Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup mashed overripe bananas (approx. 1 large)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla bean paste or extract
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions:

  1. Mash the 1/2 cup of overripe banana in your large bowl using a fork until velvety and smooth. Note: Tiny lumps are okay, but a smooth puree ensures an even bake.
  2. Whisk in the 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup brown sugar until the mixture looks glossy and thick. Note: Continue for at least 2 minutes to help the sugar dissolve.
  3. Add the 1 egg yolk and 1 tsp vanilla bean paste, stirring until fully incorporated and uniform in color.
  4. Sift the 2 cups flour, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp cinnamon directly over the bowl.
  5. Fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just a few streaks of flour remain. Note: Overmixing here will make the cookies tough instead of tender.
  6. Gently fold in the 1 cup dark chocolate chips and 1/2 cup chopped walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  7. Portion the dough into 1.5 tablespoon balls and place them 2 inches apart on parchment lined sheets.
  8. Bake for 12 minutes until the edges are set and golden.