Banana Pudding Cookies are a sweet twist on the classic banana pudding dessert. If you’re like me and have fond memories of family gatherings where banana pudding was a star attraction, then this treat is sure to hit home. Imagine soft, chewy cookies bursting with banana flavor and a creamy frosting that tastes just like traditional vanilla pudding. Not only do these cookies bring together some of our favorite flavors, they also provide a fun cooking adventure that’s perfect for family time or your next get-together. Trust me; your friends and family will thank you for introducing them to this delightful treat!
Jump to:
- What is Banana Pudding Cookies
- Why You’ll Love This Banana Pudding Cookies
- Ingredients for Banana Pudding Cookies
- How to Make Banana Pudding Cookies
- Preheat Your Oven
- Mix the Butters and Sugars
- Incorporate Vanilla and Eggs
- Combine Dry Ingredients
- Form the Dough
- Bake the Cookies
- Prepare the Buttercream Frosting
- Frost the Cookies
- Garnish with Vanilla Wafers
- Serving Suggestions
- Tips for Success
- Variations
- FAQs
- More Easy Desserts & Sweets Recipes:
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now let’s explore why you’ll love Banana Pudding Cookies, the ingredients you need, and the simple steps to create these delicious cookies that combine the cozy feelings of nostalgia with a fresh and fun spin.
What is Banana Pudding Cookies
Banana Pudding Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic banana pudding dessert, combining the flavors of ripe bananas, creamy pudding, and buttery cookies into a single treat. These cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with sweet banana goodness, often topped with a buttery frosting that replicates the taste of traditional vanilla pudding.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Pudding Cookies
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Banana Pudding Cookies! They offer a perfect blend of nostalgia and creativity, bringing back memories of family gatherings and summer picnics. With their soft texture and rich banana flavor, these cookies are not just a dessert; they are a heartfelt experience that warms the soul. Plus, they’re easy to make, making them a go-to choice for both seasoned bakers and novices alike!
Ingredients for Banana Pudding Cookies
To make these delightfully chewy Banana Pudding Cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 5.1 ounce package banana instant pudding mix, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 cups powdered sugar
- Vanilla Wafers, for garnish
Gather these items, and let’s get ready for some baking fun!
How to Make Banana Pudding Cookies
Preheat Your Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). It’s essential to get it nice and warm! While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil to keep those cookies from sticking.
Mix the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, grab an electric mixer and whip together 1 cup of softened butter, 3/4 cup of light brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Mix until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This only takes a few minutes, so don’t get impatient!
Incorporate Vanilla and Eggs
Next, add in 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract and 2 eggs to the butter mixture. Beat everything together until just combined. You want to make sure the ingredients are mixed but not overdone.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, combine 2 1/3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 3 tablespoons of the banana pudding mix (remember to save the rest for frosting). Gradually stir this dry mixture into your wet mixture. Keep mixing until everything is just combined, and you see no dry flour left.
Form the Dough
Once your dough is ready, scoop it out and form it into six equal balls. Place these balls onto the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave space between each one. This lets them spread out as they bake.
Bake the Cookies
Pop your cookies into the oven and bake at 350°F for about 10-12 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges start to turn golden brown. After baking, allow them to cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
Prepare the Buttercream Frosting
While your cookies cool, it’s time to make the frosting! In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of softened butter, 2 tablespoons of the remaining banana pudding mix, and 8 cups of powdered sugar. Whip this mixture until it’s light and fluffy. If the frosting seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Frost the Cookies
Once your cookies are cool, grab a piping bag or a zip-lock bag with one corner snipped off. Fill it with your delightful frosting and pipe it onto the cooled cookies in a circular pattern. Let your creativity shine through!
Garnish with Vanilla Wafers
For that final touch, crush about 6 vanilla wafers and sprinkle them over the frosted cookies. Then, place a whole vanilla wafer on top of each cookie for an adorable finish, making them as visually appealing as they are tasty.
Serving Suggestions
These delicious Banana Pudding Cookies shine at any gathering, potluck, or even as a sweet treat at home. They pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk! Enjoying them with a warm cup of coffee brings a cozy touch for those quiet evenings.
Tips for Success
- To blend your ingredients easily, make sure your butter is softened. This allows for smooth mixing and fluffiness.
- Be careful not to overmix the dough. This helps keep your cookies tender and avoids a tough texture.
- Play around with the frosting consistency! Adjusting the amount of milk or water helps you find your perfect balance.
- Allow your cookies to cool completely before frosting them, ensuring the frosting stays intact.
Variations
Feel free to put your spin on Banana Pudding Cookies! Here are a few ideas:
- Add chocolate chips or walnuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Substitute vanilla wafers with graham crackers for a fun twist on taste.
- For a more intense banana flavor, mash and fold in half a ripe banana into the dough.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh bananas instead of banana pudding mix?
Yes, mashing ripe bananas and incorporating them into the dough can give you a fresher banana flavor!
2. How should I store the cookies?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature, and they will last up to a week.
3. Can these cookies be frozen?
Absolutely! You have the option to freeze unbaked dough or fully frosted cookies for up to three months.
4. Is there a gluten-free version of this recipe?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to cater to gluten-free diets.
5. How do I make these cookies more chewy?
To achieve a chewier texture, leave out the baking soda and add an additional egg.
These Banana Pudding Cookies blend nostalgic flavors and modern twists that everyone can enjoy. Easy to make and even easier to eat, they’re perfect for any occasion! Whether you share them with friends or keep them all to yourself, they’re certain to satisfy your sweet cravings. Enjoy the heartwarming delight of these cookies, packed with flavor and memories!
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📖 Recipe Card
PrintBanana Pudding Cookies
Banana Pudding Cookies blend soft, chewy textures with rich banana flavor and creamy frosting, making them a delightful treat for any occasion. They’re simple to prepare and sure to evoke sweet memories!
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 5.1 ounce package banana instant pudding mix, divided
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 cups powdered sugar
- Vanilla Wafers, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet.
- Mix softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until fluffy.
- Add vanilla extract and eggs; mix until just combined.
- Combine dry ingredients in another bowl, then mix into wet ingredients.
- Form dough into balls and place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden brown, then cool.
- For frosting, whip softened butter, remaining pudding mix, and powdered sugar until fluffy.
- Frost cooled cookies and garnish with crushed vanilla wafers.
Notes
Use softened butter for easier mixing.
Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
Allow cookies to cool before frosting.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg