Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe

Imagine soft, chewy cookies bursting with the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding and vanilla wafers combined with luscious white chocolate chips—welcome to the world of the Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe. These delightful treats are a perfect twist on a classic southern dessert, capturing all the creamy, sweet charm in a portable, bite-sized form. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family gathering or just craving something uniquely delicious, this recipe will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of these Banana Pudding Cookies comes from a handful of simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays its part in delivering the perfect blend of flavor, texture, and that irresistible banana cream essence you crave. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why they’re so important.

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Provides richness and creates a tender, chewy texture.
• ½ cup light brown sugar: Adds subtle caramel notes and moisture to keep the cookies soft.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with cookie spread.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and add structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla: Deepens the overall flavor with a warm, aromatic touch.
• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation giving the cookies shape and body.
• 1 box (3.4 ounces) banana cream instant pudding mix: The secret star that infuses banana flavor and moisture.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise and develop a delicate texture.
• 1 cup vanilla wafer cookies (broken into large chunks): Adds nostalgic crunch and classic banana pudding vibes.
• 1 cup white chocolate chips: Delivers creamy sweetness and melty pockets of bliss.

How to Make Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready and Cookie Sheets Prepared

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking, setting the stage for perfectly shaped cookies.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the softened butter with both the light brown and granulated sugars until you get a smooth, fluffy mixture. This step is critical as it helps create the light texture you want in each cookie.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next, mix in the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat until everything is well combined and the mixture is creamy and inviting.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, dry banana cream pudding mix, and baking soda until thoroughly combined. This mixture is going to give your cookies that classic banana pudding flavor and structure.

Step 5: Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet butter mixture, half a cup at a time, mixing after each addition. Continue until a soft dough forms that holds together nicely.

Step 6: Fold in Vanilla Wafer Chunks and White Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in the broken vanilla wafer cookies and white chocolate chips, distributing these delicious mix-ins evenly throughout your dough.

Step 7: Scoop and Arrange Dough

Using a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop or simply rolling dough balls by hand, place them on your prepared cookie sheets. Make sure to space each dough ball at least two inches apart so they have room to spread without merging.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for about 10 to 13 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the tops just begin to crackle—a sign they’re perfectly soft and chewy inside. Be careful not to overbake.

Step 9: Cool on the Sheet, Then Transfer

Let the cookies rest on the sheet for a couple of minutes after baking. This allows them to firm up slightly, making it easier to transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

While these cookies shine on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can elevate their appearance and add a touch of elegance. Adding a small slice of fresh banana or a few crushed vanilla wafers as a topping also brings a fun, fresh texture.

Side Dishes

Pairing these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes for a delightful dessert experience. They also complement a hot cup of rich coffee or a glass of cold milk perfectly, offering a nostalgic, comforting treat.

Creative Ways to Present

These Banana Pudding Cookies can be stacked artistically on a pretty plate or arranged in a rustic basket lined with a soft cloth for a charming touch when serving guests. You can even use them to assemble cookie sandwiches filled with banana-flavored frosting or cream cheese for an extra special dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days. If you want to preserve that freshly baked softness, layering them with parchment paper between batches helps prevent sticking.

Freezing

These cookies freeze beautifully both before and after baking. Freeze dough balls on a tray and then transfer them to a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Alternatively, freeze baked cookies in an airtight container, adding parchment layers to keep them crisp-free.

Reheating

Warm leftover cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to revive their soft, melty texture. If frozen, allow them to thaw at room temperature before microwaving for best results. Avoid overheating to keep the texture just right.

FAQs

Can I substitute the white chocolate chips for another type of chip?

Absolutely! While white chocolate chips provide a creamy sweetness that pairs beautifully, you can swap them out for milk chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even banana-flavored chips to customize the flavor.

Is it necessary to use instant banana pudding mix?

Yes, the instant banana pudding mix is what gives these cookies that signature banana flavor along with moisture and softness. Using a different type of pudding mix may change the flavor and texture.

Can I make these gluten-free?

With a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, you can make an excellent gluten-free version. Just be sure the vanilla wafers are also gluten-free to keep the entire cookie safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Why are my cookies not soft and chewy?

Overbaking is the most common culprit. The cookies should just start to crackle on top and not turn golden brown all over. Also, be sure to properly cream the butter and sugars to incorporate air for that tender texture.

Can kids help with this recipe?

Definitely! This Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe is simple enough for kids to participate, especially when folding in the wafers and chocolate chips, scooping dough balls, or placing them onto baking sheets. It’s a fun way to get little hands involved in baking.

Final Thoughts

This Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe is truly a delightful twist that reimagines a beloved dessert in cookie form. Each bite brings comforting nostalgia with a fun, chewy texture and bursts of sweet banana and white chocolate flavor. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself reaching for these cookies again and again, sharing them with family and friends who will thank you endlessly for such a delicious discovery.

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