30-Minute Hawaiian Chocolate Chip Cookies

Prep: 30 minCook: 10 min36 cookiesmediumAmerican
Hawaiian Chocolate Chip Cookies with Banana and Macadamia

Soft, chewy cookies featuring mashed banana and tropical macadamia nuts alongside classic chocolate chips. The banana adds natural sweetness and moisture while keeping the cookies tender, while warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg complement the tropical flavors. Optional oats can be pureed for a smoother texture or left whole for added chewiness. Perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as an everyday treat with a tropical twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie.

Ingredients

Yield: 36 cookies
  • ½ cup butter, softened
    coconut oil1:1dairy-freedairy-free

    use solid coconut oil

    Full guide →
  • ½ cup banana
  • 1 cup brown sugar, packed
    coconut sugar1:1unrefined

    deeper molasses flavor

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ cup banana, additional
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • ½ cup macadamia nuts, or walnuts(optional)
    walnuts1:1nut

    same tropical flavor profile

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees

  2. 2

    Mix butter, both sugars and banana until combined

  3. 3

    Add egg and vanilla and mix together

  4. 4

    Add flour, oats, baking soda, cinnamon and nutmeg mixing slowly

  5. 5

    Add remaining banana if batter is too dry

  6. 6

    Fold in chocolate chips and optional nuts

  7. 7

    Spoon tablespoon portions of batter on greased baking sheet spacing apart

  8. 8

    Bake until golden brown

Tips

Tip 1

Puree the oats before adding to create smoother cookies with less chewiness

Tip 2

Use very ripe bananas for maximum sweetness and easier mixing

Tip 3

Space cookies properly as they will spread during baking

Good to Know

Storage

Store in airtight container at room temperature for up to one week

Make Ahead

Dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days before baking

Serve With

Serve at room temperature or slightly warm

Common Mistakes

Watch

Overmix the dough to avoid tough cookies

Watch

Use overripe bananas to prevent excess moisture

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

butter
coconut oil1:1dairy-freedairy-free

use solid coconut oil

Full guide →

General Alternatives

macadamia nuts
walnuts1:1nut

same tropical flavor profile

Full guide →
brown sugar
coconut sugar1:1unrefined

deeper molasses flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, scoop dough onto baking sheets and freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen adding 1-2 extra minutes.

What if I don't have macadamia nuts?

Walnuts, pecans, or even toasted coconut flakes work well as substitutes. You can also omit nuts entirely for a simpler cookie.

How do I know when the cookies are done?

Look for golden brown edges while the centers still appear slightly soft. They will continue cooking on the hot pan after removal from oven.