Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas until smooth.

In a separate bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and then add the vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until fully combined. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is incorporated.

Stir in the mashed bananas, walnuts (if using), and mini chocolate chips until evenly distributed in the dough.

Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cookies are golden brown around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack to cool completely.