Banana Pudding Cookies Delight Recipe

Heavenly Banana Pudding Cookies Delight Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Sweet banana pudding cookies bring unexpected magic to classic dessert territory.

Creamy banana flavors mingle perfectly with soft, chewy textures.

Nostalgic memories of southern kitchen comfort emerge with each bite.

Soft cookies packed with smooth pudding essence capture delightful childhood moments.

Delicate vanilla undertones complement the gentle banana notes beautifully.

Fresh ingredients create an irresistible treat you’ll want to share.

Bake these cookies and watch smiles light up around your table.

Serve Up Cookies for Smiles

  • Sweet Banana Crunch Party: Top cookies with extra chopped nuts for a delightful textural contrast and nutty flavor burst.
  • Creamy Drizzle Dream: Swirl the optional cream cheese frosting in elegant zigzag patterns across the cooled cookies for a professional bakery-style presentation.
  • Marshmallow Magic: Toast marshmallows lightly with a kitchen torch before adding to the top of frosted cookies for a gooey, caramelized touch that elevates the dessert experience.
  • Chilled Delight Trick: Refrigerate cookies for 30 minutes before serving to enhance their dense, chewy texture and intensify the banana flavor profile.

Storage for Banana Pudding Cookies

  • Store cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for up to 10 days, maintaining freshness and soft texture.
  • Wrap cookies individually in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
  • Scoop unbaked cookie dough onto baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen state, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
  • Warm refrigerated or thawed cookies in microwave for 10-15 seconds or in preheated oven at 300F for 3-4 minutes to restore soft, fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

  • Are banana pudding cookies chewy or crispy?

These cookies are soft and chewy with a cake-like texture, thanks to the pudding mix and mashed bananas which add moisture and softness to the cookie.

  • Can I make these cookies without nuts or marshmallows?

Absolutely! The nuts and marshmallows are optional ingredients. You can easily skip them or substitute with chocolate chips or other mix-ins you prefer without affecting the cookie’s overall texture.

  • Why use instant pudding mix in the recipe?

Instant pudding mix adds extra flavor, helps retain moisture, and contributes to the soft, tender texture of the cookies. It’s a secret ingredient that makes these banana cookies extra delicious and unique.

Banana Pudding Cookies: Pure Southern Joy

  • Craft Unique Flavor Fusion: Banana pudding cookies blend classic dessert tastes into a handheld treat that surprises and delights taste buds with unexpected combinations.
  • Whip Up Quick Comfort: Minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing process make these cookies perfect for spontaneous baking moments when craving something sweet and homemade.
  • Customize with Creativity: Optional mix-ins like nuts and marshmallows let bakers personalize the recipe, transforming each batch into a signature creation that reflects individual preferences.
  • Versatile Dessert Solution: These cookies work wonderfully for casual gatherings, potlucks, family snacks, or as a special treat that brings smiles without requiring complicated techniques.
Primary Ingredients:
  • Butter: The foundation for creating a rich and creamy cookie base.
  • Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet components that provide depth of flavor and help with cookie texture.
  • Eggs: Binding agent that helps hold the cookie ingredients together.
  • Flour: The main dry ingredient that provides structure to the cookies.
  • Bananas: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cookie dough.
  • Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix: Helps create a soft texture and enhances the vanilla flavor.
  • Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the overall flavor profile.
Optional Add-Ins:
  • Nuts, Mini Marshmallows: Provide extra texture and interesting flavor variations to the cookies.
Optional Frosting Ingredients:
  • Powdered Sugar, Cream Cheese, Butter: Creates a creamy, smooth frosting for topping the cookies.
  • Milk: Helps adjust the frosting consistency to the desired thickness.
Leavening Agents:
  • Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Help the cookies rise and create a light, soft texture.

Bake Banana Pudding Cookies in a Snap

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab your baking sheets and line them with parchment paper or silicone mats for a smooth baking experience.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture.

Gently introduce eggs one at a time, then splash in the vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost.

Step 3: Combine Dry Elements

Grab another bowl and whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Instant vanilla pudding mix
  • Baking soda
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Slowly marry the dry ingredients with the butter mixture, mixing until they just become friends.

Gently fold in:
  • Chopped bananas
  • Nuts (optional)
  • Mini marshmallows (optional)

Step 4: Shape Cookie Mounds

Scoop tablespoon-sized dollops of dough onto your prepared baking sheets.

Give each cookie about 2 inches of personal space.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Send the cookies into the oven for 10-12 minutes.

You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn a beautiful golden brown and the centers look set.

Let them chill on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.

Step 6: Whip Up Optional Frosting

In a medium bowl, beat together:
  • Softened butter
  • Powdered sugar
  • Cream cheese
  • Vanilla extract

Blend until silky smooth.

If needed, add a splash of milk to reach your desired frosting consistency.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Dive into these delightful cookies straight up or dressed with the creamy frosting.

Stash any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week – if they last that long!

  • Toss chopped bananas in a bit of lemon juice to stop quick oxidation and maintain their fresh color in the cookies.
  • Use very ripe bananas for deeper flavor and extra moisture, ensuring soft, tender cookies that melt in your mouth.
  • Cool cookies completely before storing to prevent condensation and maintain their delightful crisp edges.
  • Swap or omit nuts based on preferences or allergies without compromising the cookie's delicious banana pudding essence.
  • Add milk slowly when preparing frosting to achieve the perfect spreadable texture, preventing it from becoming too runny or too thick.
  • Gluten-Free Banana Pudding Cookies: Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and ensure pudding mix is gluten-free. Perfect for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Banana Bliss Cookies: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with mashed banana or flax eggs, and use dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Creates plant-based friendly version.
  • Low-Sugar Banana Nutty Cookies: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce overall sugar content. Incorporate more nuts for added protein and texture.
  • Chocolate Chip Banana Fusion Cookies: Add dark chocolate chips to original recipe for extra richness. Enhances classic banana pudding cookie flavor with chocolate undertones.
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Banana Pudding Cookies Delight Recipe

Banana Pudding Cookies Delight Recipe


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4.7 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 32 minutes
  • Yield: 24 1x

Description

Southern comfort meets sweet indulgence in these banana pudding cookies, blending classic dessert nostalgia with irresistible chewy charm. Creamy pudding mix and ripe bananas create a heavenly treat you’ll want to share with friends and family.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup chopped ripe bananas (about 2 small bananas)

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Optional and Frosting Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, walnuts or pecans)
  • 1/2 cup mini marshmallows (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • 12 tablespoons milk (if needed for frosting consistency)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange parchment paper or silicone mats on baking sheets.
  2. Using a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until achieving a light, airy consistency.
  3. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, then gently fold in vanilla extract until fully integrated.
  4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, instant vanilla pudding mix, baking soda, baking powder, and salt through careful whisking.
  5. Slowly merge dry ingredients into the butter mixture, stirring until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
  6. Delicately fold chopped bananas, optional nuts, and mini marshmallows into the cookie dough, ensuring even distribution.
  7. Portion dough into tablespoon-sized mounds, positioning them approximately 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
  8. Bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for golden-brown edges and set centers, indicating perfect doneness.
  9. Allow cookies to rest on baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire cooling rack for complete cooling.
  10. For optional frosting, whip softened butter, powdered sugar, cream cheese, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
  11. Adjust frosting texture by adding milk incrementally if needed for spreadability.
  12. Serve cookies plain or adorned with optional frosting, and store in airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Notes

  • Prevent banana browning by coating chopped bananas with a bit of lemon juice to maintain their fresh color and prevent oxidation.
  • Consider swapping nuts with seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for nut-free alternatives that provide similar crunch and texture.
  • Use overripe bananas for enhanced natural sweetness and deeper banana flavor in the cookie base.
  • Create gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with a certified gluten-free all-purpose baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 24
  • Calories: 175
  • Sugar: 14 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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