Introduction

If you’re a fan of banana pudding, then you’re in for a treat with these Banana Pudding Cookies! Think of all the delightful flavors of the beloved dessert packed into a cookie: the creamy banana pudding, the crispy vanilla wafers, and just a hint of banana flavor. Whether you’re looking for a new twist on a classic or need a quick and fun treat to impress friends and family, these cookies are the answer. They’re perfect for any occasion—be it a casual family gathering, a bake sale, or just an afternoon snack. These cookies are simple to make and incredibly delicious, with a texture that’s soft, chewy, and bursting with flavor. Trust me, once you try these Banana Pudding Cookies, they’ll quickly become your new favorite cookie!

Why You’ll Love These Banana Pudding Cookies

Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with these Banana Pudding Cookies:

Banana Pudding Flavor: These cookies taste just like the classic banana pudding dessert, but in cookie form!
Chewy Texture: The soft and chewy cookie texture is irresistible, making them the perfect treat.
Vanilla Wafer Crunch: Every bite includes a little crunch from crushed vanilla wafers, which gives these cookies their signature texture.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these cookies come together in no time.
Kid-Friendly: They’re easy to make with little hands, so it’s a great baking project to do with your kids.
Perfect for Sharing: These cookies are great for parties, potlucks, or just sharing with friends and family.
No Special Equipment Needed: No need for fancy mixers—just a few basic kitchen tools will do the trick.
Sweet but Not Too Sweet: These cookies have just the right amount of sweetness, making them perfect for an afternoon treat without feeling too indulgent.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your tastes, like adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a fun twist.
A Showstopper Dessert: These cookies will definitely impress anyone who’s a fan of banana pudding!

Preparation Time and Cook Time

Total Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 24 cookies
Calories per cookie: Approximately 150 calories
Key Nutrients: Fiber: 1g, Fat: 7g, Carbohydrates: 20g, Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these irresistible Banana Pudding Cookies:

For the Cookies:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
¼ tsp salt
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
½ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp instant banana pudding mix (powdered)
1 ripe banana, mashed
1 ½ cups crushed vanilla wafers (about 20-25 cookies)

For the Optional Frosting:

1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

Banana Pudding Mix: Adds a burst of banana flavor to the cookies, making them taste just like your favorite dessert.
Vanilla Wafers: These give the cookies a crunch and enhance the banana pudding flavor, creating a delightful contrast with the soft cookie.
Ripe Banana: Adds natural sweetness and a moist texture to the cookies, complementing the banana pudding mix perfectly.
Butter and Sugar: The combination of brown and granulated sugars gives the cookies a warm, caramelized flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get baking! Follow these simple steps to make your own batch of Banana Pudding Cookies:

Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats for easy cleanup.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and banana pudding mix. Set this aside.
Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer (or a hand whisk) until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Add the Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Then, stir in the mashed banana until it’s fully incorporated into the dough.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add the Vanilla Wafers: Gently fold in the crushed vanilla wafers until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Shape the Cookies

Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, scoop out dough balls about 1 ½ inches in diameter and place them on the prepared baking sheets. Be sure to leave enough space between each cookie, about 2 inches, as they will spread slightly while baking.
Flatten the Dough: Use the back of a spoon to gently press each cookie dough ball down just a little bit. This helps them spread evenly and gives them a more cookie-like appearance.
Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-baking.
Cool: Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional: Whipped Cream Frosting

If you’d like to add a little extra indulgence to your cookies, try making a simple whipped cream frosting:

Whip the Cream: In a chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together on medium speed until soft peaks form.
Top the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, pipe or spoon a dollop of whipped cream onto the top of each one for an extra creamy touch.

How to Serve

Here are some fun ways to serve your Banana Pudding Cookies:

On a Platter: Arrange your cookies on a festive platter and watch them disappear at your next gathering or party.
Serve with Milk: Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk—there’s no better combination for this classic dessert!
Create a Cookie Bar: Set up a DIY cookie bar with these Banana Pudding Cookies and other treats for your guests to enjoy.
Gift Them: Package the cookies in a cute gift box or bag and tie with a ribbon for a thoughtful and delicious gift.
Ice Cream Sandwiches: Make a fun treat by using two cookies to sandwich a scoop of banana or vanilla ice cream.
With Coffee or Tea: These cookies also go wonderfully with a hot beverage for an afternoon snack.
On a Dessert Table: Serve these cookies alongside other favorite desserts for a sweet spread that everyone will love.

Additional Tips

For the best results with your Banana Pudding Cookies, here are some helpful tips:

Use a Ripe Banana: The riper the banana, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Aim for a banana that’s fully ripe but not overripe.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry ingredients with the wet, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to dense cookies.
Chill the Dough: If the dough seems too soft to scoop, chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
Store Properly: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and fresh.
Add Extra Banana Flavor: For an extra banana punch, you can sprinkle some banana chips on top of the cookies before baking.
Make Ahead: These cookies can be baked ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for easy snacking throughout the week.

Recipe Variations

Here are some fun variations to try with your Banana Pudding Cookies:

Chocolate Chips: Add some mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delicious contrast to the banana flavor.
Peanut Butter: Stir in a few tablespoons of peanut butter for a rich and savory twist.
Cinnamon Spice: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warming flavor.
Mini Pudding Cups: For a fun surprise inside, place mini banana pudding cups or a spoonful of banana cream filling in the center of each cookie before baking.
Use Other Cookies: If you can’t find vanilla wafers, substitute them with graham crackers or shortbread cookies for a different texture.
Banana Pudding Frosting: Instead of whipped cream, use banana pudding-flavored frosting to amp up the banana taste.

Freezing and Storage

If you want to save some cookies for later, freezing them is a great option:

Freeze the Dough: Scoop the dough into balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze the dough balls for 30 minutes, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can bake them straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Freeze Baked Cookies: Allow the cookies to cool completely before freezing them. Place the cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Conclusion

These Banana Pudding Cookies are the perfect blend of chewy, creamy, and crunchy, making them a new twist on a timeless classic. Whether you’re baking them for a crowd or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are sure to impress. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy baking!

Introduction

Why You’ll Love These Banana Pudding Cookies

Preparation Time and Cook Time