Easy Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe

The Smell of Home

The warm scent of banana and vanilla fills my kitchen. It reminds me of my grandmother’s house. She always made the best desserts. That smell means love and comfort to me. Ever wondered how to make a classic dessert new again?

My First Batch

My first try was a funny mess. I forgot to soften the butter first. The dough was a bit lumpy. But the cookies still tasted amazing. It showed me that cooking is about joy, not perfection.

Why They Work

Two things make these cookies special. The pudding mix makes them super soft. The crunchy wafers add a nice surprise. Which flavor combo surprises you most, the banana or white chocolate? Tell me in the comments.

A Sweet History

Banana pudding is a Southern classic. It became popular in the 1900s. This cookie is a fun new twist on that old favorite. *Did you know vanilla wafers were originally called “boudoir biscuits”?* Would you try this recipe with friends?

Ingredient	Amount	Note
Unsalted butter	1 cup	softened
Brown sugar	3/4 cup	packed
Sugar	1/4 cup
Vanilla extract	2 tsp
Eggs	2	room temperature
Flour	2 3/4 cups	all purpose
Salt	1/2 tsp
Baking soda	1 tsp
Instant Banana Cream Pudding Mix	3.4 oz
Vanilla wafers	1 cup	broken into smaller pieces
White chocolate chips	1/2 cup

Easy Banana Pudding Cookies: A Sweet Treat

Step 1 Gather your ingredients. Let your butter and eggs warm up first. This makes your cookie dough super smooth. A cold egg can make your butter seize up.
Step 2 Cream the butter and sugars together. Mix them until they are light and fluffy. This step adds air for a perfect texture. Do not rush this important part.

Step 3 Beat in your eggs and vanilla. Make sure everything is well combined. Your mixture might look a little curdled. That is totally normal, so do not worry.
Step 4 Whisk your dry ingredients in another bowl. This includes the secret weapon: pudding mix. (My hard-learned tip: Do not skip sifting the flour. It prevents tough cookies!). Gradually mix dry into wet ingredients.
Step 5 Now for the fun mix-ins. Gently fold in the vanilla wafers and chips. You want them spread evenly throughout. This gives you a bit of joy in every bite.
Step 6 Scoop your dough onto your prepared sheets. Press a few extra chips on top. This makes your cookies look bakery-quality. Everyone eats with their eyes first.
Step 7 Bake until the edges are just golden. The centers will still look very soft. They will set up as they cool. Over-baking is the enemy of a chewy cookie! What is the secret ingredient that makes these cookies so soft? Share below!
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Category: Dessert, Cookies

Get Creative With Your Cookies

These cookies are a wonderful blank canvas. You can easily make them your own. Try one of these fun and tasty spins for your next batch. I love a little kitchen adventure.
Nutty Buddy: Add a half cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. It gives a wonderful crunch.
Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Swap the white chips for semi-sweet chocolate. It is a richer flavor.
Tropical Twist: Use coconut extract instead of vanilla. Mix in some shredded coconut too. Which creative spin would you try first? Vote in the comments!

Serving Your Sweet Masterpieces

These cookies are fantastic all on their own. But why stop there? For a real treat, serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast is pure magic. A cold glass of milk is always the classic pairing. For the adults, a sweet cream liquor or coffee drink works nicely. For a non-alcoholic option, a chai tea latte is cozy. A simple plate of these cookies makes any day feel special. Which would you choose tonight: ice cream or a cold glass of milk?

Keep Your Cookies Fresh

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container. They stay soft for about four days. You can also freeze the dough for later. Just scoop it onto a tray first. Then bake frozen cookies for twelve minutes.

My grandkids love finding these in the freezer. A quick batch is ready in no time. Why this matters: Fresh-baked cookies make any day better. Do you prefer chewy or crispy cookies? Let me know in the comments.

Cookie Troubleshooting Tips

Is your dough too sticky? Chill it for thirty minutes. If cookies spread too much, your butter may be too soft. For dry dough, add a tablespoon of milk. These simple fixes guarantee perfect cookies every single time.

Why this matters: Knowing these tricks builds kitchen confidence. Have you ever had a cookie disaster? Share your story with us. A little patience makes all the difference for a great treat.

Your Questions Answered

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free flour blend. It works just fine.
Can I make the dough ahead?
Absolutely. Keep it covered in the fridge for up to two days.

What can I swap for white chocolate?
Butterscotch or milk chocolate chips are delicious swaps. Try what you love.
Can I double this recipe?
You sure can. It doubles perfectly for a bigger crowd.
Why are my cookies cakey?
This is likely from over-measuring the flour. Spoon it into the cup.