Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banana Flavor: The banana pudding-inspired flavor is both sweet and comforting.
Chewy & Soft: These cookies have the perfect texture, soft and chewy with a slight crunch from the vanilla wafers.
Easy to Make: Made with simple ingredients and easy steps, these cookies come together quickly.

Ingredients

(Tip: Full ingredient list and measurements are in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 medium ripe banana, mashed
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup instant banana pudding mix (not prepared, just the dry mix)
1/2 cup mini vanilla wafers, crushed into small pieces
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional, for extra sweetness)

For the Optional Topping:

1/4 cup mini vanilla wafers, crushed for sprinkling

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.

2. Make the Cookie Dough:

In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes).
Beat in the egg, mashed banana, and vanilla extract until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and banana pudding mix.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. The dough will be slightly thick.
Stir in the crushed vanilla wafers and mini chocolate chips (if using).

3. Scoop the Dough:

Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
For extra banana flavor and a fun touch, sprinkle some crushed vanilla wafers on top of each cookie before baking (optional).

4. Bake the Cookies:

Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are set. The cookies will firm up as they cool.
Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.

5. Serve:

Once cooled, serve the cookies and enjoy the banana pudding-inspired flavors!

Servings and Timing

Serves: About 18-24 cookies (depending on size)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 20-25 minutes

Variations

Banana Pudding Frosting: For an even richer treat, top these cookies with banana pudding frosting, or pipe some whipped cream onto them for a “banana pudding sandwich” vibe.
Add Nuts: If you like a bit of crunch, try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough.
Make them Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free butter and a dairy-free pudding mix for a vegan version of these cookies.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze the dough balls before baking for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
Reheating: Warm leftover cookies in the microwave for a few seconds to get them soft again.

FAQs

Can I make these cookies without banana pudding mix?

Yes! If you don’t have banana pudding mix, you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of banana extract and a little extra vanilla. This will still give you that banana flavor.

Can I use regular vanilla pudding mix?

Yes, vanilla pudding mix can be used if you prefer. It will give the cookies a similar texture, but the banana flavor will be less pronounced.

Can I add other ingredients like coconut or caramel?

Definitely! Adding shredded coconut, caramel bits, or even dried banana chips would enhance the flavor and texture of these cookies.

Why use a ripe banana in the dough?

Ripe bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the dough, giving these cookies that perfect banana flavor.

Conclusion

These Banana Pudding Cookies bring all the delicious flavors of banana pudding into a portable, easy-to-make cookie form. With a soft, chewy texture, a slight crunch from the vanilla wafers, and a hint of banana, these cookies will quickly become a favorite treat. Whether you’re making them for a family gathering or just for yourself, these cookies are sure to impress!

Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe