Irresistible Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe

Banana Pudding Cookies bring together the creamy, sweet flavors of banana pudding in a soft, chewy cookie. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are a delightful twist on a Southern classic!

There’s something magical about banana pudding—it’s a Southern classic that brings back cherished memories with every spoonful. Now, imagine all the flavors of banana pudding transformed into a cookie that’s soft, chewy, and packed with nostalgic goodness.

That’s exactly what ourBanana Pudding Cookies deliver! These cookies are an incredible combination of buttery vanilla wafers, sweet ripe bananas, and creamy white chocolate. Whether you’re a die-hard banana pudding fan or just love unique desserts, these cookies will quickly become your new favorite treat.

A Journey from Southern Tradition to Modern Delight

Banana pudding is more than just a dessert in the Southern United States; it’s an experience. Traditionally made with layers of creamy vanilla pudding, fresh bananas, and crispy vanilla wafers, it’s been a staple at gatherings, family meals, and potlucks for generations. The recipe was first popularized in the late 19th century and has continued to evolve, with each generation adding its own spin. 

Our banana pudding cookie recipe takes this cherished dessert and gives it a modern twist by transforming it into a soft, chewy cookie. These cookies capture the essence of banana pudding, from the sweet flavor of ripe bananas to the crunch of vanilla wafers, all in a convenient handheld treat. If you’re looking for a cookie that stands out from the rest, these banana pudding cookies are a must-try!

Ingredients You’ll Need for Banana Pudding Cookies

To create these indulgent cookies, you’ll need a few simple but essential ingredients. Together, they form a dessert that’s rich, flavorful, and sure to impress.

Ingredients:

-Softened to room temperature, 1 cup (equivalent to 2 sticks) of unsalted butter.

-3/4 cup granulated sugar

-1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed

-1 large egg, at room temperature

-1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

-1 ripe banana, mashed (about 1/2 cup)—the riper, the better for full banana flavor

-1 (3.4 oz) package instant vanilla pudding mix for a creamy, chewy texture

-2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

-1 teaspoon baking soda

-1/2 teaspoon salt

-1 1/2 cups vanilla wafers, roughly crushed

-1.5 cups of either white chocolate chips or chopped white chocolate.

-1 cup banana chips (optional, for extra texture and banana flavor)

For Garnish:

-Extra crumbled vanilla wafers for topping

-Melted white chocolate for drizzling on top (optional, but adds a lovely finishing touch)

How to Make the Best Banana Pudding Cookies

This recipe combines easy-to-follow steps with expert tips that will ensure your cookies come out perfect every time.

Step 1: Prepare Your Dough Base

1.Cream the butter and sugars: Start by creaming theunsalted butter,granulated sugar, andlight brown sugar together in a large mixing bowl.

Use an electric mixer and beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This creaming process is key to giving your cookies their soft, chewy texture.

2.Add the egg and vanilla: Once the butter and sugar mixture is smooth, beat in theegg andvanilla extract until fully incorporated. This adds depth and richness to the flavor of your dough.

3.Mash and mix the banana: Next, add themashed banana and mix until the banana is evenly distributed throughout the dough. The banana will not only add flavor but also moisture, which helps create the chewy texture that makes these cookies irresistible.

Step 2: Create the Perfect Dough Texture

1.Mix in the pudding mix: Add theinstant vanilla pudding mix to the wet ingredients. The pudding mix is a game-changer—it brings that signature banana pudding flavor while also keeping the cookies soft and tender.

2.Mix the dry ingredients together:Combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the moist mixture while stirring continuously until thoroughly incorporated.

Step 3: Add the Delicious Mix-Ins

1.Fold in vanilla wafers and white chocolate chips: Using a spatula, gently fold thecrushed vanilla wafers andwhite chocolate chips into the dough. The crushed wafers provide a delightful crunch, while the white chocolate adds a creamy sweetness that complements the banana flavor beautifully.

2.Optional banana chips: If you want to elevate the banana flavor and add a bit more texture, fold in somecrushed banana chips. They offer a subtle, crispy texture that contrasts nicely with the soft dough.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

1.Chill the dough: After mixing, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is a crucial step—it allows the dough to firm up, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also helps the flavors meld together, resulting in a richer, more flavorful cookie.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

1.Preheat the oven: While the dough chills, preheat your oven to350°F (175°C). Cover a baking sheet with either parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2.Scoop and space the dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This will give the cookies enough room to spread without sticking together.

3.Bake: Bake the cookies for10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set but still soft. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking—banana pudding cookies are best when they’re slightly underdone in the center, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.

Step 6: Let Them Cool and Add a Finishing Touch

1.Cool the cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Afterwards, move them onto a wire rack and allow them to cool completely. The cookies will be soft and delicate when they first come out of the oven, but they’ll firm up as they cool.

2.Garnish (optional): For an extra touch of elegance, drizzle the cooled cookies with meltedwhite chocolate and sprinklecrumbled vanilla wafers on top. This not only adds visual appeal but also intensifies the flavor and texture.

Storage Tips and How to Serve

These banana pudding cookies are best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to5 days. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze the dough for up to3 months. Simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator before baking, or bake the cookies directly from frozen for a couple of extra minutes.

These cookies are perfect for just about any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering, a special celebration, or just an afternoon treat with a cup of coffee or tea. They’re also a great addition to dessert platters, and their soft, chewy texture makes them irresistible to cookie lovers of all ages.

Bonus Tips for Cookie Perfection

-Use very ripe bananas: The riper your bananas, the better your cookies will taste. Look for bananas that are well-browned for maximum flavor.

-Chill the dough: Don’t skip this step! Chilling the dough prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven and helps them keep their shape while baking.

-Crush the wafers by hand: For added texture, leave some chunks of vanilla wafers in the dough. The combination of soft cookie and crunchy wafer creates an irresistible contrast.

-Experiment with mix-ins: If you’re feeling adventurous, try addingchopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy twist, or throw in sometoffee bits for extra sweetness.

The Final Lines 

There’s no better way to combine the classic flavors of banana pudding with the convenience and joy of cookies. TheseBanana Pudding Cookies are a delightful fusion of sweet banana, creamy white chocolate, and the crunch of vanilla wafers, all wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking to impress guests, create a new family favorite, or simply indulge in a unique dessert, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver.