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Soft Banana Bread Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Pecans Recipe

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4 from 15 reviews

These Soft Banana Bread Cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional banana bread by combining the rich flavors of ripe bananas, brown butter, and warm spices into a portable, chewy cookie form packed with chocolate chips and crunchy pecans. Perfect for an easy, comforting treat that balances sweetness and texture with every bite.

Ingredients

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 ripe bananas
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup white sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla bean paste

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Add-ins

  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a pan over medium heat on the stovetop. Continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma, with toasted milk solids settling at the bottom. Remove from heat and transfer to a heat-proof bowl or jar to cool slightly before using.
  2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325ºF (163ºC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  3. Mash bananas and mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mash the ripe bananas until smooth. Add the browned butter, brown sugar, white sugar, and vanilla bean paste. Beat these ingredients together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
  4. Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
  5. Mix dry and wet ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet banana mixture. Gently mix until just combined, making sure not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
  6. Fold in chocolate chips and pecans: Carefully fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans until evenly incorporated throughout the dough.
  7. Scoop dough onto baking sheet: Drop spoonfuls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1.5 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
  8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies at 325ºF for 12 to 18 minutes, or until the edges become lightly golden brown.
  9. Cool and serve: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack or plate. Enjoy your soft banana bread cookies warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • For best results, use very ripe bananas as they provide the most flavor and sweetness.
  • Do not overmix the dough to maintain a soft, tender texture in the cookies.
  • You can substitute pecans with walnuts or skip nuts entirely if preferred.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • If you prefer a stronger banana flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of banana extract.