Chunky Monkey Cookies

Step 1 -Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 2 -On a baking sheet, spread the walnuts evenly.

Step 3 -Toast the walnuts in the warming oven until fragrant, about 10-15 minutes.

Step 4 -While the walnuts are still warm, roughly chop them and set them aside.

Step 5 -Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 6 -Combine the granulated and the brown sugar in a large mixing bowl, stirring until no lumps of brown sugar remain and it is well-incorporated.

Step 7 -Add the softened butter to the bowl and beat together with a hand mixeruntil a gritty and sugary paste forms.

Step 8 -Mix in the eggs, 1 at a time, until no more egg whites remain.

Step 9 -Stir in the vanilla extract and the banana extract.

Step 10 -In a small bowl whisk together the salt, the baking soda, and the flour.

Step 11 -Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredient mixture and gently stir until a thick dough forms with no dry flour visible.

Step 12 -Add the chocolate chunks, the banana chips, and the chopped walnuts, folding them into the dough until evenly incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix.

Step 13 -Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon measure, portion 2-tablespoon-sized scoops of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet spaced about 1-inch apart.

Step 14 -Bake until the cookies look puffed and the edges turn a darker shade of golden-brown, about 10-12 minutes.

Step 15 -Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Step 16 -Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 17 -Continue baking in batches until all of the dough is used.

Step 18 -Serve!