Banana Pudding Cookies

Banana Pudding Cookies are the perfect mix of nostalgia and indulgence—soft, chewy cookies with all the delicious flavors of your favorite banana pudding dessert. Imagine biting into a cookie that’s rich, comforting, and lightly sweet with just the right amount of banana flavor. If you love banana pudding, you are going to fall head over heels for these cookies. Trust me, this recipe will make you want to bake a batch every weekend! The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, so you don’t need to be a baking pro to whip up a batch of these irresistible treats.

Why You’ll Love Banana Pudding Cookies

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon pick-me-up, baking with the kids, or bringing something sweet to a potluck, these cookies fit every occasion. Here’s why they’re sure to become a new favorite:

• Versatile: These cookies are a hit at any event—whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in with a cup of tea. You can even bake them ahead of time and store them for later!
• Budget-Friendly: Made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, these cookies offer great flavor without breaking the bank.
• Quick and Easy: No complicated steps here! Just a few ingredients, a mixing bowl, and some patience while they bake, and you’re done. They’re a great go-to recipe for new bakers or seasoned pros looking for a quick treat.
• Customizable: Feel free to switch up the mix-ins. Add some chocolate chips, or even top them with a little whipped cream for that extra touch of banana pudding goodness.
• Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies have that “wow” factor—soft, chewy, and full of flavor, they’re guaranteed to be devoured by both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of these Banana Pudding Cookies: with a few simple ingredients, you’re on your way to creating something truly special. Let’s break it down:

• Banana Pudding Mix: The secret ingredient that gives these cookies that unmistakable banana pudding flavor. It infuses the dough with a rich, creamy sweetness that’s simply irresistible.
• Bananas: The real star of the show! Mashed ripe bananas add moisture and a natural sweetness to the dough, giving these cookies that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Butter: Softened butter is the base of these cookies, adding richness and helping to create that perfect chewy bite.
• Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar sweetens up the cookies just enough, balancing the natural sweetness of the bananas.
• Eggs: Eggs help to bind the dough together and give the cookies that lovely soft texture.
• Flour: All-purpose flour is the backbone of any cookie dough, creating structure and helping the cookies bake to perfection.
• Baking Soda: A little baking soda helps these cookies puff up and spread out just the right amount in the oven.
• Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla extract brings all the flavors together, adding a warm, comforting note to the dough.
• Nilla Wafers: Crushed Nilla wafers are folded into the dough, adding that signature crunchy element from banana pudding.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these delightful cookies:

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and get that golden, crispy edge.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the mashed bananas and eggs, and mix until well combined. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and the banana pudding mix until everything is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
4. Add the Nilla Wafers: Gently fold in the crushed Nilla wafers into the dough. These give the cookies that extra crunch and bring the banana pudding flavor to life.
5. Shape the Cookies: Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space them out to allow for spreading as they bake.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. The cookies will still be soft in the center, but they’ll firm up as they cool.
7. Cool and Enjoy: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the sweet, comforting taste of banana pudding in every bite!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 18
Calories per serving: 150

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

How to Serve Banana Pudding Cookies

These cookies are delicious on their own, but here are a few ways to serve them to take them to the next level:

• With a Glass of Milk: Serve your Banana Pudding Cookies with a tall glass of cold milk for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• With Whipped Cream: If you want to mimic the classic banana pudding dessert, top these cookies with a dollop of whipped cream and maybe even a slice of banana!
• As a Party Treat: These cookies are the perfect bite-sized dessert for a party. Serve them on a platter, and watch them disappear in minutes.
• With Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, place a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of a warm cookie, like a mini banana pudding sundae!

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the better. They’re sweeter and will add more moisture to the dough, making for even chewier cookies.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can lead to dense cookies. Mix just until combined for the perfect texture.
• Add More Flavor: You can switch up the flavor by adding cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the dough.
• Make Ahead: These cookies can be prepped and stored in the fridge for a couple of hours before baking. This also helps to enhance the flavor!
• Storage Tips: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use instant banana pudding instead of the regular kind?
A1: Yes! Instant banana pudding will work perfectly in this recipe. It will still give your cookies that delicious banana flavor and creamy texture.

Q2: Can I freeze the cookie dough?
A1: Absolutely! You can freeze the dough by scooping it into balls and placing them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls into a zip-top bag and bake them straight from the freezer when you’re ready.

Q3: Can I substitute the Nilla wafers with something else?
A1: Yes, you can use any kind of vanilla-flavored cookie, like shortbread or graham crackers, if you can’t find Nilla wafers.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They’ll stay soft and chewy!

Q5: Can I add chocolate chips to the dough?
A5: Absolutely! Chocolate chips would add a lovely richness and work really well with the banana flavor. Feel free to experiment!

Q6: How do I know when the cookies are done?
A6: The cookies are done when the edges are golden brown, but they should still be soft in the middle. They’ll firm up as they cool.

Q7: Can I make these cookies without bananas?
A7: For a twist, you could substitute banana extract for a banana-like flavor, but the bananas really make these cookies what they are!

Q8: Are these cookies gluten-free?
A8: Unfortunately, they’re not gluten-free as written. However, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix to make them gluten-free.

Q9: How can I make these cookies more banana-flavored?
A9: For an even stronger banana flavor, try adding some mashed banana to the dough along with the pudding mix. It’ll bring even more banana goodness to the table!

Q10: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A10: Yes! These cookies are perfect for making ahead. You can bake them a day or two before you need them, or freeze the dough for later.

Conclusion

Banana Pudding Cookies are the perfect combination of nostalgia and indulgence. These chewy, flavorful treats are packed with the comforting taste of banana pudding, making them ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a special gathering or just treating yourself to something sweet, these cookies will never disappoint. Bake up a batch, share them with your loved ones, and get ready for everyone to ask for the recipe!

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