Gideon’s Banana Bread Cookie Recipe

Gideon’s Banana Bread Cookie Recipe – Bananas and chocolate have to be one of the best cookie combinations. Add in banana chips, and candied walnuts and you’ve got a superstar of a banana bread cookie.

You really can’t get more flavor into this cookie, it is super loaded and absolutely delicious.  So, forget the bakery store lineup and bake up a batch of these copycat Gideon Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies.

Gideon's Banana Bread Cookie Recipe

Gideon’s Banana Bread Cookie Recipe

This classic combination of banana and chocolate makes for a soft and flavorful cookie. These cookies are loaded with flavor and texture and make a great addition to your cookie jar.

Perfect with a cold glass of milk for a mid-day snack or to dip in your tea.  Looking to bake up a batch? Here’s everything you need to know about making these decadent cookies.

Ingredients Needed To Make Gideon’s Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here is a list of what you need to create these irresistible cookies. Don’t be discouraged by the long list, the cookies come together quite easily.

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 cup granulated white sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup ripe banana, mashed
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 ½ cups cake flour
  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups dark chocolate chips, divided
  • 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
  • 2 cups crushed banana chips, divided
  • 2 cups candied walnuts, divided

How To Make Gideon’s Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the cold butter, mashed banana, and sugars on low speed for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Increase speed to medium-high and continue to beat for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula.
  4. Add in the eggs, one at a time, then add the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
  5. In a large bowl add the baking soda, cornstarch, salt, cake flour, and all-purpose flour, and whisk to combine.
  6. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture 1 cup at a time.
  7. Mix until incorporated.
  8. Split the chocolate chips, banana chips, and candied walnuts into two bowls.
  9. Add 1 bowl of the chocolate chip banana walnut mixture, and mix on low speed until combined.
  10. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
  11. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  12. Using your large cookie scoop, scoop out large dough portions.
  13. Now using your hands shape the chilled dough into large dough balls.
  14. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
  15. Cover the entire surface of the dough balls with chocolate banana walnut mixture.
  16. Make sure all gaps are covered.
  17. Place the dough balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  18. Bake only 6 dough balls on a baking tray.
  19. Sprinkle each dough ball with crystalized sugar.
  20. Bake in the center rack of the oven for 15 minutes.
  21. Remove from the oven and let cool for at LEAST 15 minutes on the baking sheet.

Recipe Notes and Tips

Here are a few things you can do to make sure your cookies turn out great every time.

  • Bring the eggs to room temperature before you begin to prepare the cookies. 
  • Run the cookie scoop under water so the dough is easier to portion and doesn’t stick.
  • Keep a stash of ripe bananas in the freezer. Peel them once they start to turn black and chop them into small pieces and place them in a freezer bag.
  • Use real vanilla extract for the best flavor.
  • Don’t compromise on the fridge time. This is required so the cookies don’t spread out too much.
  • Feel free to make your own candied walnuts if you have the time, if not store-bought is fine.

Variations To Try

You can easily change up this recipe with a few simple modifications.

  • Use any kind of chips you like whether it be dark chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, or even peanut butter or Skor bar chips.
  • Change up the walnuts for pecans or any of your favorite nuts or seeds.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon for more flavor.
  • Pull out your favorite Disney cookie cutter and make up a batch of Disney-shaped cookies.

FAQs

Here are the answers to a few questions you may have about making these cookies.

What is Gideon’s cookies based on?

Gideon’s cookies come from Gideon’s Bakery, based in Orlando, which was opened by Steve Lewis after he picked up a copy of a 1989 cookbook that had notes and comments in the margin from a boy named Gideon.

How long do Gideon’s cookies stay fresh?

Gideon’s cookies will stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. Defrost on the kitchen counter for a few hours and then they’ll be ready to eat.

What’s so special about Gideon’s Bakehouse?

Gideon’s Bakehouse makes cookies from scratch using fresh, rich ingredients some of which take over 24 hours to prepare. 

Gideon's Banana Bread Cookie Recipe