Dreamy Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe: Sweet Nostalgic Bliss

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen come flooding back with this banana pudding cookies innovation that blends nostalgic comfort and unexpected delight.

Soft, chewy textures mingle with classic Southern dessert flavors in every single bite.

Creamy banana pudding mix creates magical undertones throughout these irresistible treats.

Crisp edges give way to tender centers packed with intense banana essence.

Vanilla wafer crumbles add delightful crunch and nostalgic hints of traditional pudding.

Quick and simple ingredients make this recipe perfect for spontaneous baking adventures.

You’ll want to share these magical cookies with everyone who stops by.

Why Banana Pudding Cookies Are a Sweet Surprise

• Burst with Banana Flavor: These cookies pack a punch of authentic banana taste, transforming classic pudding into a delightful handheld treat that celebrates the beloved fruit.
• Customize with Ease: Mix in white chocolate chips or experiment with different cookie crush-ins to personalize the recipe and make it uniquely yours, perfect for baking enthusiasts who love to play with flavors.
• Zero Complicated Techniques: Designed for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires simple mixing and basic baking steps, making it accessible for anyone craving a sweet and nostalgic dessert.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers, these cookies offer a crowd-friendly option that appeals to both kids and adults with their comforting, familiar taste.

Ingredients for Banana Pudding Cookie Delight

• Ripe Bananas: Soft, sweet fruit that provides natural moisture and flavor to the cookies.
• Butter: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and helps create a tender cookie texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps with browning and crisp edges.
• Brown Sugar: Adds depth of flavor and helps keep cookies soft and chewy.
• Egg: Binds ingredients together and provides structure to the cookie dough.

• All-Purpose Flour: Fundamental base that gives structure to the cookie.
• Vanilla Pudding Mix: Adds extra flavor and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps cookies rise and spread during baking.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the cookies.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet flavor to the cookie dough.
• Vanilla Wafer Cookies: Provides extra crunch and traditional banana pudding flavor.
• White Chocolate Chips: Optional ingredient that adds sweet, creamy bursts of flavor.

How to Make Banana Pudding Cookies Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure cookies slide off effortlessly.

Step 2: Mash Banana Magic

Grab ripe bananas and transform them into a silky smooth mixture, crushing out any stubborn lumps with a fork or potato masher.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and airy. Introduce an egg and vanilla extract, whipping until everything looks cloudlike and dreamy.

Step 4: Marry Banana and Butter Mixture

Fold the mashed bananas into the butter blend, stirring until the two become one harmonious mixture.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredient Medley

• All-purpose flour
• Vanilla pudding mix
• Baking soda
• Salt

Ensure everything is evenly distributed for maximum flavor.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until a perfect cookie dough emerges.

Step 7: Add Crunchy Surprises

Crush vanilla wafer cookies into tiny pieces and sprinkle them into the dough. Toss in white chocolate chips for extra decadence if desired.

Step 8: Shape Cookie Rounds

Scoop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes. Look for golden brown edges and centers that are set but still slightly soft.

Step 10: Cool and Settle

Remove cookies from the oven and let them rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 11: Store for Lasting Enjoyment

Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container to preserve their soft, delectable texture.

Handy Tips for Perfect Banana Pudding Cookies

• Soften Bananas Perfectly: Use overripe bananas with dark spots for maximum sweetness and intense banana flavor.
• Prevent Spreading Cookies: Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to help cookies maintain their shape and prevent excessive spreading.
• Crush Wafers Strategically: Break vanilla wafers into small, uneven pieces to create delightful texture and crunch throughout the cookies.
• Control Moisture Balance: Pat mashed bananas with paper towels to remove excess liquid and ensure proper cookie consistency.
• Swap Ingredients Smartly: Replace white chocolate chips with butterscotch or caramel chips for a different flavor profile that complements the banana pudding theme.

Creative Cookie Twists to Try

• Nutty Banana Bliss: Replace vanilla wafer cookies with chopped pecans or almonds for a crunchy, nutty flavor profile that complements the banana's sweetness.
• Chocolate Lovers' Dream: Swap white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chunks and add cocoa powder to the dry ingredients for an intense chocolate-banana combination.
• Tropical Escape: Mix in shredded coconut and replace some banana with crushed pineapple to create a Hawaiian-inspired cookie with a fruity, exotic twist.
• Spiced Comfort: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warm, aromatic version that enhances the banana's natural richness.

What Goes Best with Banana Pudding Cookies

• Pair with Creamy Southern Comfort Drinks
• Sip Classic Banana Pudding Milkshake: Blend vanilla ice cream, fresh banana, and a splash of vanilla extract to mirror the cookie's nostalgic flavor profile, creating a smooth and indulgent companion.
• Brew Caramel Banana Latte: Craft a warm coffee drink with caramel syrup, steamed milk, and a hint of banana liqueur to complement the cookie's sweet and buttery notes.
• Match with Smooth Rum Cream: Select a chilled banana rum cream liqueur that enhances the dessert's rich, creamy texture and highlights the banana's natural sweetness.
• Enjoy Cold Milk Pairing: Pour a glass of cold whole milk to balance the cookie's sweetness and provide a classic, refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate between bites.

Storage Ideas for Banana Pudding Cookies

• Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking, keeping them fresh for up to 5 days.
• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe container or zip-lock bag, separating layers with wax paper, and store for up to 3 months for long-term enjoyment.
• Keep cookies in a sealed container at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, maintaining their soft texture for 3-4 days.
• Use a tight-sealing container with a soft cloth or paper towel to absorb excess moisture, helping preserve the cookies' delicate texture and prevent sogginess.

Quick FAQs for Banana Pudding Cookie Fans

• Can I use instant pudding mix instead of vanilla pudding mix?

Yes, instant vanilla pudding mix works perfectly in this recipe and helps create a soft, tender cookie texture.

• How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Use very ripe bananas with dark brown or black spots, as they provide maximum sweetness and moisture to the cookies.

• Can I freeze the cookie dough before baking?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, scoop it onto a baking sheet, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes to baking time.

• What makes the cookies stay soft and chewy?

The combination of mashed bananas, pudding mix, and proper mixing technique helps create a soft, tender cookie that stays moist and delicious.

Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Southern charm meets sweet indulgence in these banana pudding cookies, blending nostalgic dessert flavors with classic cookie comfort. Creamy banana pudding mix and ripe bananas create irresistible treats that will melt in your mouth and transport you to grandma’s kitchen.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 medium ripe bananas
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup vanilla pudding mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar

Dry/Binding Ingredients:

• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup vanilla wafer cookies (crushed)
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cookie removal.
2. Mash the ripe bananas thoroughly in a large mixing bowl until smooth and creamy, eliminating any significant lumps.
3. Cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, incorporating the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Combine the mashed bananas with the butter mixture, stirring until fully integrated and creating a uniform consistency.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a cohesive cookie dough forms.
7. Crush vanilla wafer cookies into small fragments and fold them into the dough, along with white chocolate chips if desired.
8. Scoop rounded tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing cookies approximately 2 inches apart.
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cookie edges turn golden brown and centers appear set but slightly soft.
10. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack for complete cooling.
11. Store cooled cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness and soft texture.

Notes

• Select extremely ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum natural sweetness and deeper flavor profile in your cookies.
• Ensure butter is softened at room temperature to guarantee smooth blending and prevent dense, tough cookie texture.
• Consider replacing white chocolate chips with crushed pecans or walnuts for added crunch and nutty undertones.
• Experiment with gluten-free flour and pudding mix to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly dessert option.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 182
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 75 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 27 mg