There’s something truly special about the scent of ripe bananas mingling with warm cinnamon and melted chocolate. It whisks me away to cozy afternoons spent baking with loved ones, where the simple act of measuring ingredients transforms into a cherished memory. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with these Soft & Chewy Banana Bread Cookies with Cinnamon and Chocolate Chips.
These delightful cookies are not just a sweet treat; they’re a delightful blend of the beloved flavor of banana bread with the convenience of a cookie. With just the right balance of softness and chewiness, they come to life with every bite—perfect for morning snacking or a satisfying dessert.
The best part? They’re incredibly versatile! You can swap in your favorite nut, add a sprinkle of coconut, or even play with different sweeteners to create a healthier alternative. Join me in bringing a touch of homemade warmth to your kitchen with this simple, scrumptious recipe!
Why will you love Soft & Chewy Banana Bread Cookies?
Satisfying Comfort: These cookies balance the cozy flavors of banana bread with a delightful cookie texture.
Customizable Fun: Add your favorite mix-ins—chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits—for a personalized touch.
Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy days, these cookies bake in just 12-15 minutes.
Healthier Alternatives: Swap out sugars or fats to make these cookies fit your dietary needs.
Crowd-Pleasing Treats: Ideal for any occasion, they’ll win over family and friends alike, no matter the time of day.
Soft & Chewy Banana Bread Cookies Ingredients
For the Cookie Base
• 2 medium ripe bananas – Natural sweetness and moisture; choose ripe, not overly black bananas for best results.
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure; can be substituted with whole wheat or oat flour for added fiber.
• ½ cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness; reduce slightly or replace some with honey or maple syrup for a lighter option.
• ½ cup packed brown sugar – Contributes depth and richness, making the cookies chewier.
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened – Ensures moistness and richness; substitute with coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
• 1 large egg – Binds the ingredients together; for a vegan alternative, use a flaxseed egg.
• 1 tsp baking powder – Helps cookies rise for that perfect texture.
• 1 tsp baking soda – Works with acidic components to create a nice lift.
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and aromatic flavor; feel free to swap it with nutmeg for variety.
• ¼ tsp salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.
For the Mix-In Enhancements
• Optional ingredients: 1 cup chocolate chips or chopped walnuts/pecans – Add extra texture and flavor to your Soft & Chewy Banana Bread Cookies!
How to Make Soft & Chewy Banana Bread Cookies
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Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures an easy release and cleanup after baking those delicious cookies!
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Mash the bananas in a medium bowl until mostly smooth but still a bit chunky. This will provide the perfect moisture and sweetness to your Soft & Chewy Banana Bread Cookies.
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Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a separate bowl until fluffy—about 3 minutes. This step is key to incorporating air, leading to light and tender cookies.
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Beat in the large egg and mashed bananas until just combined, ensuring not to overmix. This will keep your cookies perfectly soft and chewy!
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Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt in another bowl. The dry mixture helps add structure and that delightful warm flavor throughout.
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Mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually, stirring until fully incorporated. Be gentle—overmixing can lead to baked goods that are tough instead of tender.
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Fold in your chosen optional ingredients, like chocolate chips or nuts. This is where you can get creative and add your own personal touch to the dough!
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Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives each cookie enough room to spread while baking.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown around the edges. The aroma will fill your kitchen with the scent of freshly baked goodness!
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Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows them to set perfectly while maintaining their soft, chewy texture.
Optional: Drizzle with a warm chocolate glaze for an extra touch of indulgence!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Soft & Chewy Banana Bread Cookies
Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful softness.
Fridge: Keep cookies in the refrigerator for up to a week; ensure they are in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container for 2–3 months.
Reheating: To enjoy warm cookies again, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave—perfect for that fresh-baked taste!
Make Ahead Options
These Soft & Chewy Banana Bread Cookies with Cinnamon and Chocolate Chips are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can mash the bananas and prepare the cookie dough up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Additionally, if you prefer, you can scoop the dough into tablespoon-sized portions and freeze them for up to 3 months—this way, you can bake just the number of cookies you need on busy days! When you’re ready to bake, simply place the dough on a baking sheet, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes, then bake as directed for delicious, freshly made cookies, just as satisfying as if they were made from scratch that day.
What to Serve with Soft & Chewy Banana Bread Cookies?
Imagine a warm kitchen filled with the scent of freshly baked cookies while enjoying the perfect accompaniments to elevate your snacking experience.
- Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Indulge in a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts into the warm cookies, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures.
- Rich Dark Chocolate Drizzle: A drizzle of dark chocolate adds an elegant touch, enhancing the sweetness of the cookies without overpowering them.
- Fresh Berries: Tartaric berries like strawberries or raspberries provide a sweet-tart balance, brightening up the cookie experience.
- Nutty Granola: A sprinkle of granola adds crunch and complements the soft texture of the cookies, making them a perfect snack combo.
- Honey Yogurt Dip: Pair your cookies with a side of honey-infused yogurt for a creamy, tangy dip that enhances the banana and cinnamon flavors.
- Glass of Cold Milk: The classic pairing of a cold glass of milk is always a winner, bringing nostalgia and satisfaction with every bite.
- Warm Spiced Tea: A cup of chai or spiced tea adds warmth and aromatic notes, making for a cozy, inviting experience.
- Caramel Sauce: For a more indulgent treat, serve with warm caramel sauce for dipping, adding a rich and buttery sweetness that complements the banana flavor.
Soft & Chewy Banana Bread Cookies Variations
Embrace the freedom to make these delightful cookies uniquely yours with these simple swaps and add-ins!
- Nutty Delight: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and extra nutrition.
- Dried Fruits: Mix in ½ cup of raisins, dried cranberries, or chopped dates for a sweet, chewy surprise with every bite.
- Coconut Bliss: Stir in ½ cup of shredded coconut to add a tropical twist that complements the bananas perfectly.
- Spice it Up: Replace the cinnamon with 1 tsp of pumpkin spice for a cozy fall-inspired flavor that warms the heart.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan-friendly treat.
- Flour Alternatives: Use almond flour or a gluten-free blend instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version packed with flavor.
- Extra Sweetness: Drizzle melted peanut butter or chocolate on top for an indulgent finish that will make your taste buds dance.
- Espresso Kick: Add 1 tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the dough for an energizing, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
Expert Tips for Soft & Chewy Banana Bread Cookies
- Choose Ripe Bananas: Use bananas that are ripe but not overly black; this ensures the right moisture level and sweetness in your Soft & Chewy Banana Bread Cookies.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mixing the dough just until combined preserves the soft and chewy texture; overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
- Proper Flour Measuring: Use the spoon-and-level method for measuring flour accurately; this prevents excess flour which can dry out the cookies.
- Chill the Dough if Sticky: If the dough feels too sticky, refrigerate it for 15–30 minutes before baking to avoid spreading.
- Cool Before Transferring: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes; this helps them maintain their shape and softness while cooling down.
Soft & Chewy Banana Bread Cookies with Cinnamon and Chocolate Chips Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my bananas are ripe enough for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best results, look for bananas that are ripe but not overly black. A good indicator is the presence of light brown spots. This ensures they are sweet enough and provide the moisture needed for your Soft & Chewy Banana Bread Cookies.
How should I store my banana bread cookies?
You can store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, refrigerate them for up to a week, making sure they are sealed well to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze the banana bread cookies?
Yes, you can freeze these delicious cookies! Simply freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave.
What should I do if my dough turns out sticky?
Very! If your dough is sticky, don’t worry—it happens! Chill the dough in the refrigerator for about 15 to 30 minutes before baking. This will help it firm up and reduce stickiness, making it easier to scoop onto the baking sheets.
Can I modify this recipe for dietary restrictions?
Absolutely! You can use a flaxseed egg instead of a regular egg for a vegan version. Moreover, substituting some of the granulated sugar with honey or maple syrup can create a healthier alternative. Feel free to experiment with different nut options or even add in seeds for extra nutrition.
Soft & Chewy Banana Bread Cookies with Chocolate Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Mash the bananas in a medium bowl until mostly smooth but still a bit chunky.
- Cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in a separate bowl until fluffy.
- Beat in the large egg and mashed bananas until just combined.
- Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt in another bowl.
- Mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture gradually, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Fold in your chosen optional ingredients, like chocolate chips or nuts.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown around the edges.
- Cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
