Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Easy

Growing up, there was always a lone banana turning spotty on the counter—and somehow, that always meant something sweet was on the way. These Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies were born from that exact memory. If banana bread had a chewy, chocolatey cookie cousin, this would be it. Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, gooey, and made in one bowl—no mixer, no fuss.

Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Easy 13

Why You’ll Love These Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

These Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies are pure comfort—like a hug in dessert form. They blend the best of both worlds: the nostalgic warmth of banana bread and the chewy, chocolate-loaded joy of a homemade cookie. With a quick one-bowl prep, they’re ideal for those overripe bananas you’ve been meaning to use up. Plus, no chilling required. Expect soft centers, golden edges, and a deeply satisfying bite every time.

Key Ingredients (and Why They Work)

The Essentials

  • Overripe banana – Adds natural moisture and a sweet, fruity base. The riper, the better.
  • Brown sugar – Keeps the cookies soft and chewy with a rich, molasses-like depth.
  • Egg yolk – Gives richness and helps bind everything together.
  • Butter or oil – Delivers soft texture and full flavor. Use melted butter for that classic cookie taste.
  • Chocolate chips – The melty, sweet spots that make every bite irresistible.

Optional Add-ins

  • Chopped walnuts or pecans – For added crunch and a nutty contrast.
  • Dash of cinnamon – Adds cozy, spiced warmth that plays perfectly with banana.

Pro Tips for Perfect Banana Cookies

  • Use heavily spotted bananas for the strongest flavor and natural sweetness.
  • Avoid overmixing the dough—too much stirring can lead to tough, cakey cookies.
  • Slightly underbake them for gooey centers. They’ll firm up as they cool, leaving you with that dreamy soft middle.
Close-up of a bitten banana bread chocolate chip cookie with melted chocolate on parchment in a rustic tray
Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Easy 14

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 11–12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 16 cookies

Ingredients:

  • 1 small overripe banana, mashed (about 1/4 cup)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 2/3 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together melted butter (or oil), brown sugar, and mashed banana until smooth.
  2. Add in the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.
  3. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until no flour streaks remain.
  4. Fold in chocolate chips gently.
  5. Let the dough rest while you preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
  6. Scoop 1-inch balls of dough using a cookie scoop, spacing them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
  7. Bake for 10–11 minutes, just until the edges look set but the centers still look soft and slightly underbaked.
  8. Let cookies cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Optional: Let the dough rest for 5–10 minutes for slightly thicker, chewier cookies.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

These cookies stay soft and moist for days in an airtight container. For longer storage, scoop the dough into balls and freeze. Bake directly from frozen—just add 1–2 extra minutes of baking time. You can even warm baked cookies in the microwave for that just-baked texture anytime.

Looking for more banana magic?
Try these moist and gooey Banana Oatmeal Cookies for another chewy twist.
Or, make your mornings sweeter with these soft Banana Bread Muffins.
And if you love banana treats, don’t miss these decadent Banana Bread Brownies.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies vegan?

Yes! Just replace the egg yolk with a flax egg (1.5 tsp ground flaxseed + 2 tbsp cold water, rested for 5 minutes), and use vegan butter and dairy-free chocolate chips.

Why are my cookies too soft or spreading too much?

That’s usually due to overly ripe bananas or using too much butter. Try chilling the dough for 10 minutes to help the cookies hold their shape.

Can I double the batch for freezing?

Absolutely. Pre-scoop the dough onto a tray and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen with just 1–2 extra minutes added to the bake time.

Overhead view of bitten banana bread chocolate chip cookie with melty chocolate and sea salt in rustic tray
Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Easy 15

Want more recipe ideas and cozy kitchen inspo?

Follow Kai Recipes on Pinterest or join our food-loving crew on Facebook. There’s always something sweet waiting for you.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Soft banana bread chocolate chip cookies with melty chocolate chips and sea salt in a rustic tray, one cookie with a bite taken out

Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies – Soft, Chewy & Easy


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: kai
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 16 cookies
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Soft, chewy Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies made in one bowl—perfect for using up overripe bananas. These cookies are packed with banana flavor, gooey chocolate chips, and warm cinnamon.


Ingredients

1 small overripe banana, mashed (about 1/4 cup)

1/2 cup vegetable oil or melted butter

1 cup packed light brown sugar

1 egg yolk

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

2/3 cup chocolate chips


Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together melted butter (or oil), brown sugar, and mashed banana until smooth.

2. Add in the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Mix until fully combined.

3. Stir in flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon until no flour streaks remain.

4. Fold in chocolate chips gently.

5. Let the dough rest while preheating the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

6. Scoop 1-inch balls of dough and space 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

7. Bake for 10–11 minutes, until edges are set and centers look slightly underbaked.

8. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor.

Do not overmix the dough to prevent tough cookies.

Chilling the dough for 5–10 minutes helps with thickness.

To freeze: scoop dough into balls and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to baking time.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 11 minutes
  • Category: Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star