Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies

Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies are a delicious and comforting treat that combines the classic flavors of chocolate chip cookies with the natural sweetness of ripe bananas. These cookies are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while also utilizing overripe bananas!

Ingredients

1 cup mashed bananas
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the mashed bananas, egg, and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
3. Gradually add the flour and baking soda to the mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
4. Using a spoon, drop generous spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 24 cookies
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Nutty Banana Cookies: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch.
• Oatmeal Banana Cookies: Substitute 1 cup of flour with rolled oats for a chewier texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil in place of butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of the regular egg.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat cookies in the microwave for a few seconds to enjoy them warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole bananas instead of mashed?
   No, the bananas need to be mashed to properly blend into the cookie dough.
2. How ripe should the bananas be?
   Use overripe bananas for maximum sweetness and flavor.
3. Can I reduce the sugar?
   Yes, you can reduce the sugar to suit your taste, but keep in mind that it may affect the texture.
4. Are these cookies gluten-free?
   To make them gluten-free, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
5. Can I make these cookies without an egg?
   Yes, substitute the egg with a flax egg or applesauce for a vegan version.
6. What can I do if the dough is too sticky?
   If the dough is too sticky, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to firm it up.
7. Can I use chocolate chunks instead of chips?
   Absolutely! Chocolate chunks will work just as well and can give a different texture.
8. Can I add spices to the dough?
   Yes, adding cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor profile of the cookies.
9. How should I store leftover cookies?
   Keep them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
10. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, simply double all the ingredients to make a larger batch.

Conclusion

Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies are a delightful way to enjoy the combination of bananas and chocolate. They’re easy to make, perfectly sweet, and sure to please cookie lovers of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a delicious dessert, these cookies are a wonderful choice!

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