Hello, cookie lovers! Get ready to experience a delicious fusion of flavors with these Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies. Imagine the moist, comforting taste of banana bread combined with the chewy, indulgent sweetness of chocolate chip cookies. These treats are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy snack, a party dessert, or just because. Let’s bake this irresistible recipe together!
Introduction
What happens when you combine two beloved classics—banana bread and chocolate chip cookies? You get a soft, flavorful, and absolutely delightful treat that’s impossible to resist. These Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are the perfect way to use ripe bananas in a unique and tasty way. The subtle tanginess from the sour cream enhances the banana flavor, while the chocolate chips and walnuts add texture and richness. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will become one of your favorites!
Ingredients
To make Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies, you’ll need:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup mashed bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 stick butter, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
How to Make Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly without sticking to the pan.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. This step helps distribute the leavening agents and ensures even texture throughout the cookies.
In a separate small bowl, mash the ripe bananas and mix them with the sour cream until well blended. This combination adds moisture and flavor to the cookies.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, sugar, and brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, making the cookies soft and tender. Add the egg and vanilla extract, and continue beating until everything is well combined.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can result in dense cookies, so be gentle! Fold in the banana and sour cream mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
If you’re using chocolate chips and walnuts, stir them in at this stage. These optional additions add a delightful crunch and sweetness to the cookies, elevating their texture and flavor.
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. The cookies will spread slightly as they bake, so give them enough room.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges. Remove them 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.
Helpful Tips
Use overripe bananas for the best flavor. The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be.
Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you want thicker cookies. Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much.
Feel free to customize! Swap the walnuts for pecans, or use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spiced twist.
Cooking Tips
Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing. Softened butter blends better with the sugars, creating a smooth dough.
For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop. This ensures all your cookies are the same size and bake evenly.
Don’t overbake! The cookies will continue to firm up as they cool, so take them out of the oven when they’re just golden around the edges.
Serving Suggestions
These cookies are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Serve them warm with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot coffee for the ultimate comfort. They also make a fantastic dessert for brunch spreads or as part of a holiday cookie platter. For an extra indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the cookies or sandwich two cookies with a dollop of cream cheese frosting.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional content of these cookies (per serving, based on one cookie with optional chocolate chips and walnuts):
Calories: 150
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 100mg
Potassium: 70mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Vitamin A: 4%
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 1%
Iron: 5%
Storage and Leftovers
Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to keep the cookies soft.
Freezing: Freeze the baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before serving.
Freezing Dough: Scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer the frozen dough balls to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra minute to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly denser. For best results, use a 50/50 mix of whole wheat and all-purpose flour.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream. It provides the same tangy flavor and creamy texture.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour as a substitute for the all-purpose flour.
Can I omit the chocolate chips and walnuts?
Of course! The cookies will still be delicious without the add-ins, showcasing the banana flavor even more.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed these Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies, here are some related recipes you might love:
- Classic Banana Bread with Walnuts
- Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Oatmeal Banana Breakfast Cookies
- Soft Peanut Butter Cookies
Conclusion
There you have it—Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies that combine the best of banana bread and classic cookies. Soft, flavorful, and easy to make, these cookies are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Bake a batch today and enjoy the delightful blend of banana, chocolate, and a hint of crunch. We’d love to hear how yours turn out, so feel free to share your baking experience!