Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper.

Mash the ripe bananas in a bowl until mostly smooth.

Whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a separate bowl.

Cream the softened butter with brown and granulated sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, then fold in the mashed bananas.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the banana mixture on low speed until just combined.

Fold in chocolate chips or chopped nuts if using.

Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Scoop 1.5-2 tablespoons of dough onto the baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are set.

Cool on sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.