Ever crave the creamy, dreamy goodness of banana pudding but wish it came in a more portable, cookie-form factor? Well, your wish is granted! This Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe delivers all the classic flavors of that beloved Southern dessert in a delightful, easy-to-make cookie. These cookies are perfect for potlucks, picnics, or simply a sweet treat any time of day. Get ready to experience banana pudding in a whole new way!
Table Of Contents
After trying countless variations over the years, from simple drop cookies to more intricate layered creations, I’ve perfected this banana pudding cookies recipe to capture the essence of the classic dessert. These cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with banana flavor, thanks to the addition of ripe bananas and a touch of banana extract. The creamy vanilla pudding frosting adds that signature pudding texture, while the crumbled vanilla wafers provide a delightful crunch that will transport you straight to dessert heaven. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
The Perfect Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
This banana pudding cookies recipe is surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner bakers. Here’s a detailed breakdown of each step:
-
Gather Your Ingredients: You’ll need ripe bananas (the riper, the better!), butter, sugar, eggs, flour, baking soda, salt, vanilla extract, banana extract, vanilla wafers, and instant vanilla pudding mix. Don’t skimp on the quality of your ingredients, as it will impact the final flavor of your cookies.
-
Mash the Bananas: Mash your ripe bananas until they are smooth. A few small lumps are okay, but you don’t want large chunks. This is where that beautiful banana flavor really starts to develop.
-
Cream Together Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the mixture, resulting in a lighter, chewier cookie.
-
Combine Wet Ingredients: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the mashed bananas and extracts. Ensure each ingredient is fully incorporated before adding the next. Think of it like building a flavor foundation.
-
Add Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.
-
Fold in Crumbled Wafers: Gently fold in the crumbled vanilla wafers. This is where that signature banana pudding crunch comes in!
-
Chill the Dough: Cover the dough and chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
-
Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
-
Cool and Frost: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets before frosting.
-
Make the Frosting: Prepare the instant vanilla pudding according to package directions, but use slightly less milk to create a thicker consistency for frosting. Once the cookies are cool, frost them generously and top with additional crumbled vanilla wafers.
Banana Pudding Cookies Ingredients
Tips and Tricks for the Best Banana Pudding Cookies
Here are a few tips to ensure your banana pudding cookies turn out perfect every time:
-
Use Overripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the more intense the banana flavor will be in your cookies. Look for bananas with brown spots, as they are the sweetest.
-
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough cookies. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
-
Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.
-
Use Quality Vanilla Wafers: The quality of your vanilla wafers will greatly affect the final flavor and texture of the cookies. Choose a brand you enjoy eating on its own.
-
Get Creative with Toppings: While crumbled vanilla wafers are the classic topping, feel free to experiment with other toppings like mini chocolate chips, sprinkles, or a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Why You’ll Love This Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe
These banana pudding cookies are more than just a delicious treat; they are a nostalgic experience. They capture the creamy, comforting flavors of banana pudding in a fun and portable package. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, even for novice bakers. These cookies are:
- Soft and Chewy: The perfect texture for a satisfying bite.
- Packed with Banana Flavor: Thanks to the ripe bananas and banana extract.
- Easy to Customize: Add your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.
- Perfect for Sharing: Bring them to potlucks, parties, or simply enjoy them with family and friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I freeze these cookies? A: Yes, you can freeze both the dough and the baked cookies.
Q: How long do these cookies stay fresh? A: Stored in an airtight container, these cookies will stay fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
Q: Can I use fresh vanilla pudding instead of instant? A: While you can use fresh vanilla pudding, the instant pudding provides a thicker consistency that works better for frosting.
Baked Banana Pudding Cookies
A Delicious Twist on a Classic Dessert
This banana pudding cookies recipe is a delicious and easy way to enjoy the classic Southern dessert in a whole new way. They’re perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible treats! Remember, baking is about more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating memories and sharing joy. And what better way to do that than with a batch of warm, freshly baked banana pudding cookies? Want a refreshing twist? Similar to a cookie salad recipe, these cookies can be enjoyed chilled, adding another layer of deliciousness.
