Banana-Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies

Rating: 3.81 stars
390 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 127
  • 4 star values: 123
  • 3 star values: 89
  • 2 star values: 39
  • 1 star values: 11

In one batch of hearty cookies, find the flavors of two bakery classics: chocolate chip cookies and banana bread. Chopped walnuts and rolled oats add texture and more layers of taste.

Martha Stewart Living, September 2006

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Read the full recipe after the video.

Recipe Summary

Yield:
Makes about 3 dozen
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Ingredients

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Whisk together flours, salt, and baking soda in a small bowl; set aside. Put butter and sugars into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on mediumspeed until pale and fluffy. Reduce speed to low. Add egg and vanilla; mix until combined. Mix in banana. Add flour mixture; mix until just combined. Stir in oats, chocolate chunks, and walnuts.

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  • Using a 1 1/2-inch ice cream scoop, drop dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake cookies, rotating sheets halfway through, until golden brown and just set, 12 to 13 minutes. Let cool on sheets on wire racks 5 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks; let cool completely. Cookies can be stored in airtight containers up to 2 days.

Cook's Notes

Use a ripe banana, which has more concentrated flavor than an unripe one.

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Reviews (81)

390 Ratings
  • 5 star values: 127
  • 4 star values: 123
  • 3 star values: 89
  • 2 star values: 39
  • 1 star values: 11
Anonymous
Rating: 5.0 stars
03/17/2020
I never use all my bananas so I end up with brown ones. I always make banana bread and give it away - not really a fave. These cookies are AMAZING! I made a batch and divided it, rolled it in plastic wrap and have it in the freezer. Now I’m ready for my neighbor when she stops by for coffee and a treat. Thanks Martha! Your recipes always turn out fantastic!
Anonymous
Rating: 5 stars
08/25/2019
These are fantastic cookies; not sure why a great amount of individuals give 3 stars. We used chocolate chips like another user commented and these cookies came out great!
Anonymous
Rating: 5 stars
05/06/2018
This is my favorite cookie recipe. I love that it is moist and almost cake like. My whole family loves them and also anyone I share them with. I just use chocolate chips though. Chocolate chunks are a little overkill for me.
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Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
02/24/2017
Fabulous cookies! Such lovely flavors and textures!
Anonymous
Rating: 5 stars
09/30/2015
AMAZING! I used whole wheat pastry flour, added a tsp cinnamon & a little less salt. Everyone LOVED them! To people who complain about them spreading, try making the recipe as written, then go from there. Adding an extra banana will definitely alter the texture of this cookie, which was why I made it as directed & it came out just like the picture!
Anonymous
Rating: 4 stars
06/10/2015
Wonderful recipe! Following the advice of other commenters, I used 2 bananas instead of 1 and refrigerated the dough for half an hour before baking. I also omitted the chocolate. The result is a lovely, cakey cookie that pairs well with coffee or tea. I will definitely make this one again.
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Anonymous
Rating: 5 stars
05/26/2015
I have made these cookies more than 20 times and they are honestly amazing. Easy to make and as long as the recipe is followed they taste spectacular. The only thing is to be careful about how much vanilla extract you put in the cookies. Overall =10/10
Anonymous
Rating: 5 stars
02/19/2015
Well I did not have walnuts in my pantry so this is how I modified the recipe and had rave reviews over the final results! First off with walnuts being so expensive. I opted out with substituting with peanut butter chips instead. Instead of chunks of chocolate I used the mini Hershey kisses instead. I don't know if my oven was to hot or that the temp of 375 degrees is to hot. So I had my temp at about 360 degrees and the cookies were perfect. The turning of the sheets is necessary for perfection
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
06/13/2014
Ok. So I made it T to the recipe, except for using butter/parchment paper. The taste is HEAVENLY (add another banana for a string banana flavour). However, the batter spreads on the baking tray as soon as it is in the oven for 2-3 mins. Any help or suggestion for correction??? Final verdict, a must try!!!!!
Anonymous
Rating: 5 stars
07/05/2013
These cookies are heaven! The bananas and chocolate are the perfect combo on a winter night.
Anonymous
Rating: 5 stars
03/22/2013
These cookies are like banana bread but, more chocolately. I didn't used the walnuts though. Rich chocolate mixed with bananas are the perfect flavor. These are better than regular chocolate chip cookies! I suggest that you should use dark chocolate!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
02/19/2013
Cake like texture and taste awesome! With normal ice-cream scoop, I got 18 cookies. About 3 inches dia.
Anonymous
Rating: 5 stars
01/25/2013
One of my favourite chocolate chip cookies - love the cakey-ness and just a hint of banana flavour.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
01/19/2013
I made these and they turned out more like muffins, very puffy. Though they were very tasty, I'd reduce the flour next time to get a more cookie like texture.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
09/04/2012
Wonderful! Very soft and cake-like. Some small changes: I subbed applesauce for 1/2 the butter and used raisins instead of chocolate + no nuts, so my kid could take them to school. This recipe is definitely a keeper.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
06/08/2012
Definitely a family favorite. I omit walnuts and double the amount of baking powder for extra fluffiness.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
04/24/2012
Great cookies! Love the banana flavor. Didn't use the walnuts
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
03/01/2012
The first time | made these cookies they turned out beautifully. Tonights batch spread like crazy and I don't know why. But both time they tasted delicious!
Anonymous
Rating: 5 stars
09/02/2011
These are really good! Light consistency, and they didn't flatten out too much at all. I used all white flour, didn't want to buy wheat flour just for this recipe. I probably used about a cup of mashed bananas(will probably use a little more next time for more flavor), and 12 ounces (1 bag) of semi-sweet chips since I didn't use walnuts. Very easy to make, will do it again soon!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
08/14/2011
I love this recipe! I will make it again. I did not soften the butter, and I substituted milk chocolate chips for the semi sweet. They are delicious!!
Anonymous
Rating: 4 stars
07/11/2011
I thought these came out pretty well - however, I used dark chocolate (not too dark , so I assume similar to semi-sweet) and it was a bit overwhelming. I'd like to try milk or white chocolate next time. The cookies a bit "fluffy;" I prefer denser cookies, but they are still pretty tasty!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
07/08/2011
I really liked the taste of this, but they came out very, very flat. I'm not sure if it is the recipe (not enough leavening agent?) or the conditions in the South, where I live. This is the second cookie recipe where this has happened. Normally, baking recipes on this site are very good.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
06/26/2011
This tastes just like banana bread. I did use salted butter but then omitted the coarse salt. I also omitted the walnuts (nut allergy) and they were well-liked.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
05/13/2011
What an idiot. Bringing down the rating of a recipe because of a mistake YOU made. For the love of Pete!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
04/06/2011
This recipe would probably be amazing if I hadn't accidentally used salted butter. :(
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
03/20/2011
These were VERY tasty. I like the proportion of whole wheat to white- you really don't miss full white flour. Just a hint of banana flavor; not overwhelming.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
02/17/2011
What a FABULOUS recipe!! The combination of wheat and white flour and oats give these such a great texture, and they are a perfect combo of sweet and crunch!! My daughter helped me mix the dough...so quick and easy!! This will definately be a recipe we use again and again!!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
02/17/2011
What a FABULOUS recipe!! The combination of wheat and white flour and oats give these such a great texture, and they are a perfect combo of sweet and crunch!! My daughter helped me mix the dough...so quick and easy!! This will definately be a recipe we use again and again!!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
02/16/2011
these cookies are SUPER yummy! I keep making them again
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
02/16/2011
yes you can freeze the dough - I even make "cookie balls" with a scoop and freeze them.........much easier to take out what you want and bake them. Practice makes perfect - good luck
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
09/22/2010
Can you freeze the dough and bake the cookies later? Sorry if obvious question- baking novice. :)
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
08/20/2010
These cookies were AMAZING! The whole family loved them. I'll definitely make them again.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
08/01/2010
I was making one of your cookie recipes and I found myself saying outloud: "C'mon Martha, not everyone HAS this kitchen tool... " and the reason I said that was because the recipe did not tell me: 1. How MUCH dough a 1 1/2 inch ice cream coop HOLDS (so I couldn't rely on the cooking time indicated!) Somehow I feel your kitchen staff is always on the lookout for issues of clarity... Love you Martha! Thanks and keep it up!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
07/15/2010
I have made these cookies for years (with a couple of adjustments) and they are a family favorite. The recipe I have uses all white flour and 1 cup of mashed bananas; otherwide it is identical to this one. It's my favoritie way to make good use of those ripe bananas!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
07/14/2010
Just made these and they are sooo good! They have more of a cake-like consistency than a crisp cookie, sort of banana-nut bread in a cookie form. Like other commenters, I wanted a stong banana flavor so I used three small, very ripe bananas. This made the batter a little thin, so I refridgerated it for a bit to firm it up. Great way to use up overripe bananas!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
07/13/2010
Made a batch of these today. Smelled so good while baking and taste great. I did add more banana than called for (mine were small so I used 3). Did not measure the bananas, just threw them in the batter after mashing. I used one stick of butter (1/2 cup) plus about 1/4 cup canola oil in place of the 3/4 cup of butter. I wanted to add a tsp. of cinnamon, but forgot. Oh well, next time I will try that. There will be a next time as these are very good.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
07/12/2010
To becky86 Did you use the coarse salt (Kosher)that is called for in this recipe or did you substitute regular salt. The regular is much saltier than the Kosher. Also, cut it back to 3/4 tsp. if you like. A smaller amount will not matter that much, but do not cut it out altogether.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
06/22/2010
Delicious cookies, but too much salt! :(
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
06/18/2010
Love these cookies. A great addition to Ways To Use Up the Overripe Bananas. Made them without the nuts for my kids, but I think they'd be even better with them.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
06/06/2010
these cookies are da bomb! hehehe, I too put an extra half of a banana and it really made the banana flavor perfect! These cookies are like a hand held, bite sized banana bread! awesome!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
06/02/2010
I put in another half of banana and it made a big difference in the banana flavor.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
03/28/2010
Yummy! I used 3/4C whole wheat flour and 3/4C AP flour for more fibre plus 6tbls canola in place of half the butter for less saturated fat and more poly and monounsaturates. For the salt requirement, I used 3/4 tsp sea salt. Additionally, I used half an egg plus 1tbls of egg whites to reduce the cholesterol. They taste delicious.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
12/21/2009
OMG, these were AMAZING! My new fave for sure. I'm sending a batch to my brother and also making some to bring to my in-laws on Christmas Day.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
10/28/2009
Just made these, very delicious and easy. A fun twist on the chocolate chip cookie. I will definitely make them again.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
04/07/2009
I really liked these, I cannot have nuts so i didnt use them and they still turned out greatl My family and my boyfriend couldnt get enough of them! They still had the texture of a bread with just a little more sweetness. THey also last a long time-if they arent eaten already!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
03/02/2009
good alternative to the banana nut bread, i think i prefer eating the cookie to the bread! i also lessened the butter and sugar, and it's still good.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
02/22/2009
I live in Korea and have a tiny oven that won't accomodate regular cookie sheets, so I spread the dough in a 13X9 pan and made it into bars. People at work loved it!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
02/09/2009
A good cookie, I substituted splenda for the white sugar, but used the brown sugar. Also used sugar free chocolate. I tried to make them as diabetic as I could. Mine may not as be as sweet as most people like, but we loved them!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
01/21/2009
an alright cookie, maybe use more than 1/4 cup of nuts. it seemed to be missing something.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
01/20/2009
What a great way of using up ripe bananas. I made this and brought it to work. Everyone loved them. Next time I plan on substituting the walnuts with pecans.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
01/05/2009
I just made these cookies and love the flavor but I don't like how they just fall apart. How can I make these where they are less fall-apart gooey and have a firmer structure? Thanks!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
12/28/2008
probably my favorite cookie recipie. Must try!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
12/15/2008
Mlesteve, try refrigerating the dough until well chilled, about a couple of hours. Then the cookies shouldn't spread.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
12/10/2008
I made these for an annual cookie exchange party I go to every year and they were a hit! Easy to make and taste great!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
11/29/2008
I made these cookies and they did not rise at all. They came out very thin and soft without much taste. I was very disappointed in them. Anyone got any ideas on what I should do to make a thicker cookie or what could have caused mine to be so thin? Thanks Marian in Louisiana
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
11/03/2008
these are really good. you definitely get the best of both worlds: banana bread and chocolate chip cookies. Very moist and yummy. this is a keeper.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
10/27/2008
I used two full sticks of butter and didn't use parchment. These are excellent cookies, crisp around the edges, soft in the middle, my favorite
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
10/27/2008
I used two full sticks of butter and didn't use parchment. These are excellent cookies, crisp around the edges, soft in the middle, my favorite
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
10/27/2008
I used two full sticks of butter and didn't use parchment. These are excellent cookies, crisp around the edges, soft in the middle, my favorite
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
10/18/2008
I didn't use whole wheat flour, I used milk chocolate chips and not semi sweet, I didnt use parchment paper (even though I have it), I didn't turn the pan 1/2 way through the cooking, I used quick oats and a splash of skim milk...and you know what?? They turned out FANTASTIC!! Stop worrying about the minor changes in any recipe, unless you substitute something funky for one of the ingredients the recipe will be fine and will be customized to your taste. Cooking shoudn't be stress filled. ENJOY!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
09/30/2008
I made these cookies about a week ago for my husband's Bible study group and they went like hot cakes!! The guys loved them. I followed the recipe exactly other than substituting semi sweet chocolate chips for the chopped chocolate because that is what I had on hand. Just a tip, when I have bananas that are starting to turn I pop them in the freezer. I used thawed frozen bananas for this recipe and worked great , plus all you need to do is squeez them out of the skin!!! Easy.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
09/30/2008
I made these cookies about a week ago for my husband's Bible study group and they went like hot cakes!! The guys loved them. I followed the recipe exactly other than substituting semi sweet chocolate chips for the chopped chocolate because that is what I had on hand. Just a tip, when I have bananas that are starting to turn I pop them in the freezer. I used thawed frozen bananas for this recipe and worked great , plus all you need to do is squeez them out of the skin!!! Easy.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
09/10/2008
this may be ridiculously obvious to some but i couldn't quite figure out why i should need to rotate the parchment sheets halfway through the cooking process...so i did it for the first batch and not for the second and i have concluded that manipulating the cookie halfway through the cooking process allows for a thinner cookie....if you like a thicker, cake-like cookie then don't rotate anything...if you like the cookie to be a bit thinner then do the manipulation halfway through...
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
09/10/2008
by the way, these cookies are DELICIOUS!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
09/10/2008
this may be ridiculously obvious to some but i couldn't quite figure out why i should need to rotate the parchment sheets halfway through the cooking process...so i did it for the first batch and not for the second and i have concluded that manipulating the cookie halfway through the cooking process allows for a thinner cookie....if you like a thicker, cake-like cookie then don't rotate anything...if you like the cookie to be a bit thinner then do the manipulation halfway through...
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
09/04/2008
I don't know what happened. Sorry about all the posts.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
09/04/2008
A few days ago I came across the Sept. 06 magazine that this recipe is in. I made a few alterations, cutting the butter to 1/2 cup, and omitting the white sugar and adding slightly more brown. I also added a bit more whole wheat flour, and used 85% dark chocolate. I'll definitely be making these cookies again. Mine turned out lightly crispy outside, soft inside because of the alterations I made. Applesauce/prune puree would give a more cake like cookie, but those can be good too. Worth a try.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
09/04/2008
A few days ago I came across the Sept. 06 magazine that this recipe is in. I made a few alterations, cutting the butter to 1/2 cup, and omitting the white sugar and adding slightly more brown. I also added a bit more whole wheat flour, and used 85% dark chocolate. I'll definitely be making these cookies again. Mine turned out lightly crispy outside, soft inside because of the alterations I made. Applesauce/prune puree would give a more cake like cookie, but those can be good too. Worth a try.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
09/04/2008
A few days ago I came across the Sept. 06 magazine that this recipe is in. I made a few alterations, cutting the butter to 1/2 cup, and omitting the white sugar and adding slightly more brown. I also added a bit more whole wheat flour, and used 85% dark chocolate. I'll definitely be making these cookies again. Mine turned out lightly crispy outside, soft inside because of the alterations I made. Applesauce/prune puree would give a more cake like cookie, but those can be good too. Worth a try.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
09/04/2008
These cookes are fantastic. I made a few alterations, cutting the butter to 1/2 cup, and omitting the white sugar and adding slightly more brown. I also added a bit more whole wheat flour, and as another reader did, substituted chopped dark chocolate (in my case 85%) for the chocolate chips. I'll definitely be making these again. My cookies were slightly crisp on the outside and more cake like on the inside, no doubt due to my alterations.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
09/04/2008
These cookes are fantastic. I made a few alterations, cutting the butter to 1/2 cup, and omitting the white sugar and adding slightly more brown. I also added a bit more whole wheat flour, and as another reader did, substituted chopped dark chocolate (in my case 85%) for the chocolate chips. I'll definitely be making these again. My cookies were slightly crisp on the outside and more cake like on the inside, no doubt due to my alterations.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
08/29/2008
I made these cookies because I had some ripe bananas to bake with. Can I just mention that these cookies are so yummy?!!! The best part is that you are using some healthy food groups like whole wheat flour, bananas, walnuts, even chocolate. They taste like chocolate chip cookies with a banana presence, and you feel less guilty indulging in these cookies because of the healthier ingredients. Great recipe. I encourage anyone to try it out!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
08/19/2008
I made these today, except I substituted chocolate chips for the coursely chopped chocolate. They were outstanding. designfun6, I don't think the applesauce would work out too well in this recipe because they are already very moist and cakelike. Everytime I've used applesause in a cookie recipe they become more cakelike, which wouldn't work well here. I love the oatmeal, banana, and nuts in here! FYI, I froze some ripe bananas and defrosted one for this recipe.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
08/19/2008
how about using some applesauce instead of some of the butter to make it even more wholesome? I wonder how the flavor, texture would be
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
08/19/2008
We made these this morning in an effort to use our ripe bananas. I made them without walnuts and they were delicious. I used semi-sweet chips and that saved a step of chopping chocolate. The middles have a aconsistency that is more bread-like, but the shape and the appearance is more of a cookie. A great treat for the lunch box, after-school, or any time "healthier" cookie.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
08/17/2008
I just pulled out the first batch. Great cookie! Excellent way to use up bananas, and a sort of healthier version of chocolate chip cookies. I did not have any wheat flour on hand so I used regular white. Still tasted great!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
08/17/2008
Hmm, can I use Quick Oats in place of old-fashioned oats? Was there an answer about the whole wheat flour?
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
08/14/2008
Made these cookies today and my kids devoured them! I flattened each scoop of dough a little bit to make them a little less cakey. I felt like these cookies were even good for them with the oatmeal, banana, nut and whole wheat flour. Thanks for the great recipe!
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
08/14/2008
Delicious and moist! Very easy to make.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
08/14/2008
These are amazing cookies...so easy and wonderful taste and texture. Definitely a keeper.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
08/14/2008
I have no experience cooking with whole-wheat flour. Could I use 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour instead? I have read that whole-wheat makes a denser product. Should I alter one of the other ingredients to compensate? I will try them today with white flour and let you know how they turn out.
Anonymous
Rating: Unrated
08/14/2008
I have no experience baking with whole-wheat flour. Can I use 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour? I have read that whole-wheat creates a denser product. Is there any adjustment of other ingredients to compensate? These cookies sound delicious. I'll try it with white flour and let you know how they turn out.
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