Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe

If you’re a fan of banana pudding and crave cookies that melt in your mouth, these Banana Pudding Cookies are exactly what your sweet tooth has been waiting for! They blend the nostalgic flavors of classic banana pudding with the soft-baked magic of a homemade cookie. Loaded with creamy white chocolate, crunchy crushed vanilla wafers, and a hint of real banana from the pudding mix, every bite delivers the ultimate comfort. Whether you’re baking for a party or just looking to treat yourself, you’ll fall in love with this easy yet impressive recipe that captures everything you adore about banana desserts.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for Banana Pudding Cookies couldn’t be simpler, but don’t be fooled—each addition is key for flavor, texture, and that irresistible aroma. The list is full of pantry staples, with a few fun twists to make these cookies unforgettable.

• Unsalted Butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation of soft, tender cookies—softened butter creams beautifully and adds a rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar (¾ cup): Gives the cookies sweetness and that slight crispness around the edges.
• Light Brown Sugar (¼ cup): Lends a hint of caramel flavor and extra moisture to keep the cookies chewy.
• Instant Banana Cream Pudding Mix (1 box, 3.4 oz, dry): The secret ingredient for real banana flavor and ultra-soft cookies without the need for ripe bananas!
• Eggs (2 large): They bind everything together, providing structure and tenderness.
• Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors and deepens the aroma.
• All-Purpose Flour (2 ¼ cups): The essential backbone of any cookie, creating the perfect soft-baked crumb.
• Baking Soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough for the ideal thickness.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.
• White Chocolate Chips (1 cup): For creamy “pockets” throughout each bite that echo the vanilla pudding vibe.
• Crushed Vanilla Wafer Cookies (½ cup): Adds a crunch reminiscent of classic banana pudding desserts—don’t skip them!

How to Make Banana Pudding Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by turning your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready by the time your dough is mixed. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this helps your Banana Pudding Cookies bake evenly and makes cleanup a breeze, too.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until fluffy and pale. This could take about 2–3 minutes and will create the base for a super-soft and creamy cookie.

Step 3: Add Pudding Mix and Liquids

Beat in the dry banana cream pudding mix until seamlessly blended—this gives your dough a lovely banana aroma right away! Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the dough is smooth and glossy.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step prevents pockets of baking soda or clumps of flour from sneaking into your finished cookies. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, mixing until just combined (don’t overmix to keep the texture tender!).

Step 5: Fold in Mix-Ins

Now for the fun part! Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed vanilla wafer cookies. Each batch will be packed with sweet, creamy, and crunchy bits that make these Banana Pudding Cookies so special.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Use a tablespoon or a cookie scoop to place balls of dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each one. Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are just golden and the centers look set but still soft. This guarantees cookies that stay soft for days.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies sit on the hot baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up and finish cooking gently. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before diving in (or before stacking and storing).

How to Serve Banana Pudding Cookies

Garnishes

Aim for extra cookie magic by adding a few more white chocolate chips or a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers to the tops of your warm Banana Pudding Cookies as soon as they come out of the oven. It makes them look bakery-worthy and adds a little extra crunch and sweetness in every bite.

Side Dishes

Serve your cookies alongside a cold glass of milk for a classic combo, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgent dessert experience. They also work beautifully with fresh berries or banana slices on the side to highlight that fruity, creamy flavor profile.

Creative Ways to Present

Try turning your Banana Pudding Cookies into adorable sandwich cookies by adding a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla frosting between two cookies. For parties, stack them on a platter with extra vanilla wafers and banana chips scattered around. Or, crumble a few cookies over banana pudding for a meta-dessert that’s sure to impress guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled cookies in an airtight container and store them at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay delightfully soft and chewy, thanks to the pudding mix locking in moisture. For extra freshness, add a slice of bread to the container—the cookies will absorb just enough moisture to stay perfect.

Freezing

You can freeze Banana Pudding Cookies for longer storage. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months—just let them thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you love a warm cookie, simply pop a Banana Pudding Cookie in the microwave for about 10–15 seconds. It revives the softness and makes the white chocolate chips deliciously melty all over again, as if freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different flavor of pudding mix?

Absolutely! While banana cream pudding gives that authentic banana pudding flavor, you can experiment with vanilla or even butterscotch pudding mix for a fun twist.

Do I need to prepare the pudding mix before adding it?

No need to prepare the pudding—just add the dry pudding mix directly into the dough. This is what gives the cookies both flavor and their signature soft texture.

What kind of vanilla wafer cookies work best?

Classic vanilla wafer cookies are ideal, but you can use any brand you love. If you’re feeling adventurous, try butter cookies for an even richer crunch!

Can I add nuts or other mix-ins?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts or pecans add a great nutty crunch, and a handful of dried banana chips takes these Banana Pudding Cookies to new heights. Just keep mix-ins to about 1 cup total for the best texture.

Why did my cookies turn out flat?

If your cookies spread more than you’d like, the butter may have been too soft or the dough was overmixed. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes can help, and always measure flour carefully for the best results.

Final Thoughts

No matter the season, these Banana Pudding Cookies bring a little sunshine and a big dose of joy to any table. If you’re searching for a simple recipe that surprises and delights, give these a try—you’ll be hooked from the first bite!

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