Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe

The Best Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe Ever Made

Sweet memories of childhood summers burst through these delightful banana pudding cookies that blend nostalgia with pure comfort.

Childhood dessert favorites dance together in a single, delectable bite.

Creamy pudding mix provides unexpected magic to classic cookie recipes.

Soft, chewy textures promise indulgence in every single crumb.

Each cookie carries the warmth of homemade goodness and southern hospitality.

Friends and family will absolutely adore these simple yet irresistible treats.

You cannot resist diving into this magical recipe right now.

Why Banana Pudding Cookies Are So Addictive

  • Whip Up Comfort: Banana pudding cookies bring the classic dessert's warmth into a handheld treat that feels like a sweet hug from grandma's kitchen.
  • Tackle with Ease: Perfect for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires basic mixing techniques and simple ingredients everyone can find in their pantry.
  • Family Baking Adventure: Kids and adults can join the fun, measuring ingredients, folding in extras, and creating delicious memories together while making these crowd-pleasing cookies.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served at potlucks, school events, or casual gatherings, these cookies adapt beautifully and always spark conversation with their unique banana pudding twist.
Base Ingredients:
  • Butter: A creamy fat that helps create a rich and tender texture in the cookies.
  • Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with cookie browning.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel-like flavor to the cookies.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookie's structure.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cookies.
Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure of the cookies.
  • Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Adds extra flavor and helps keep the cookies soft and moist.
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the cookies rise and become light.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the sweet flavors in the cookies.
Mix-In Ingredients:
  • Bananas, Nuts, Mini Marshmallows: Optional add-ins that provide extra texture and flavor to the banana pudding cookies.
Optional Frosting Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Cream Cheese, Milk: Create a creamy, sweet topping for the finished cookies.

Easy Steps For Banana Pudding Cookies At Home

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone mats for a perfect non-stick surface.

Step 2: Whip Up the Base

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and blend the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until they transform into a dreamy, fluffy cloud of sweetness.

Step 3: Introduce Eggs and Flavor

Crack the eggs one by one into the mixture, giving each a thorough mixing.

Pour in the vanilla extract and stir until everything looks smooth and inviting.

Step 4: Prepare the Dry Team

In a separate bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Instant vanilla pudding mix
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Make sure everything is well combined and lump-free.

Step 5: Marry the Mixtures

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture.

Mix gently until just combined – don’t overwork the dough!

Step 6: Add Exciting Extras

Gently stir in these delightful additions:
  • Chopped bananas
  • Chopped nuts (optional)
  • Mini marshmallows (optional)

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Scoop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets.

Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to give them room to spread their delicious wings.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Look for edges that are lightly golden and look irresistibly crisp.

Step 9: Cool Down

Let the cookies rest on the baking sheets for 5 minutes.

Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Optional Frosting Finale

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, whip up a creamy frosting by beating:
  • Softened butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Cream cheese
  • Vanilla extract

Add a splash of milk if you want a smoother consistency.

Step 11: Final Flourish

Frost the cooled cookies if you’re in the mood for extra sweetness.

Otherwise, dive right in and enjoy them as they are!

Tips For Banana Pudding Cookies Everyone Loves

  • Select overripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and intense banana flavor in your cookies.
  • Add chopped bananas sparingly to prevent excess moisture from making cookies soggy or spreading too much.
  • Refrigerate cookie dough for 30 minutes to help prevent spreading and maintain a perfect texture.
  • Replace nuts with chocolate chips or dried fruit for different flavor profiles and texture variations.
  • Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and soft texture.
  • Gluten-Free Banana Pudding Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure pudding mix is gluten-free.
  • Vegan Banana Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, use flax eggs instead of regular eggs, and select dairy-free marshmallows and cream cheese alternatives.
  • Chocolate Chip Banana Cookies: Add dark chocolate chips to the dough for a rich, decadent version that complements the banana flavor.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Cookies: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining the cookie's delicious profile.

Best Ways To Serve Banana Pudding Cookies Warm

  • Sweet Banana Bliss Platter: Arrange cookies on a rustic wooden board with fresh banana slices, sprinkle powdered sugar, and garnish with mint leaves for an Instagram-worthy presentation.
  • Dessert Companions: Pair these cookies with cold vanilla bean ice cream, drizzle warm caramel sauce, or serve alongside a creamy chai latte for ultimate comfort.
  • Kids' Snack Adventure: Create fun cookie sandwich treats by spreading cream cheese frosting between two cookies, or pack them in colorful lunch boxes with fresh fruit for school treats.
  • Party Perfection: Stack cookies on tiered cake stands, add decorative banana chips on top, and create a delightful centerpiece that guests will love at brunches or afternoon tea gatherings.

How To Store Banana Pudding Cookies Softly

  • Store cookies in an airtight container between layers of parchment paper for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep them cool and away from direct sunlight to maintain freshness.
  • Wrap individual cookies tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
  • Warm cookies on a baking sheet at 300F for 3-5 minutes. This restores their soft texture and slightly crisp edges without drying them out.
  • Warm cookies for 10-15 seconds on a microwave-safe plate. Be cautious to avoid overheating, which can make them tough or rubbery.

FAQs

  • Why use instant pudding mix in the cookie recipe?

Instant vanilla pudding mix adds moisture and helps create a soft, chewy texture in the cookies while enhancing the banana flavor.

  • Can I substitute fresh bananas with dried or frozen bananas?

Fresh ripe bananas work best for this recipe. Frozen or dried bananas might change the moisture content and texture of the cookies.

  • How do I prevent the bananas from making the cookies too wet?

Chop the bananas into small pieces and gently fold them into the dough to distribute evenly without overworking the mixture. Use ripe but not overly mushy bananas.

  • Are the optional nuts and marshmallows necessary for the recipe?

No, they are optional add-ins. You can customize the cookies by adding or omitting nuts and marshmallows based on your preference or dietary needs.

Print
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Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe

Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe


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4.7 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Irresistible banana pudding cookies blend Southern comfort with sweet nostalgia, delivering a delightful twist on classic dessert flavors. Creamy banana pudding mix and chunks of ripe banana create a heavenly treat you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Cookies Ingredients:

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup ripe bananas, chopped (about 2 small bananas)

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional Mix-ins:

  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans)
  • 1/2 cup mini marshmallows

Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 12 tablespoons milk (if needed for consistency)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.
  2. Vigorously blend softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture becomes airy and pale.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly mixing after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Separately combine flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, baking powder, and salt using a whisk.
  5. Merge dry ingredients into butter mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated without overmixing.
  6. Delicately integrate chopped bananas, optional nuts, and marshmallows into the cookie dough.
  7. Distribute rounded tablespoon-sized dough clusters onto prepared sheets, maintaining approximately 2-inch intervals.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes until cookie edges transform into a delicate golden hue.
  9. Let cookies rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire rack for complete cooling.
  10. For optional frosting, whip butter, powdered sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla until silky, adjusting consistency with milk if needed.
  11. Optionally adorn cooled cookies with prepared frosting or savor them in their natural state.

Notes

  • Select ripe bananas with brown spots for maximum sweetness and intense banana flavor in your cookies.
  • Use instant vanilla pudding mix to create a soft, chewy texture that helps cookies stay moist and tender.
  • Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent excessive spreading and maintain a thicker cookie shape.
  • Swap nuts with chocolate chips or dried fruit for different flavor variations and dietary preferences.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 182
  • Sugar: 15 g
  • Sodium: 85 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 24 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 28 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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