Get ready to meet your new favorite homemade treat: Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies. Imagine all the nostalgic comfort of banana bread and peanut butter cookies combined, then upgraded with melty chocolate chips in every bite. These cookies are proof that sometimes magic really does happen in your mixing bowl—soft, chewy, and brimming with cozy flavors, they’re perfect for after-school snacks, midnight cravings, or sharing with anyone lucky enough to land in your kitchen. Let’s bake up something irresistible together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients, but each one brings something special to the table. Every element helps create that signature soft, rich, and ultra-satisfying bite that makes these cookies unforgettable.
- Creamy Peanut Butter: Delivers a deep nutty flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture—go for classic creamy for best results.
- Butter (softened): Adds richness and that luscious chewy crumb everyone adores.
- Brown Sugar: Brings subtle caramel notes and keeps the cookies tender and moist.
- Ripe Banana (mashed): Sweetens naturally and provides that moist, banana bread vibe.
- Egg: Binds the dough and gives the cookies structure while keeping them soft.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out all the flavors with a warm, fragrant touch—don’t skip it!
- All-Purpose Flour: Forms the dough base and holds everything together just right.
- Baking Soda: Ensures the cookies puff up and stay light rather than dense.
- Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweet, bringing out the peanut butter and chocolate flavors.
- Chocolate Chips: The finishing touch—melty, gooey, and irresistible in every bite.
How to Make Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
Step 1: Cream the Fats and Sugar
Start by combining your creamy peanut butter, softened butter, and brown sugar in a large bowl. Use an electric mixer (or some enthusiastic arm power) to beat until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well-incorporated. This step is key to getting those perfectly tender cookies with just the right chew.
Step 2: Add Banana, Egg, and Vanilla
Mash up your ripe banana until almost smooth, then mix it into the dough alongside the egg and vanilla extract. Not only does this make the cookies extra moist, but it adds a natural sweetness and that lovely banana flavor in every bite.
Step 3: Mix in Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, making sure everything’s thoroughly combined—but be gentle so your cookies stay soft.
Step 4: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Once your dough has come together, it’s time for the star ingredient—fold in those chocolate chips until they’re distributed evenly throughout. You’ll see the dough take on that familiar, cookie-dough look that already feels so comforting.
Step 5: Scoop and Bake
Drop heaping spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a bit of space for spreading. Bake in your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 9–11 minutes, watching for the edges to turn golden while the centers stay a little soft. Trust the process: those just-barely-done middles will turn melt-in-your-mouth when cooled.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the pan for a few minutes (it’s the hardest part, but it makes them hold together beautifully), then transfer to a wire rack. This little rest ensures they finish setting up with the perfect chewy, gooey texture you crave from Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle your warm cookies with a pinch of flaky sea salt or press a couple of extra chocolate chips right on top fresh from the oven—the contrast makes the flavors pop. A drizzle of melted peanut butter or a dusting of powdered sugar is gorgeous too, especially for special occasions.
Side Dishes
There’s nothing like a tall, ice-cold glass of milk alongside these chewy wonders. They also pair beautifully with hot coffee or a creamy latte for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up, and even work as an indulgent treat with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling fancy!
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow at a potluck or bake sale, stack a few cookies and tie them with twine or tuck them into a rustic bakery bag. Arrange them on a platter with slices of fresh banana and a bowl of peanut butter for dipping. Or, turn them into the world’s easiest ice cream sandwiches by sandwiching them around a scoop of your favorite flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies fresh and soft by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delicious for about 3 to 4 days—if they last that long! Toss in a slice of bread to help keep them extra moist.
Freezing
Want to save cookies for later (or just stock your freezer with happiness)? Place baked, fully cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container with parchment between layers. They’ll stay tasty for up to three months. You can also freeze scoops of raw dough for fresh-baked cookies on demand.
Reheating
To bring back that just-baked magic, pop a cookie in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds—or in a low oven for a few minutes. The chocolate gets a little melty, and the cookie turns soft and warm, just the way you love it.
FAQs
Can I use natural peanut butter in these cookies?
You can, but for best texture, stick with regular creamy peanut butter. Natural varieties tend to separate and can make the cookies a bit crumbly—if you do use them, stir thoroughly and expect a slightly different texture.
What if I don’t have ripe bananas?
No worries! If your bananas aren’t quite ripe, bake them (peel on) at 300°F (150°C) for about 15 minutes. Let them cool, peel, mash, and use as usual—the flavor will be beautifully sweet, just like you need.
How do I make these Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies gluten free?
Just substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour. The cookies come out perfectly chewy and flavorful without missing a beat—just check the flour blend for xanthan gum if you want that classic bite.
Can I use other types of chocolate?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips for a new twist. Chopped chocolate bars or peanut butter chips are also great—don’t be afraid to play around and make them your own.
Should I chill the dough before baking?
You don’t have to, but if you prefer a slightly thicker cookie or want a stronger flavor, chilling the dough for 30 minutes in the fridge can help. It’s totally optional and mainly depends on how spread-y you like your cookies.
Final Thoughts
These Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies combine the very best of comfort baking—easy, crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to make you (and everyone you share them with) smile. If you’re hunting for a new go-to recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, you won’t regret giving these cookies a spot in your treat repertoire. Happy baking!
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