
Keep It Fresh: Storage Guide
To keep your Chocolate Banana Cookies fresh, follow these tips:
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
- To revive frozen cookies, let them thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Quick Q&A
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour. However, the cookies may turn out denser and have a nuttier flavor.
How ripe should the banana be for this recipe?
The riper the banana, the better! Look for bananas that are brown and speckled for maximum sweetness and flavor.
Can I add nuts to the cookie dough?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition to these cookies.
What can I use if I don’t have cocoa powder?
If you don’t have cocoa powder, you could try using carob powder as a substitute, keeping in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.
Healthy-ish Favorites
- Hocus Pocus Sanderson Sister Cookies – A fun twist on classic cookies.
- Maple Tahini Chocolate Chip Cookies – A healthier alternative with a nutty flavor.
- Brown Butter Maple Pecan Cookies – Decadent and rich, perfect for special occasions.
Let’s Eat
These Chocolate Banana Cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while using up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter. With their rich chocolate flavor and delightful chewy texture, they’re sure to become a favorite in your cookie repertoire. So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a batch of these delicious cookies fresh from the oven!
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Chocolate Banana Cookies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven - Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients - In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Set aside.
- Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the mashed banana, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
- Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips - Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Step 7: Scoop the Dough - Drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about two inches between each cookie.
- Step 8: Sprinkle with Flaky Sea Salt - Before baking, sprinkle a small pinch of flaky sea salt on top of each cookie.
- Step 9: Bake the Cookies - Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set.
- Step 10: Cool and Enjoy - Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Notes
- Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Refrigerate the dough for 30 minutes if it spreads too much during baking.
