There’s something undeniably comforting about banana pudding — the creamy vanilla layers, the sweet bananas, and those soft, nostalgic wafer cookies. Now imagine all that deliciousness baked into a warm, chewy cookie that melts in your mouth with every bite.
That’s exactly what you get with Banana Pudding Cookies — a dessert that takes the flavors of a classic Southern favorite and transforms them into a handheld treat perfect for any occasion.
Don’t forget to “pin this now and thank yourself later — save this pin for recipe before you lose it!” Because trust me, once you try these cookies, they’ll become a permanent part of your baking rotation.
Each bite is bursting with creamy banana flavor, a hint of vanilla, and that irresistible cookie crunch. They’re simple enough for a weekday baking session, yet impressive enough to bring to a party, potluck, or family gathering.
Plus, they pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or even a tall glass of cold milk. If you’re ready to take a timeless dessert and give it a fun twist, these cookies are exactly what you need.
Banana Pudding Cookies
Description
Banana Pudding Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with nostalgic flavor, inspired by the classic Southern dessert.
Made with instant banana pudding mix, ripe bananas, and buttery cookie dough, these cookies bake up with a melt-in-your-mouth texture and just the right amount of sweetness.
White chocolate chips or vanilla wafers can be folded in for extra creaminess and crunch, making every bite taste like banana pudding in cookie form.
Perfect for potlucks, parties, or a sweet afternoon treat, they’re quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. These cookies combine comfort, flavor, and fun in one delightful handheld dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking.
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In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes). This step helps create a tender and chewy cookie texture.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time until fully incorporated, followed by the vanilla extract.
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Add the dry banana cream pudding mix directly into the batter. This pudding mix not only gives flavor but also keeps the cookies soft and moist.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix, as that can make the cookies tough.
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Using a spatula, gently fold in the white chocolate chips and crushed vanilla wafers. The chocolate chips add creamy sweetness, while the vanilla wafers mimic the texture of traditional banana pudding.
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Scoop out about 1 ½ tablespoons of dough per cookie and place them on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. For thicker cookies, chill the dough for 20–30 minutes before baking.
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Bake for 9–11 minutes, or until the edges are set and slightly golden but the centers still look soft. The cookies will continue to bake slightly on the hot pan after removal from the oven.
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Allow the cookies to rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 24
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 180kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 8g13%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Cholesterol 30mg10%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 16g
- Protein 2g4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Banana Pudding Cookies – Tips & Serving Tricks
Banana pudding is a beloved Southern dessert, and when those nostalgic flavors are transformed into soft, chewy cookies, you get a treat that’s comforting yet unique.
Banana Pudding Cookies combine vanilla wafers, pudding mix, bananas, and sometimes cream cheese or white chocolate chips to recreate that classic creamy taste in handheld form. To make your batch truly irresistible, here are plenty of baking tips, serving ideas, and clever tricks to elevate your cookies.
Baking Tips for Perfect Banana Pudding Cookies
- Use Instant Pudding Mix
Always opt for instant banana pudding mix, not cook-and-serve. The instant mix blends into the dough easily, giving it that sweet, smooth banana flavor without excess liquid. If you prefer a milder banana taste, you can use vanilla pudding mix instead. - Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensure butter, eggs, and cream cheese (if used) are at room temperature. This helps everything mix evenly and prevents overworking the dough, which keeps the cookies tender. - Do Not Overbake
These cookies are meant to be soft and slightly chewy, not crispy. Remove them from the oven as soon as the edges turn golden brown. They will continue to set as they cool. - Crush Vanilla Wafers Carefully
If your recipe includes crushed vanilla wafers, don’t turn them into fine crumbs. Leave small chunks—this gives the cookies texture and that nostalgic banana pudding crunch. - Chill the Dough
Chilling for at least 30 minutes keeps the cookies from spreading too much while baking, resulting in thicker, chewier cookies. - Add Mix-Ins for Extra Flavor
White chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or even a swirl of cream cheese can take the cookies to another level. If you want them to taste more like banana cream pie, a drizzle of melted white chocolate on top works beautifully. - Storage is Key
Store cooled cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread inside. The bread keeps the cookies moist and prevents them from turning dry.
Serving Tricks to Impress
- Banana Pudding Cookie Sandwiches
Spread a layer of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a decadent sandwich-style dessert. - With Fresh Banana Slices
For a true banana pudding experience, serve cookies with fresh banana slices on the side. Dip the cookies in whipped cream and top with a banana slice for an elegant bite. - Banana Pudding Cookie Parfaits
Layer crushed cookies, whipped cream, and banana slices in small glasses to create a parfait. It’s a playful twist on banana pudding with extra crunch. - Ice Cream Pairing
Warm cookies pair beautifully with vanilla or banana ice cream. Crumble a few cookies over the ice cream for a sundae-style treat. - Drizzle with Caramel or White Chocolate
A light drizzle adds both visual appeal and a sweet finishing touch. Caramel emphasizes the richness, while white chocolate enhances the creamy banana pudding flavor. - For Parties
Serve mini versions of the cookies. Bite-sized treats are easier to grab at potlucks and look great on dessert tables. - Holiday Twist
Around the holidays, mix in cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of rum extract to give the cookies a festive flair.
Tips for the Best Banana Pudding Cookies
- Banana pudding mix: Use instant pudding mix, not cook-and-serve. The instant version gives the soft texture you want.
- Room temperature ingredients: Butter and eggs should be at room temperature for even mixing.
- Crushing vanilla wafers: Leave some pieces slightly chunky to give the cookies extra crunch.
- Optional add-ins: Try adding chopped pecans, mini marshmallows, or even dried banana chips for extra flavor.
- Make ahead: Dough can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours before baking.
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some white or milk chocolate and drizzle over cooled cookies for a bakery-style finish.
- Stuffed Cookies: Place a small piece of marshmallow or a square of white chocolate in the center of each dough ball before baking for a surprise filling.
- Banana Chips: Crush a few banana chips and sprinkle them over the cookies just before baking for added banana flavor and crunch.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free vanilla wafers.
Storage and Freezing
- Room Temperature: Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. To keep them extra soft, place a slice of bread in the container – the cookies will absorb the moisture and stay chewy.
- Freezing Dough: Scoop cookie dough balls onto a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the bake time.
- Freezing Baked Cookies: Cool completely and store in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Serving Ideas
These cookies are delicious on their own, but you can also:
- Serve with pudding: Pair the cookies with a small cup of banana pudding for a fun dessert duo.
- Make ice cream sandwiches: Place a scoop of vanilla or banana ice cream between two cookies.
- Dessert platter: Add them to a dessert tray with brownies, lemon bars, and chocolate chip cookies for parties.
Conclusion
Banana Pudding Cookies are a delightful twist on a classic Southern dessert. They’re soft, chewy, buttery, and bursting with banana flavor balanced by the crunch of vanilla wafers.
Whether you’re baking for your family, bringing a sweet treat to a gathering, or simply craving something cozy, these cookies hit the spot. With their easy-to-follow recipe, pantry-friendly ingredients, and nostalgic flavor, you’ll find yourself making them over and over again.
Banana Pudding Cookies are more than just another cookie—they’re a comforting mashup of nostalgic Southern pudding and a soft-baked dessert. By choosing the right pudding mix, chilling your dough, and paying attention to baking time, you’ll get perfectly chewy cookies every time.
And when it comes to serving, the possibilities are endless: from simple pairings with bananas and whipped cream to elegant parfaits or ice cream sundaes.
Whether you’re baking for family gatherings, holiday parties, or just as a sweet treat for yourself, these cookies never fail to impress.
With the right tips and a touch of creativity, you’ll turn Banana Pudding Cookies into a dessert that’s not only delicious but also memorable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are Banana Pudding Cookies?
Banana pudding cookies are a fun twist on the classic Southern dessert, banana pudding. Instead of layering pudding, wafers, and bananas in a dish, these cookies capture the same flavors in handheld form. They usually include instant banana pudding mix in the dough, which gives the cookies a soft, chewy texture and a naturally sweet banana flavor. Crushed vanilla wafers or white chocolate chips are often added for extra crunch and creaminess.
Do I need to refrigerate the cookie dough?
Chilling the dough isn’t always required, but it’s highly recommended if you want thick, bakery-style cookies. Since pudding mix keeps the dough soft, refrigerating for 30–60 minutes helps control spreading during baking. If you prefer thinner, chewier cookies, you can skip this step and bake right away.
How should I store Banana Pudding Cookies?
These cookies store very well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days. To keep them extra soft, add a slice of bread or a marshmallow to the container—it helps maintain moisture. For longer storage, freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months or freeze the raw dough balls, then bake them fresh when needed.
Can I add fresh bananas to the dough?
It’s best not to add fresh bananas directly into the cookie dough, as they release too much moisture and can make the cookies gummy. Instead, the banana flavor comes from pudding mix, banana extract, or a small amount of banana-flavored yogurt chips. If you want more authentic banana flavor, you can serve the cookies with fresh banana slices on the side or crumble them into a banana pudding parfait.
