Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.

Stir in the mashed bananas until fully incorporated.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and pudding mix.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using.

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

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.