Banana Pudding Cookies: The Ultimate Soft, Creamy Dessert You’ll Crave Again and Again

Introduction

There’s something special about desserts that feel like home. The kind that instantly takes you back—maybe to a warm kitchen, laughter in the background, and the sweet smell of bananas and vanilla filling the air. If you’ve ever loved banana pudding, you already know that comforting, creamy flavor that’s hard to forget.

Now imagine that same nostalgic taste wrapped inside a soft, chewy cookie you can hold in your hand.

That’s exactly what Banana Pudding Cookies deliver.

When you bake these cookies, you’re not just making another dessert—you’re creating something that feels personal. Something that makes people pause after the first bite and say, “Wow… what is this?” And the best part? You don’t need fancy skills or hard-to-find ingredients. You just need a few basics, a ripe banana or two, and the willingness to treat yourself.


What Are Banana Pudding Cookies?

A Sweet Twist on a Classic Dessert

Banana pudding has been a beloved comfort dessert for generations. Creamy layers of pudding, bananas, and vanilla wafers have made it a favorite at family gatherings and holidays.

Banana Pudding Cookies take that same flavor and transform it into something new—soft cookies with a rich banana taste, hints of vanilla, and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

When you bite into one, you’ll notice:

  • A soft and chewy center
  • Subtle banana sweetness
  • Creamy vanilla notes
  • A slight crunch from crushed wafers or add-ins

It’s like banana pudding—but easier to share and even easier to crave.

Why Banana Pudding Cookies Are So Popular

If you’re wondering why these cookies are everywhere lately, here’s why:

  • Simple to make – No complicated steps
  • Perfect for beginners – Hard to mess up
  • Comforting flavor – Nostalgic and familiar
  • Social media friendly – Soft, golden, and irresistible in photos
  • Great for any occasion – From casual snacks to special events

Once you make them, you’ll understand why people keep coming back to this recipe.


Ingredients for Banana Pudding Cookies

Essential Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to get started:

IngredientQuantityWhy You Need It
Ripe bananas2 mediumNatural sweetness and moisture
Vanilla pudding mix1 boxSoft texture and rich flavor
Butter (softened)1/2 cupCreamy base
Sugar3/4 cupSweetness
Brown sugar1/4 cupAdds moisture and depth
Egg1Structure
All-purpose flour1 1/2 cupsForms the dough
Baking soda1 tspHelps cookies rise
Vanilla extract1 tspEnhances flavor
White chocolate chips1 cupSweet, creamy bites
Crushed vanilla wafers1 cupClassic banana pudding touch

Optional Add-Ins

Want to make your cookies unique? Try these:

  • Chopped walnuts or pecans
  • Dark or milk chocolate chips
  • Caramel drizzle
  • Coconut flakes

You can customize these cookies depending on your taste—or whatever you have in your kitchen.


Step-by-Step Guide to Making Banana Pudding Cookies

Preparation

Before you start mixing, set yourself up for success:

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F)
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  • Mash your bananas until smooth

The riper the bananas, the better your cookies will taste.

Mixing the Dough

Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Cream butter and sugars
    Mix until light and fluffy
  2. Add egg and vanilla extract
    Stir until fully combined
  3. Mix in mashed bananas and pudding mix
    This is where the magic starts
  4. Combine dry ingredients separately
    Flour + baking soda
  5. Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture
  6. Fold in chocolate chips and crushed wafers

The dough should be soft and slightly sticky—that’s exactly what you want.

Baking Instructions

  • Scoop dough onto the baking sheet
  • Leave space between each cookie
  • Bake for 10–12 minutes
  • Let cookies cool for a few minutes before removing

Pro Baking Tips

  • Use overripe bananas for deeper flavor
  • Don’t overbake—they should look slightly soft in the center
  • Chill dough for 20–30 minutes if you want thicker cookies

Tips for Perfect Banana Pudding Cookies Every Time

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can go wrong if you’re not careful. Watch out for these:

  • Using firm, yellow bananas (not sweet enough)
  • Overmixing the dough (makes cookies dense)
  • Baking too long (dries them out)
  • Skipping pudding mix (you lose the signature texture)

Expert Tips

If you want bakery-level results:

  • Add extra crushed wafers on top before baking
  • Sprinkle a tiny bit of sea salt for balance
  • Use parchment paper for even baking
  • Let cookies rest—they taste better after cooling

Small details make a big difference.


Variations of Banana Pudding Cookies

One of the best things about Banana Pudding Cookies is how flexible they are.

Classic Southern Style

  • Vanilla wafers
  • Extra banana flavor
  • Soft and simple

Chocolate Banana Pudding Cookies

  • Add cocoa powder
  • Use chocolate chips instead of white chocolate

Gluten-Free Banana Pudding Cookies

  • Replace flour with gluten-free blend
  • Make sure pudding mix is gluten-free

Vegan Version

  • Use plant-based butter
  • Replace egg with flax egg or applesauce

You can adjust the recipe based on your diet or preferences without losing the magic.


Storage and Shelf Life

How to Store Banana Pudding Cookies

To keep your cookies fresh:

  • Store in an airtight container
  • Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days
  • Refrigerate for up to 1 week

Can You Freeze Banana Pudding Cookies?

Yes, and it works perfectly:

  • Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months
  • Freeze dough balls and bake fresh anytime

Just thaw and enjoy whenever you need a sweet treat.


Why You’ll Love Banana Pudding Cookies

These cookies are more than just a dessert—they’re an experience.

Here’s why you’ll keep making them:

  • Soft and chewy texture
  • Rich banana flavor
  • Easy, beginner-friendly recipe
  • Customizable ingredients
  • Perfect for sharing

They’re the kind of cookies people ask you about. The kind you bring to gatherings—and leave with an empty plate.


Serving Suggestions

Best Ways to Serve

Make your cookies even better:

  • Serve warm with a glass of milk
  • Pair with vanilla ice cream
  • Enjoy with coffee or tea

Presentation Ideas

If you’re sharing online or with guests:

  • Stack cookies for a bakery look
  • Dust lightly with powdered sugar
  • Drizzle caramel or chocolate

A little presentation goes a long way.


FAQ About Banana Pudding Cookies

What makes Banana Pudding Cookies soft?

The pudding mix and ripe bananas add moisture, giving Banana Pudding Cookies their soft, chewy texture.

Can you make Banana Pudding Cookies without pudding mix?

You can, but the texture won’t be the same. The pudding mix gives Banana Pudding Cookies their signature softness.

How ripe should bananas be for Banana Pudding Cookies?

The best bananas are very ripe with brown spots. They’re sweeter and mash easily.

Can you freeze Banana Pudding Cookies dough?

Yes, freezing dough is a great option. You can bake fresh Banana Pudding Cookies anytime.

How do you keep Banana Pudding Cookies from spreading?

Chill the dough before baking and avoid using overly soft butter.


Conclusion

Banana Pudding Cookies aren’t just another dessert—they’re the perfect mix of comfort, flavor, and simplicity. When you bake them, you’re creating something that feels homemade in the best way possible. Soft, sweet, and full of nostalgia, they have a way of turning an ordinary day into something a little more special.

The best part? You don’t need to be an expert baker to get it right. You just need the right ingredients, a little patience, and a love for good food.

So why not give it a try?

Banana Pudding Cookies: The Ultimate Soft, Creamy Dessert You’ll Crave Again and Again

Recipe by Nanny's RecipesCourse: Irresistible DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

24

Cookies
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Total time

25

minutes

Ingredients

  • Ripe bananas
    2 medium
    Natural sweetness and moisture

  • Vanilla pudding mix
    1 box
    Soft texture and rich flavor

  • Butter (softened)
    1/2 cup
    Creamy base

  • Sugar
    3/4 cup
    Sweetness

  • Brown sugar
    1/4 cup
    Adds moisture and depth

  • Egg
    1
    Structure

  • All-purpose flour
    1 1/2 cups
    Forms the dough

  • Baking soda
    1 tsp
    Helps cookies rise

  • Vanilla extract
    1 tsp
    Enhances flavor

  • White chocolate chips
    1 cup
    Sweet, creamy bites

  • Crushed vanilla wafers
    1 cup
    Classic banana pudding touch

Directions

  • Preparation
    Before you start mixing, set yourself up for success:
    Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F)
    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
    Mash your bananas until smooth
    The riper the bananas, the better your cookies will taste.
  • Mixing the Dough
    Follow these steps carefully:
    Cream butter and sugars
    Mix until light and fluffy
    Add egg and vanilla extract
    Stir until fully combined
    Mix in mashed bananas and pudding mix
    This is where the magic starts
    Combine dry ingredients separately
    Flour + baking soda
    Gradually add dry mixture to wet mixture
    Fold in chocolate chips and crushed wafers
    The dough should be soft and slightly sticky—that’s exactly what you want.
  • Baking Instructions
    Scoop dough onto the baking sheet
    Leave space between each cookie
    Bake for 10–12 minutes
    Let cookies cool for a few minutes before removing

Recipe Video

Notes

  • Common Mistakes to Avoid
    Even simple recipes can go wrong if you’re not careful. Watch out for these:
    Using firm, yellow bananas (not sweet enough)
    Overmixing the dough (makes cookies dense)
    Baking too long (dries them out)
    Skipping pudding mix (you lose the signature texture)

Call to Action

If you’re ready to impress your family, grow your recipe collection, or just treat yourself—go ahead and make these Banana Pudding Cookies today.

And when you do, don’t keep them to yourself—share them, post them, and let others enjoy the magic too.