Chef Mitchell preparing Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Cookies
👨‍🍳 Professional Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this recipe while trying to use up overripe bananas in my kitchen. After several trials, I finally perfected a cookie that captures the essence of banana bread while being soft and chewy. Each bite is like a hug from home, and it's become a family favorite. Now, I love sharing this recipe with others so they can enjoy it too!"

Chef Mitchell has been passionate about American cuisine since childhood. With over a decade of experience in baking and desserts, Mitchell specializes in creating comforting recipes that evoke nostalgia. His expertise shines through in the flavors and techniques used in this banana bread cookie recipe.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
A plate of Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Cookies with chocolate chips and walnuts, garnished with banana slices.

Why This Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Cookies Recipe Works

These cookies are a delightful combination of banana bread flavors in a fun cookie format. The use of ripe bananas ensures natural sweetness and moisture, which contributes to their soft and chewy texture. Adding chocolate chips and walnuts elevates the flavor profile, making them even more enjoyable. The simple preparation process makes these cookies a breeze to whip up any time you're craving a treat.

The flavor profile is sweet and nutty, with rich chocolate notes that pair perfectly with the banana. The baking method allows the cookies to develop a slight crisp edge while maintaining chewy centers. This balance of textures and flavors is what makes them incredibly satisfying and addictive.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best texture, use very ripe bananas as they add more natural sweetness and moisture. Adjust the baking time slightly if you prefer a softer cookie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just scoop the dough and place it directly on the baking sheet when ready to bake, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

You can use white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. These alternatives will add a different flavor while still complementing the banana.

Baking is the best method for these cookies as it allows them to cook evenly. Ensure your oven is preheated for consistent results, and check for doneness by looking for lightly golden edges.

Chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking can help prevent excessive spreading. Also, ensure your butter is soft but not melted when mixing the ingredients.

The cookies are done when the edges are lightly golden brown, and the centers look set but still soft. They will continue to firm up slightly as they cool on the baking sheet.

These cookies pair wonderfully with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee. For a fun twist, try serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, you can easily make these cookies gluten-free. Be sure to check your baking powder and other ingredients for gluten-free labels as well.

Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Cookies are Too Dry

Problem: If your cookies turn out dry, it could be due to overbaking or too much flour.

Solution: Make sure to measure your flour accurately, using the spoon and level method. Also, keep an eye on the baking time, removing the cookies when they are slightly underbaked for a softer texture.

✅

Flat Cookies

Problem: If your cookies spread too much and become flat, they may have too much butter or not enough flour.

Solution: Ensure your butter is softened, not melted. You can also chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading.

✅

Burnt Edges

Problem: Burnt edges often happen if the oven temperature is too high.

Prevention: Use an oven thermometer to check that your oven is at the correct temperature. If needed, reduce the temperature by 25°F and monitor the cookies closely.

✅

Cookie Dough is Too Sticky

Problem: If the dough is sticky and hard to work with, it may be due to humidity or not enough flour.

Recovery: Add a little more flour gradually until the dough is manageable. Chilling the dough will also help firm it up.

✅

Uneven Baking

Problem: Cookies may bake unevenly if the baking sheet is overcrowded.

Prevention: Make sure to space the cookie dough balls at least 2 inches apart on the baking sheet to allow for proper air circulation.

✅

Flavor Balance Issues

Too Sweet: If the cookies are too sweet, you can balance the flavor by adding a pinch of salt to the dough.

Too Salty: If they taste too salty, reduce the amount of salt in the recipe next time.

Bland: If your cookies are bland, consider adding more spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a flavor boost.

A beautifully arranged setup of ingredients for Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Cookies including ripe bananas, chocolate chips, and flour.

Choosing the Best Ingredients for Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Cookies

Selecting ripe bananas is crucial for the best flavor and sweetness. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots, indicating ripeness. High-quality chocolate chips and fresh walnuts will enhance the overall taste of the cookies. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the cookies more precisely.

When measuring flour, spoon it into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid packing it down. This practice ensures your cookies won’t become tough. Fresh ingredients will always yield the best results, so check the expiration dates on your baking powder and other pantry staples.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Ripe Bananas: Ripe bananas provide the natural sweetness and moisture needed for these cookies. Choose bananas that are heavily speckled or even brown for the best flavor.
  • Chocolate Chips: Using high-quality chocolate chips can significantly enhance the flavor of your cookies. Consider using semi-sweet or dark chocolate for a richer taste.
  • Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness in the recipe. Ensure it's softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
A chef mixing dough for Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Cookies in a bright kitchen.

Mastering the Cooking Technique

The key to mastering these cookies is to not overmix the dough once you've added the flour. Gentle folding ensures a tender texture. Keep an eye on your baking time; it's better to take them out a minute early than to leave them in too long.

Bake until the edges are set but the centers look slightly underbaked. They will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet. Remember to rotate your baking sheet halfway through for even baking.

The Secret to Perfect Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Cookies

The ideal blend of ripe bananas and slightly underbaked centers creates the perfect chewy texture. Master the balance of ingredients and baking time for the best results.

Soft and Chewy Banana Bread Cookies

Prep 15 min
Cook 12 min
Serves 12 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
    Provides natural sweetness and moisture
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
    Adds richness and flavor
  • 1 cup brown sugar
    Gives depth of flavor and moisture
  • 1 large egg
    Helps bind the ingredients together
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Enhances overall flavor

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    Provides structure to the cookies
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    Acts as a leavening agent
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    Balances sweetness
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
    Adds richness and sweetness
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
    Provides crunch and flavor

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

    In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy.

  3. Add the Wet Ingredients

    Mix in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

  4. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.

  5. Mix Dry into Wet Ingredients

    Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.

  6. Fold in the Add-Ins

    Gently fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts.

  7. Scoop the Dough

    Using a cookie scoop, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet.

  8. Bake the Cookies

    Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

  9. Cool and Serve

    Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows for a quick bake whenever you need a fresh cookie fix.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cookies warm with a glass of milk or alongside a scoop of ice cream for a decadent treat. They also pair well with coffee or tea.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize these cookies by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or using different nuts and chocolate types. You can also try using peanut butter for a different flavor twist.