Ultimate Double Chocolate Banana Split Cookies: A Chewy, Fruity Delight
Indulge in a nostalgic symphony of flavors with our incredible Double Chocolate Banana Split Cookies! These aren’t just any ordinary cookies; they’re a delectable homage to the classic ice cream dessert, meticulously crafted from scratch. Imagine soft, chewy chocolate cookies bursting with the sweet creaminess of ripe bananas, the subtle tang of chopped maraschino cherries, and generous pockets of rich chocolate chips. Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will transport you straight to your favorite soda fountain.
These cookies truly achieve absolute perfection. They are thick, intensely chocolatey, and delightfully chewy, showcasing a vibrant medley of chocolate chips, juicy maraschino cherries, and the natural sweetness of bananas, all enhanced by a hint of cherry juice in the dough. The flavor profile is so rich and complex, yet wonderfully balanced. For the ultimate banana split experience, try transforming these treats into extraordinary ice cream sandwiches! Simply scoop some creamy vanilla ice cream between two of these fantastic cookies, and prepare for a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Double Chocolate Banana Split Cookie Recipe
- Effortlessly Delicious: This recipe is designed for ease, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels. With straightforward steps and commonly found ingredients, you won’t need specialized equipment or expertise to create a batch of freshly baked cookies that taste like they came from a gourmet bakery. The simple mixing and baking process means you can have these delightful treats ready in a surprisingly short amount of time, perfect for satisfying sudden cravings or preparing for an unexpected gathering.
- Versatile for Any Celebration: Whether you’re planning a lively party, seeking a comforting snack for a quiet evening, or preparing a thoughtful homemade gift, these Double Chocolate Banana Split Cookies are an ideal choice. Their universally appealing flavor combination makes them a hit with both kids and adults. Share them with friends and family, pack them in lunchboxes, or simply enjoy a moment of bliss on your own. They are perfect for birthdays, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or as a sweet ending to any meal.
- An Unforgettable Flavor Journey: The unique blend of rich chocolate, naturally sweet banana, and tart maraschino cherries creates an irresistible flavor that truly stands out. The premium cocoa powder and an abundance of chocolate chips ensure a deep, satisfying chocolate base, while the mashed bananas provide a moist, tender texture and a distinct fruity essence. The vibrant maraschino cherries add a beautiful pop of color and a delightful burst of sweet-tart flavor, mimicking the classic banana split experience in every single chewy bite. Plus, the subtle hint of banana extract ensures that delicious banana flavor isn’t lost amidst the other bold ingredients.
Key Ingredients for Double Chocolate Banana Split Cookies
Crafting these extraordinary cookies begins with a careful selection of high-quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in achieving the perfect texture and flavor profile.
All-Purpose Flour – The foundation of our chewy cookies. All-purpose flour provides the necessary structure. For best results, measure your flour by spooning it into a measuring cup and then leveling it off with a straight edge, rather than scooping directly, to avoid a dense cookie. If you require a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend can be substituted successfully.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – This is where the “double chocolate” magic begins! Using unsweetened cocoa powder delivers a deep, intense chocolate flavor without making the cookies overly sweet. It’s the secret to that rich, dark hue and robust taste. Dutch-processed cocoa powder can offer an even darker color and mellower flavor, while natural cocoa powder will yield a slightly fruitier chocolate note.
Baking Soda, Baking Powder, and Salt – These are the crucial leavening agents that give the cookies their perfect rise and chewy texture. Baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients (like the brown sugar and cocoa) to create lift, while baking powder provides additional aeration. Salt is indispensable for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other wonderful flavors, making them pop. Always check the expiration dates of your baking powder and soda to ensure maximum effectiveness.
Unsalted Butter – Softened to room temperature, butter contributes to the rich flavor and tender texture of the cookies. Room temperature butter creams beautifully with the sugars, incorporating air that results in a lighter, chewier cookie. While salted butter can be used, unsalted butter allows you to control the exact amount of salt in the recipe for optimal flavor balance.
Large Eggs – Two large eggs are essential binders, bringing all the ingredients together into a cohesive dough. They also add moisture, richness, and help with the overall structure and chewiness of the cookies. Ensure your eggs are at room temperature to emulsify better with the butter and sugars, creating a smoother dough.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar – The combination of both sugars is key to achieving the ideal texture and sweetness. Granulated sugar contributes to crisp edges and overall sweetness, while brown sugar adds moisture, depth of flavor (with its molasses content), and that desirable chewy center. Make sure your brown sugar is fresh and soft for the best results; if it’s hard, microwave it briefly with a damp paper towel to soften.
Vanilla Extract and Banana Extract – These extracts are flavor powerhouses. High-quality pure vanilla extract elevates all the other ingredients, adding warmth and complexity. The banana extract, though just a small amount, is incredibly important for intensifying the banana flavor. Fresh bananas can be subtle, and the extract ensures that distinctive banana split taste truly shines through, preventing it from being overshadowed by the chocolate and cherry.
Maraschino Cherries – You’ll need about a cup of chopped maraschino cherries. These vibrant red gems add a delightful sweetness and a slight tang, along with a beautiful burst of color. It’s crucial to pat them thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this prevents the dough from becoming too wet and helps the cherries hold their shape and flavor better during baking. Don’t forget to reserve some of their juice to incorporate into the cookie dough for an extra layer of cherry flavor!
Ripe Bananas – Two mashed, ripe bananas are the heart of the banana flavor in these cookies. The riper the bananas (with brown spots), the sweeter they will be and the easier they will mash, contributing essential moisture and natural sweetness to the dough. Their natural sugars also caramelize slightly during baking, adding to the cookies’ depth of flavor.
Chocolate Chips – The recipe calls for classic milk chocolate chips, which provide a sweet, creamy contrast to the fruit flavors. However, feel free to customize! Semi-sweet chocolate chips will offer a richer, slightly less sweet profile, while dark chocolate chips will intensify the overall chocolate experience, catering to those who prefer a bolder, more sophisticated taste.
How to Make Double Chocolate Banana Split Cookies: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating these delightful cookies is a straightforward process, ensuring you’ll have a batch of these unique treats in no time. Follow these steps for perfect results:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine your all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until they are uniformly combined. This step ensures that the leavening agents and flavorings are evenly distributed throughout the dough, promoting a consistent rise and taste in every cookie.
Step 2: Cream the Wet Ingredients. In a separate, larger bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat together the softened butter, large eggs, both granulated and brown sugars, vanilla extract, banana extract, and the reserved maraschino cherry juice. Cream these ingredients together for about 2-3 minutes on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This process incorporates air into the butter and sugars, which is vital for achieving a tender and chewy cookie texture.
Step 3: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures. Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough once the flour is added, as overmixing can develop too much gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Stop mixing as soon as no dry streaks of flour are visible.
Step 4: Incorporate the Flavorful Add-ins. Gently fold in the mashed ripe bananas, your chosen chocolate chips, and the chopped maraschino cherries. Use a spatula to fold these ingredients in by hand to ensure they are evenly distributed without deflating the dough. This step brings all the signature banana split flavors into the chocolate cookie base.
Step 5: Chill and Bake. The dough will be quite sticky at this stage. For easier handling and to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, cover the bowl and refrigerate the dough for at least one hour, or up to 24 hours. Chilling also helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking. Once chilled, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Scoop the dough using a 1-ounce cookie scoop or two tablespoons, leaving 2-3 inches between each cookie. Gently press down and flatten the dough slightly, as these cookies don’t spread significantly on their own. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. This ensures a wonderfully chewy interior.
Step 6: Cool and Enjoy. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and, for softer cookies, immediately transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you prefer a slightly crispier edge, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few extra minutes before moving them. Once cooled, these chewy chocolate banana split cookies are ready to be savored!
Double Chocolate Banana Split Cookie Recipe
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Ingredients
- 2 ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- ⅔ cup light brown sugar packed
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon banana extract
- ⅓ cup maraschino cherry juice reserved from cherries below
- 2 ripe bananas mashed
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips or semi-sweet/dark chocolate chips
- 1 cup maraschino cherries patted dry and chopped into ¼-inch pieces (juice reserved)
Instructions
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Begin by preparing your maraschino cherries. Drain them well, chop them into small ¼-inch pieces, and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. Reserve 1/3 cup of the cherry juice separately, as it will be used in the wet ingredients. Set both the chopped cherries and reserved juice aside.
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In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until all ingredients are evenly distributed and there are no lumps.
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In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat together the softened butter, room temperature eggs, brown sugar, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, banana extract, and the reserved cherry juice. Beat for 2-3 minutes on medium speed until the mixture is light, creamy, and well combined.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; stop as soon as all the dry spots disappear. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
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Use a fork to mash the two ripe bananas until mostly smooth with a few small lumps remaining for texture. Gently fold the mashed bananas into the cookie dough using a spatula.
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Finally, fold in the chocolate chips and the chopped, dried maraschino cherries until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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The dough will be quite sticky. To make scooping easier and to allow the flavors to deepen, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. You can chill the dough for up to 24 hours.
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When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line several baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
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Scoop the chilled dough using a 1-ounce cookie scoop or by dropping two tablespoons of dough per cookie. Place the dough balls 2-3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. Gently press down and slightly flatten each dough portion, as this dough does not spread significantly on its own during baking.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges are set and lightly golden, but the centers still appear slightly soft. For chewier cookies, remove them promptly from the oven and immediately transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you prefer a slightly crisper cookie, leave them on the hot cookie sheet for an additional 5-10 minutes before transferring them to the cooling rack.
Notes
Freezing Instructions: These cookies freeze beautifully! Place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature for a few hours before serving.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions About Double Chocolate Banana Split Cookies
How do I properly store these delightful cookies?
To keep your Double Chocolate Banana Split Cookies at their absolute best, proper storage is key. They will remain wonderfully fresh and chewy for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For an extended shelf life, you can place them in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you’re planning to enjoy them much later, these cookies freeze beautifully! Simply arrange them in a single layer in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag, using parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, just thaw them at room temperature for a few hours, and they’ll be as delicious as freshly baked.
What is the ideal ripeness for bananas in this recipe?
The ripeness of your bananas significantly impacts the flavor and moisture content of these cookies. You want bananas that are beyond just yellow – look for skins with plenty of brown spots, indicating that their starches have converted into natural sugars. While they should be soft, they shouldn’t be completely mushy. When you mash them with a fork, they should still retain a slight lumpiness, contributing to a better texture and more pronounced, sweet banana flavor in the final cookie. Overly green bananas will lack sweetness, and extremely black, liquified bananas might add too much moisture.
Why is banana extract necessary if I’m already using real bananas?
It’s a common and valid question! While fresh, mashed bananas contribute wonderful moisture and natural sweetness to the cookies, their flavor can sometimes be subtle, especially when paired with strong tastes like rich chocolate and tart maraschino cherries. A small amount of banana extract acts as a flavor booster, ensuring that the distinctive banana note doesn’t get lost in the mix. It truly enhances and highlights the banana split essence, making sure each bite delivers that unmistakable, vibrant banana flavor you expect from this classic dessert inspiration.
Does the type of chocolate chips really make a difference?
Absolutely! The type of chocolate chips you choose can significantly influence the overall flavor profile of your cookies. For this particular recipe, we’ve used Hershey’s pure milk chocolate chips to impart a sweet, creamy, and smooth chocolate taste that harmonizes beautifully with the banana and cherry. However, you have the freedom to customize! If you prefer a richer, slightly less sweet chocolate experience, semi-sweet chocolate chips are an excellent alternative. For those who love a bold, deep chocolate flavor, dark chocolate chips will intensify the cocoa notes and provide a sophisticated contrast. Experiment with your favorite brand and type to find your perfect balance!
Is it truly essential to refrigerate the dough for an hour?
While refrigerating the dough for an hour is highly recommended for optimal results, it’s not strictly mandatory if you’re in a hurry. However, there are significant benefits to chilling the dough. Refrigeration allows the flour to fully hydrate, resulting in a more tender and flavorful cookie. It also solidifies the butter, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, leading to thicker, chewier cookies. Furthermore, chilled dough is much easier to scoop and handle, especially with a cookie scoop. If you skip this step, be prepared for a stickier dough that might require the classic two-spoon drop method, and your cookies may spread a bit more, resulting in a slightly flatter texture. But rest assured, they will still be delicious!
More Delicious Chocolate Cookie Recipes to Try:
If you love the rich flavors of chocolate, here are some other fantastic cookie recipes you won’t want to miss:
- Short on time but craving something homemade? Try these incredibly easy Brownie Mix M&M Cookies or these popular Chocolate Stuffed Cake Mix Cookies. Nobody will ever guess you started with a mix! They’re perfect for quick desserts or last-minute treats.
- Candy bars are absolutely wonderful when incorporated into cookies, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture. Whip up a batch of refreshing Chocolate Junior Mint Cookies for a cool, minty delight, or indulge in the tropical flavors of our Bakery Style Almond Joy Cookies, packed with coconut and almond goodness.
- Don’t want to turn on the oven? We’ve got you covered with fantastic no-bake options! It only takes a few minutes to prepare creamy, delicious Microwave No-Bake Cookiesor rich and nutty Nutella No Bake Cookies. These are perfect for hot days or when you need a quick sweet fix.
These Double Chocolate Banana Split Cookies offer a unique and irresistible twist on a classic dessert. They are wonderfully chewy chocolate cookies, generously studded with sweet bananas, vibrant maraschino cherries, and rich chocolate chips, delivering a flavor profile that perfectly mimics your favorite banana split! Easy to make and universally loved, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy them on their own, or make them extra special with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!