Looking for a dessert that combines the comforting flavors of banana pudding with the chewy texture of a cookie? These Banana Pudding Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, perfect for any occasion. With a soft, tender bite and bursts of sweetness from white chocolate chips and crushed vanilla wafers, they’re sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
What Are Banana Pudding Cookies?
Banana Pudding Cookies are soft, chewy cookies made with a mashed banana and instant banana pudding mix, giving them a rich banana flavor. Vanilla wafers add a nostalgic crunch, while white chocolate chips provide a touch of decadence. These cookies capture the essence of banana pudding in an easy-to-make treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time with simple ingredients.
- Unique Flavor: Combines the classic taste of banana pudding with the convenience of cookies.
- Versatile: Perfect for parties, holidays, or an everyday treat.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these cookies.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (110 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 small ripe banana, mashed
- 1 (3.4 oz/96 g) package instant banana pudding mix
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (170 g) white chocolate chips
- ¾ cup (75 g) crushed vanilla wafers
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Dough
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Adding the Wet Ingredients
- Mix in the mashed banana, banana pudding mix, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
Combining the Dough
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed vanilla wafers.
Shaping and Baking
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these cookies on their own, or pair them with a glass of cold milk or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent treat. They also make a fantastic addition to a dessert platter for parties or gatherings.
Storing and Freezing
Storage Tips
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
- To keep them extra fresh, add a slice of bread to the container to maintain moisture.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
- Baked cookies can also be frozen. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Nut-Free Option: Replace white chocolate chips with mini marshmallows for a gooey twist.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free vanilla wafers.
- Extra Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty texture.
- Dark Chocolate: Substitute dark chocolate chips for a less sweet, richer flavor.
FAQs
Can I use fresh banana instead of banana pudding mix?
No, the pudding mix is essential for adding the distinctive flavor and texture to the cookies.
What’s the best way to crush the vanilla wafers?
Place them in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin for uniform crumbs.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes! This recipe doubles well. Just ensure your mixing bowl is large enough to handle the increased volume.
These Banana Pudding Cookies are an irresistible treat that combines the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding with the ease and convenience of cookies. Perfect for parties, potlucks, or as an after-dinner dessert, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Try them out today and share the joy with your loved ones!
PrintBanana Pudding Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
Description
These soft and chewy Banana Pudding Cookies combine the classic flavors of banana pudding in a fun, easy-to-make cookie. With white chocolate chips, crushed vanilla wafers, and a hint of banana, they’re the perfect treat for banana lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (110 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 small ripe banana, mashed
- 1 (3.4 oz/96 g) package instant banana pudding mix
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup (170 g) white chocolate chips
- ¾ cup (75 g) crushed vanilla wafers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the mashed banana, banana pudding mix, egg, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and well combined.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed vanilla wafers.
- Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Freezing: Unbaked dough can be frozen for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
- Variation: For a more decadent treat, swap out white chocolate chips for dark chocolate or add chopped pecans for extra crunch.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free vanilla wafers for a gluten-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: Approximately 180 calories per cookie (calories may vary based on ingredient substitutions)