Banana Bread Cookie Bars with Chocolate Chips

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introduction

Banana Bread Cookie Bars with Chocolate Chips are a delicious treat that combines the classic flavors of banana bread with the fun of cookie bars. They are soft, chewy, and packed with chocolatey goodness, making them perfect for dessert or a snack.

why make this recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those ripe bananas that are sitting on your counter! These cookie bars are perfect for sharing with family and friends, or you can keep them all to yourself—they’re that good!

how to make Banana Bread Cookie Bars with Chocolate Chips

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • Optional: banana slices & extra chips for topping

Directions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line an 8×8-inch pan.
  2. In a bowl, stir together the melted butter and brown sugar until well combined.
  3. Add the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas to the bowl, stirring until smooth.
  4. Stir in the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  5. Gently fold in the chocolate chips until they are evenly distributed.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly.
  7. If you like, top the batter with banana slices and a few extra chocolate chips to make it extra special.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 28–32 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
  9. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before slicing them into squares.

how to serve Banana Bread Cookie Bars with Chocolate Chips

You can serve these cookie bars warm or at room temperature. They are great on their own, but you can also enjoy them with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a special treat.

how to store Banana Bread Cookie Bars with Chocolate Chips

Store the leftover cookie bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. They also freeze well! Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

tips to make Banana Bread Cookie Bars with Chocolate Chips

  • Use overripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness.
  • Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the bars soft and chewy.
  • For neat slices, let the bars chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before cutting.

variation

You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch. For a fun twist, try adding peanut butter chips or replacing some of the chocolate chips with white chocolate.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
    Yes, thaw the frozen bananas completely and mash them before using them in the recipe.

  2. How do I know when the cookie bars are done baking?
    The bars are done when the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.

  3. Can I make these cookie bars gluten-free?
    Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and follow the rest of the recipe as usual.

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