Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (about 200°C). Proper oven temperature is key to achieve that golden, slightly crisp muffin top with a moist interior. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease the cups lightly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Chips

Chocolate chips can sometimes sink during baking if not handled correctly. To prevent this, take the chocolate chips and toss them with about 3 tablespoons of the flour from your measured flour amount in a small bowl. Ensure all the chips are evenly coated with flour. This technique helps keep the chocolate chips suspended evenly throughout the muffins.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a fork or whisk to mix everything together until smooth and fully blended. The bananas should be very ripe to impart natural sweetness and moisture, so aim for a mushy consistency without large chunks.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. The spices add a subtle warmth that complements the sweetness of the bananas and richness of the chocolate.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients bowl. Using a whisk or spatula, gently fold the flour mixture into the banana mixture. Mix until just combined; overmixing will develop gluten and make the muffins tough rather than tender and soft.

Step 6: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Now, add the flour-coated chocolate chips to the batter. Fold them gently into the mixture, distributing them evenly without breaking or melting the chips.

Step 7: Portion the Batter

Use a large ice cream scoop or a spoon to evenly distribute the muffin batter into the prepared muffin cups. Fill each liner nearly to the top for nicely domed muffins.

Step 8: Bake

Place the muffin tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 18 minutes. The muffins are done when they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. Ovens vary, so start checking at the 16-minute mark if uncertain.

Step 9: Cooling

Allow the muffins to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes to set. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess from accumulated steam and helps maintain their perfect texture.