These gluten-free chocolate banana cookies are a delightful cookie-jar staple and a tasty way to use an overripe banana.
Some recipes here are new and some are updated versions of favorites I’ve made for years. This cookie recipe came from a handwritten note I found from college, dated November 1998 with a smiley face. I tried converting it to gluten-free and my family loved the result.
These cookies are soft and cake-like — perfect for lunchboxes or a cookie jar. They’re not crunchy; their texture is similar to my gluten-free monkey cookies but with an even more pronounced chocolate flavor.
The chocolate flavor comes from melted semi-sweet chips rather than cocoa powder. I like using Enjoy Life baking chocolate because it’s certified gluten-free and free of dairy, nuts, and soy. I melt 1/2 cup of semi-sweet mini chips into the dough, and then stir in an additional 1/3 cup at the end for chocolatey pockets throughout the cookies.
Notes on ingredients and substitutions for these gluten-free chocolate banana cookies:
- Chocolate: Enjoy Life semi-sweet mini chips work well. You can substitute Mega Chunks (chopped for the stirred-in portion) or use Enjoy Life dark chocolate morsels if you prefer a darker flavor.
- Sugar: Regular cane sugar is used here, but coconut sugar can be substituted 1:1. Honey might work as a liquid sweetener, though it hasn’t been tested in this version.
- Non-dairy butter alternative: This recipe was tested with Melt Buttery Sticks; other stick-style vegan spreads like Earth Balance or a firm coconut oil could also work.
- Flour: Use a reliable gluten-free all-purpose blend that does not contain bean flours. If your blend already includes xanthan or guar gum, omit the xanthan gum listed in the recipe.
If you have more ripe bananas, try other recipes like gluten-free banana oatmeal cookies or gluten-free banana chocolate chip muffins. These cookies are a great complement to banana-based bakes and make a rich, chocolatey treat.
I hope your family enjoys these cookies as much as mine did.
If you try the recipe, please rate it and share any successful substitutions or tips you discover.
Gluten-free Chocolate Banana Cookies Recipe:
Gluten-free Chocolate Banana Cookies
Soft, cake-like gluten-free banana cookies that are ideal for lunchboxes or a cookie jar.
10 minutes
8 minutes
18 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate mini chips
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 6 Tbsp. non-dairy butter alternative or butter (cold)
- 1 medium/large overripe banana, mashed
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/4 c. gluten-free all-purpose flour blend
- 1/2 tsp. xanthan gum*
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1/4 tsp. baking soda
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate mini chips
Instructions
- Melt 1/2 cup semi-sweet mini chips in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth.
- Add the melted chocolate to a mixing bowl.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together the melted chocolate, sugar, non-dairy butter alternative, mashed banana, and egg for about 3 minutes on medium speed, scraping the bowl as needed.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, xanthan gum (omit if your blend already contains gum), baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- With the mixer on low, slowly add the dry ingredients and mix for 1 minute until incorporated.
- Stir in the remaining 1/3 cup semi-sweet mini chips.
- Use a #40 cookie scoop to place large scoops on parchment-lined baking sheets, leaving a couple inches between cookies.
- Bake at 400°F for 8–9 minutes, until the cookies are set and puffy.
- Remove from the oven to a cooling rack. If desired, press a few extra mini chips into the center of each warm cookie for a polished look.
- Once cooled, enjoy. Store leftovers in an airtight container or freeze stacked in a freezer bag.
Notes
See the post for product suggestions. If your flour blend already contains xanthan or guar gum, omit the additional xanthan called for in the recipe.
While these cookies include banana, they are a treat first and a fruity way to brighten a lunchbox.
Looking for more cookie ideas? Explore gluten-free cookie recipes and enjoy baking.