There is something about the combination of banana and chocolate that makes me happy in a way no other flavor combination does. It is perhaps why my Chocolate Chip Banana Bread is so loved. Coming up with a good Banana Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe seemed a must. The problem with some Banana Chocolate Chip Cookie recipes is that they are cakey. They almost taste like a muffin top. After a few trials and tweaks of this recipe, I consulted with my good friend, Dorothy. She gave me a few more suggestions that lead to these perfect Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies. These are just slightly crisp on the outside, buttery soft on the inside, and they have the most perfect banana flavor to them.
How to Make Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
I love baking cookies, but they do require following instructions more closely than my dinner recipes. Baking is a science after all. Here is a brief overview of the instructions, make sure to find all the measurements in the recipe card in the bottom of the post.
Why Your Bananas Need to be Ripe
You’ll notice all of my banana bread recipes call for extra ripe bananas. While many people think that this is so they are easier to mash, it is actually also an issue of taste. The longer a banana ripens, the sweeter it gets. If you use a banana that isn’t at least a little over ripe, you won’t have the taste you are looking for in these cookies. Additionally, browning them in the oven will give you the right texture, but not the added sweetness. Your bananas do not need to be solid brown and on the verge of melting into your counter. If they are half speckled brown they are ready for these cookies.
Measuring Flour for Cookies
One of the common mishaps readers report to me in making cookies is in measuring flour. Follow these tips to ensure you have the correct amount:
Use a plastic or metal dry measuring cup. Do not measure with a liquid (or glass) measuring cup.Scoop the flour from the container into a measuring cup. Level the flour off with the flat edge of a spatula.
If you scoop directly from the flour container with your measuring cup, you could end up with up to 25% more flour. That can make for very dry cookies.
Room Temperature Butter
Another key to this recipe is room temperature butter. Having your butter the correct temperature allows you to beat it with the sugar and create wonderful little pockets of air. Room temperature butter will still feel cold to the touch. You should be able to easily dent it, without pushing your finger all the way through. Resist the urge to microwave your butter to soften it. Instead, cut it into one inch pieces and leave it on your counter for 30 minutes.
Measuring Banana
For most of my banana bread recipes, I simply call for the number of bananas you need. Those recipes don’t need to have the banana measured. Three medium sized bananas and the recipes come out perfect every time. Cookies are a little bit different. For this recipe I do recommend that you measure the mashed banana and you not use more than 1 cup.
Storing these Cookies
I recommend that you store these cookies in an air tight container for up to one week. These cookies can be stacked once they are fully cooled, but after a week they begin to stick together. You may want to use wax paper between layers.
Freezing
This banana chocolate chip cookie recipe freezes well. Freeze them for an hour in a single layer. Then transfer to an airtight container where they can be stacked and frozen for up to 3 months.
Recommended Tools
The tools you use in baking can make a huge difference. Particularly when it comes to baking sheets. Here are what I recommend.
Baking Sheets – I love these. They cook my baked goods so evenly.Cookie Scoop – Using this scoop helps all my cookies be the same size so they cook evenly. You can definitely make this recipe without this, but it’s helpful.
If you make this cookie recipe, leave me a comment and let me know what you think!
