Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas using a fork or potato masher until smooth.
Add the melted butter to the mashed bananas and mix well.
Stir in the sugar, egg, and vanilla extract until properly combined.
Sprinkle the baking soda and salt over the mixture, and mix until incorporated.
Gradually add the flour, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
If using, fold in the chocolate chips.
Drop tablespoon-sized amounts of the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie.
Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Remove from the oven, allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.