A Sweet Treat with a Creamy Twist

If you’re a fan of banana pudding or crave the perfect soft and chewy cookie, you’re in for a treat. Banana Pudding Cookies combine the nostalgic flavors of classic banana pudding with the convenience of a cookie, creating a dessert that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, treating your family, or simply indulging your sweet tooth, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Banana Pudding Cookies are perfect for anyone who loves unique twists on traditional desserts. They are:

• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, even beginners can master this recipe.
• Packed with Flavor: The banana cream pudding mix gives these cookies a rich and creamy banana flavor without needing ripe bananas.
• Versatile: Perfect for potlucks, after-school snacks, or as a delightful addition to your cookie tray during the holidays.
• Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of banana and white chocolate chips is a match made in dessert heaven that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to make these mouthwatering Banana Pudding Cookies:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg
• 1 (3.4-ounce) box Instant Banana Cream Pudding mix
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup white chocolate chips

Kitchen Equipment

Before you start, make sure you have the following tools:

• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Hand or stand mixer
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Parchment paper
• Baking sheets
• Wire cooling rack
• Spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This typically takes about 2-3 minutes.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: Add the vanilla extract and egg to the creamed butter mixture. Mix until smooth and well combined.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the dry banana cream pudding mix, baking soda, salt, and flour to the wet mixture. Mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated and a dough forms.
4. Fold in White Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in the white chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Chill the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate the dough balls for 20 minutes. This helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much during baking.
6. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once chilled, bake the cookies for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are light golden brown.
7. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips and Tricks

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For smoother mixing, ensure your butter and egg are at room temperature.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies are best when slightly underbaked. They will continue to set as they cool, resulting in a soft and chewy texture.
• Customize the Mix-ins: Swap white chocolate chips for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even butterscotch chips for a different flavor profile.
• Add a Crunch: For some texture, consider mixing in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts.

Storage Instructions

• Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Refrigerate Dough: You can refrigerate the cookie dough for up to 3 days before baking. Just scoop and bake as needed.

Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute.
• Healthier Option: Swap half the butter for unsweetened applesauce and reduce the sugar by a quarter cup.
• Banana Lovers’ Delight: Add a few chopped dried bananas to the dough for extra banana flavor.

Food and Drink Pairings

• With Milk: A cold glass of milk perfectly complements these sweet cookies.
• Coffee or Tea: Enjoy these cookies with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use the cookies as a base for ice cream sandwiches by adding a scoop of vanilla or banana-flavored ice cream between two cookies.

FAQ

Can I use fresh bananas instead of pudding mix?

This recipe is designed around the instant pudding mix, which provides the signature flavor and texture. Adding fresh bananas would alter the consistency and may require additional adjustments to the recipe.

Can I make these cookies without chilling the dough?

Chilling the dough helps the cookies hold their shape while baking. Skipping this step may result in flatter cookies.

What if I don’t have white chocolate chips?

No problem! You can substitute them with semi-sweet chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or leave them out entirely for a simpler cookie.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe is easy to scale up. Simply double the ingredients and follow the same instructions. Just ensure you have enough baking sheets!

Final Thoughts

Banana Pudding Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of banana cream with the indulgence of a homemade cookie. They’re easy to make, customizable, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your fellow dessert lovers and subscribe to my blog for more delicious recipes and baking tips. Happy baking!