Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract, banana extract, and the vanilla pudding mix until fully combined.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients (flour mixture) to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Gently fold in the crushed vanilla wafer cookies.

Step 2: Bake the Cookies

1. Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
2. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
3. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling

1. In a medium bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar and continue to beat until smooth.
3. Stir in the vanilla and banana extracts until combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Banana Pudding Cookies

1. Once the cookies are completely cooled, spread or pipe a generous amount of the banana cream filling onto the flat side of one cookie.
2. Top with another cookie to create a sandwich.
3. For extra banana pudding flavor, lightly crush a few more vanilla wafer cookies and sprinkle them on top of the filling for a nice crunchy garnish.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

1. Serve these delicious Banana Pudding Cookies with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.
2. Enjoy the delightful combination of banana pudding and cookies in every bite!