If you adore the classic flavors of banana bread but want something a little quicker and easier to snack on, these banana bread cookies recipe are your new best friend. Imagine all the warm, comforting taste of banana bread wrapped up in a soft, chewy, and moist cookie with melty chocolate chips inside. Yep it’s exactly as delicious as it sounds!
With a 4.8-star rating from 140 happy bakers, this recipe is an absolute winner for any cookie lover craving that perfect balance of softness and flavor.
Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
- Soft and Chewy Texture: Unlike your usual crunchy cookie, these stay tender and moist.
- Banana Flavor Explosion: All the goodness of banana bread packed into a cookie form.
- Easy to Make: Only a few simple ingredients and under 30 minutes total.
- Chocolate Chips: Because everything’s better with chocolate!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 small overripe banana, mashed (about 1/4 cup)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 egg yolk*
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips
*Note: Using only the egg yolk keeps these cookies extra soft and tender.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine melted butter (or oil), brown sugar, and mashed banana. Stir well until fully blended.
- Add Egg Yolk & Vanilla: Mix in the egg yolk and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir until no flour streaks remain.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips.
- Hydrate the Dough: Cover the dough and set aside for about 15 minutes while the oven preheats — this lets the flour absorb moisture for a better texture.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. Use a cookie scoop or spoon to place roughly 1-inch dough balls about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. The dough will be slightly wet — that’s perfect!
- Bake Time: Bake for 10-11 minutes, until the edges are set, and the cookies puff up, but the centers remain soft and just slightly underbaked.
- Cool and Enjoy: Let the cookies cool before digging in.
Pro Tips for Perfect Banana Bread Cookies Recipe
- Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Letting the dough rest before baking helps keep the cookies moist.
- Don’t overbake! The cookies should look slightly underdone in the middle for that perfect chewy bite.
- Feel free to swap chocolate chips for walnuts or pecans for a nutty twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely! Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the bake time.
Can I use whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the cookies might be a bit denser. Try half whole wheat and half all-purpose for the best texture.
What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can substitute with white sugar plus a tablespoon of molasses if you have it, but brown sugar really adds to the chewy texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
These banana bread cookies Recipe are the perfect way to enjoy the cozy, homey flavor of banana bread in a quick, handheld treat. Whether you’re baking for a family snack, a lunchbox surprise, or just a sweet pick-me-up, these cookies deliver a delicious punch of comfort.
Give the recipe a try and let me know how you like them!
