I’ve been baking chocolate chip cookies for over 20 years, and I’m convinced this classic recipe is the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. My family begs for these cookies weekly—crisp edges, chewy centers, and melty chocolate in every bite. The secret isn’t fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. It’s all about understanding a few key principles that transform basic pantry staples into something truly special. Let me show you how.
why You’ll love this dish
When you sink your teeth into these grilled banana chocolate chip cookie sandwiches, you’ll understand why they’re irresistible. The warm, gooey combination of melted chocolate chips and marshmallows creates the perfect sweet harmony.
I love how the grilled bananas add natural sweetness while the graham cracker crumbs provide a delightful textural contrast. The heat from the grill transforms ordinary cookies into an extraordinary dessert experience—crispy on the outside, soft and melty inside.
They’re simple to make yet impressive enough for gatherings. Best of all, these sandwiches satisfy both cookie lovers and s’mores enthusiasts in one delicious treat!
Ingredients
Classic chocolate chip cookies are one of those timeless treats that bring back childhood memories with every bite. I think there’s something almost magical about the aroma of cookies baking in the oven, filling the house with warmth and comfort. For this recipe, we’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that transform into something extraordinary when mixed together.
- 3 bananas
- 10 large chocolate chip cookies
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 cup small marshmallows
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Canola oil
When gathering your ingredients, quality really does matter for the best flavor. The chocolate chips, for instance, can be milk, semi-sweet, or dark depending on your preference. Some bakers like to use a mix for more complex flavor. And while the recipe calls for bananas, make sure they’re ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape when grilled. Too mushy, and they’ll turn into banana mush rather than nice, distinct slices. The marshmallows add that gooey, sweet element that makes these cookies truly special, so don’t be tempted to skip them.
Directions
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat and brush it lightly with canola oil to prevent sticking. While that’s heating up, take your 3 bananas and slice them in half lengthwise. This might seem like an unusual first step for cookies, but trust me, the grilled banana adds a caramelized sweetness that’s absolutely divine. Place those banana halves skin-side down on the grill just until they’re warm—not mushy or falling apart. Once warmed through, remove them and cut again into slices sized perfectly to fit on your chocolate chip cookies.
Now comes the fun part—assembly! Grab a piece of aluminum foil and place one of your large chocolate chip cookies on it as the base. Layer on those warm banana slices, distributing them evenly across the cookie. Next, sprinkle a handful of the small marshmallows (from your 1 cup) and some chocolate chips (from your 1 cup) on top of the banana. The warmth will start melting everything into gooey perfection. Crumble some of the graham cracker crumbs (from your 1 cup) over this delightful mess, creating that classic s’mores-like texture. Top it all off with another cookie, making a sandwich of sweet, melty goodness. Who knew a cookie sandwich could be so sophisticated yet comforting at the same time?
Carefully wrap the foil around your cookie creation, ensuring it’s sealed well but not squished. Place these little foil packets back on the grill for about five minutes, just until everything is warmed through and the chocolate chips and marshmallows have melted into an irresistible goo. I can almost smell the chocolate and toasted marshmallow aroma wafting up from the grill. Once they’re done, carefully unwrap your cookie sandwich—watch out for hot steam!—and enjoy this delightfully messy, wonderfully indulgent treat. Perfect for summer barbecues or anytime you want to elevate the humble chocolate chip cookie into something spectacular.
Substitutions and Variations
While this recipe creates amazing grilled cookie sandwiches, you don’t need to stick strictly to the ingredients listed. I’ve found that ripe plantains work well in place of bananas for a less sweet flavor. Try swapping regular chocolate chips with white chocolate, butterscotch, or peanut butter chips.
Not a fan of marshmallows? Replace them with caramel bits or peanut butter. The graham cracker crumbs can be substituted with crushed vanilla wafers, Oreo crumbs, or even granola.
For a dairy-free version, use coconut oil instead of canola and dairy-free cookies and chips.
Additional Things to serve with this dish
These grilled cookie sandwiches taste fantastic on their own, but pairing them with complementary foods and beverages elevates the experience. I love serving them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side, creating a delicious contrast of warm and cold textures.
A glass of cold milk is classic, but don’t overlook other options. Try coffee for adults or hot chocolate for kids on chilly evenings. For summer gatherings, fresh berries add a tart counterpoint to the sweet treats.
For an indulgent dessert platter, I sometimes include caramel dipping sauce and additional marshmallows for guests to customize their treats.
Final thoughts
Although this recipe might seem unconventional, these grilled chocolate chip cookie sandwiches have become a staple in my outdoor entertaining menu. The combination of warm bananas, melty chocolate chips, and toasted marshmallows creates a campfire s’mores experience without the mess.
I’ve found it’s perfect for summer gatherings when you’re already grilling. Kids love assembling their own cookie sandwiches, customizing marshmallow and chocolate chip amounts to their liking.
Don’t be afraid to experiment—try adding peanut butter or different cookie varieties. Just keep the foil tight to prevent melting chocolate from dripping onto your grill!
