Banana Pudding Cookies: A Sweet Delight

Banana pudding is a beloved dessert across the United States. It’s creamy, sweet, and packed with banana flavor. But have you ever thought about turning that nostalgic treat into a cookie? Banana pudding cookies take all the best parts of the classic dessert and transform them into a delicious handheld treat. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies combine the soft chewiness of cookies with the rich, creamy taste of banana pudding.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into how to make the best banana pudding cookies from scratch. We’ll explore the ingredients, step-by-step process, and even some variations to make your cookies stand out. Let’s get started on this sweet journey!

What Are Banana Pudding Cookies?

Banana pudding cookies are a creative twist on the traditional banana pudding dessert. The cookies contain banana pudding mix, which gives them a rich banana flavor. They’re soft, chewy, and melt in your mouth. Some versions of the recipe include white chocolate chips or vanilla wafers to mimic the traditional pudding experience. These cookies are ideal for gatherings, school lunches, or just when you crave a sweet treat.

Not only are banana pudding cookies easy to make, but they also bring a sense of nostalgia. Who doesn’t love the flavors of creamy banana pudding? By transforming this classic into cookie form, you get all the comfort of the original, but in a more convenient package. These cookies are portable, shareable, and perfect for a variety of occasions.

Why You’ll Love Banana Pudding Cookies

1. Simple Ingredients

Banana pudding cookies use basic pantry staples. Ingredients like flour, butter, sugar, and banana pudding mix are easy to find. You don’t need to hunt for anything special, making these cookies a great last-minute dessert option.

2. Packed with Banana Flavor

If you love bananas, these cookies are for you. The banana pudding mix gives them an intense banana flavor without being overpowering. Each bite is like enjoying a spoonful of banana pudding in cookie form.

3. Soft and Chewy Texture

These cookies are soft and chewy, thanks to the pudding mix. The cookies retain moisture and stay tender even after baking. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or the next day, the texture remains delightful.

Key Ingredients :

1. Banana Pudding Mix

This is the star of the recipe. The pudding mix infuses the dough with a strong banana flavor. Be sure to use instant banana pudding mix for the best results.

2. Butter

Butter adds richness to the cookies and helps create a chewy texture. Be sure to use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level in your cookies.

3. Flour

All-purpose flour provides the structure for the cookies. Make sure to measure it properly to avoid overly dense cookies.

4. Sugar

You’ll need both white granulated sugar and brown sugar. The brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel-like flavor, while the white sugar helps the cookies spread and become tender.

5. Eggs

Eggs bind the ingredients together and add moisture. They also help create a soft, fluffy texture.

6. Vanilla Extract

A little vanilla extract enhances the flavors of the cookies and gives them a warm, comforting taste.

7. White Chocolate Chips (Optional)

White chocolate chips add an extra level of sweetness. They also mimic the creamy taste of banana pudding. If you prefer, you can leave them out or substitute with milk chocolate or semi-sweet chips.

8. Vanilla Wafers (Optional)

Crushed vanilla wafers are a common topping for banana pudding, so adding them to the cookie batter brings the classic dessert full circle. They add a nice crunch and a bit of nostalgia to the recipe.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Banana Pudding Cookies

Step 1: Gather Ingredients

Before you start, gather all your ingredients to make the process smooth. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup white sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers (optional)

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with both the white and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Creaming the butter and sugar properly is essential to create soft, chewy cookies.

Step 4: Add the Pudding Mix

Next, add the instant banana pudding mix to the butter and sugar mixture. Beat until fully incorporated. The pudding mix will infuse the dough with that iconic banana flavor.

Step 5: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, making sure each one is fully mixed in before adding the next. Then, add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.

Step 6: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies.

Step 7: Fold in White Chocolate Chips and Vanilla Wafers (Optional)

If you’re using white chocolate chips and crushed vanilla wafers, gently fold them into the dough. These ingredients will add texture and enhance the banana pudding flavor.

Step 8: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, they’re ready to serve!

Tips for Making the Best Banana Pudding Cookies

1. Use Ripe Bananas for Extra Flavor

If you want to amp up the banana flavor, you can add a mashed ripe banana to the dough. The riper the banana, the stronger the flavor. Just be mindful that adding fresh banana may affect the texture, making the cookies a bit softer.

2. Chill the Dough for Best Results

Chilling the cookie dough for at least 30 minutes before baking helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much. This step also allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more intense banana flavor.

3. Don’t Overbake

For soft, chewy cookies, take them out of the oven when the edges are set, but the centers are still slightly soft. The cookies will continue to cook on the baking sheet as they cool, so removing them a little early ensures they stay tender.

4. Customize with Add-Ins

Feel free to customize your banana pudding cookies with different add-ins. Try adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for extra crunch. You can also use different types of chocolate chips, such as dark or milk chocolate.

Variations of Banana Pudding Cookies

1. Banana Nut Pudding Cookies

Add a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for a nutty twist. The crunch of the nuts pairs perfectly with the soft, creamy texture of the cookies.

2. Chocolate Chip Banana Pudding Cookies

Swap out the white chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate chips. The rich chocolate flavor complements the sweet banana taste.

3. Gluten-Free Banana Pudding Cookies

To make gluten-free banana pudding cookies, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that your banana pudding mix is also gluten-free.

4. Vegan Banana Pudding Cookies

For a vegan version, use dairy-free butter and plant-based egg substitutes like flax eggs. Additionally, use dairy-free white chocolate chips or leave them out entirely. Check the pudding mix for any dairy ingredients and swap for a vegan-friendly option.

Serving Ideas for Banana Pudding Cookies

Banana pudding cookies are versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

1. Serve with Ice Cream

These cookies pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla or banana-flavored ice cream. The warm cookies and cold ice cream create a delightful contrast.

2. Crumble Over Pudding

If you want to play up the banana pudding theme, crumble the cookies over homemade or store-bought banana pudding for extra texture.

3. Make a Cookie Sandwich

Use these cookies to make a banana pudding cookie sandwich by placing a scoop of cream cheese frosting or banana-flavored frosting between two cookies.

4. Enjoy with Milk or Coffee

These cookies are perfect for dunking. Serve them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee for an afternoon treat.

FAQs

1. How long will banana pudding stay good?

Banana pudding will stay good for about 3 to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. Ensure it’s covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness. After this period, the bananas may become too soft, and the overall texture of the pudding will change.

2. What keeps bananas from turning brown in banana pudding?

To keep bananas from turning brown in banana pudding, you can coat the banana slices in lemon juice or pineapple juice before adding them to the pudding. The acidity in these juices slows down the oxidation process, which is what causes the browning. You can also try adding the bananas right before serving to minimize exposure to air.

3. How long can you wait to eat banana pudding?

You can wait around 4 to 6 hours before eating banana pudding for the best flavor and texture. This gives the pudding time to chill and the flavors to meld together. However, banana pudding is usually best enjoyed within 24 hours to maintain the freshness of the bananas and the creaminess of the pudding.

4. Will my banana pudding thicken overnight?

Yes, banana pudding will thicken overnight. As it sits in the refrigerator, the pudding mixture sets, and the flavors deepen. The cookies or wafers also absorb some of the moisture from the pudding, making the overall texture thicker and creamier. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent any drying out or exposure to other fridge odors.

Conclusion

Banana pudding cookies bring the flavors of classic banana pudding into a fun and easy-to-make cookie form. With their soft, chewy texture and intense banana flavor, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re making them for a family dessert, a party, or just a sweet snack for yourself, they’re a surefire crowd-pleaser.

With simple ingredients and endless possibilities for customization, banana pudding cookies are a must-try for any dessert lover. Give them a try today, and you might just find your new favorite cookie recipe!