Soft and Chewy Banana Pudding Cookies : The Ultimate Comfort Dessert

Imagine the cozy flavor of homemade banana pudding, transformed into a soft, chewy, and irresistibly sweet cookie. That’s exactly what you get with these Banana Pudding Cookies — a nostalgic dessert that combines creamy pudding mix, real bananas, and buttery goodness in every bite.

These cookies are tender, moist, and bursting with banana flavor — like banana cream pie in cookie form. They’re easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for holidays, bake sales, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and comforting.

If you’re a fan of classic dessert mashups, you’ll also adore Twix Cookies, Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies, and Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars. Each one brings a touch of creativity and nostalgia to your baking lineup.

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Why You’ll Love This Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe

There’s something undeniably special about banana desserts. They’re warm, cozy, and taste like childhood memories. These cookies take that classic banana pudding flavor and wrap it in a chewy, golden-brown cookie that’s impossible to resist.

Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

• Soft and chewy texture: Instant pudding mix locks in moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth cookie.
• Banana-forward flavor: A blend of ripe bananas and pudding mix gives authentic banana goodness.
• Quick and easy: No chilling or fancy steps — perfect for beginners.
• Crowd favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Add mix-ins like vanilla wafers, nuts, or chocolate chips.

If you love easy homemade sweets, check out Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Chips, another quick dessert that delivers big flavor without the fuss.

What Are Banana Pudding Cookies?

Banana Pudding Cookies are inspired by the classic Southern dessert, homemade banana pudding. Instead of layering custard, bananas, and wafers, this recipe incorporates those same flavors into cookie dough. The secret ingredient — banana or vanilla pudding mix — keeps the cookies soft and tender, while ripe bananas infuse them with rich, natural sweetness.

Think of them as the best parts of banana pudding — creamy, sweet, and comforting — baked into a portable, shareable treat.

If you’re obsessed with nostalgic desserts, try Pumpkin Twists. They’re just as comforting and perfect for pairing with coffee or tea.

Ingredients for Banana Pudding Cookies

These cookies come together with simple pantry ingredients, but each one plays a key role in achieving that soft, pudding-like texture.

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana or vanilla pudding mix (dry mix only)

Wet Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (170g) unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup (150g) brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120g) mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium banana)

Add-ins (optional but delicious):

• 1 cup white chocolate chips or vanilla chips
• 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers

Want to make it a complete dessert platter? Pair these cookies with Fruit Dip, a creamy, light treat that complements any sweet spread.

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Essential Kitchen Tools

You don’t need anything fancy to make these pudding cookies — just classic baking essentials:

• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk and spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cooling rack

These tools are also perfect for baking other Yummy Sweets, like Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies or Mini Pumpkin Pie Cups.

How to Make Banana Pudding Cookies Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and the dry pudding mix. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

In another bowl, beat the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and creamy — about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed banana until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until incorporated. Fold in your mix-ins, such as crushed vanilla wafers or white chocolate chips.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Scoop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto your baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are golden and centers are soft.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Let cookies rest for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Once cooled, store or serve immediately.

For another cozy, comforting bake, try Apple Crisp with Oatmeal. It’s warm, spiced, and perfect alongside these cookies.

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Tips for Perfect Soft Banana Cookies

• Use instant pudding mix: Not cooked pudding. The instant mix keeps them soft and fluffy.
• Choose ripe bananas: The riper, the better — they add moisture and sweetness.
• Don’t overmix: Stop when the flour just disappears for a tender crumb.
• Slightly underbake: The centers should look soft when you remove them from the oven.
• Cool completely: Warm cookies will be too delicate to handle.

These same techniques work beautifully in Twix Cookies, where chewy texture makes all the difference.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overripe bananas: Too mushy and dark can make dough too wet.
• Overbaking: They’ll lose their softness if baked too long.
• Using cook-and-serve pudding: Always use instant pudding mix.
• Skipping the chill: If dough feels sticky, chill for 20 minutes.
• Not measuring flour properly: Spoon and level — don’t pack it down.

Avoiding these pitfalls ensures cookies that are soft, chewy, and perfectly flavored every time.

Recipe Variations and Add-Ins

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. Try these delicious variations:

• White Chocolate Banana Cookies: Add 1 cup of white chocolate chips.
• Banana Pudding Sandwich Cookies: Spread cream cheese frosting between two cookies.
• Peanut Butter Banana Cookies: Mix in ¼ cup peanut butter for a nostalgic combo.
• Banana Cream Pie Cookies: Add crushed graham crackers and top with whipped cream.
• Nutty Banana Cookies: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts.

If you love creative bakes, try Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies. They’re rich, creamy, and just as unique.

Dessert Dips and Pairing Ideas

These cookies pair beautifully with other Dessert Dips for parties or sweet spreads. Try serving them with:

• Fruit Dip for a creamy contrast.
• Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Chips for a cozy, spiced pairing.
• Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies for a fall dessert platter.

You can even crumble Banana Pudding Cookies on top of ice cream or pudding for an extra treat!

Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips

Make-ahead: You can refrigerate the dough for up to 48 hours. Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking.

Storage: Keep cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Freezing: Unbaked dough balls freeze well for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen by adding an extra minute of cook time.

For more make-ahead desserts, try Mini Pumpkin Pie Cups, which store and freeze beautifully.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Make your cookies as beautiful as they are delicious:

• Stack and tie with ribbon for easy gifts.
• Serve with coffee or Lavender Lemonade for a brunch treat.
• Add crushed vanilla wafers on top for texture.
• Display on a dessert board with Pumpkin Twists for variety.

They’re also perfect for baby showers, birthdays, and cookie swaps — guaranteed to disappear fast!

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FAQs About Banana Pudding Cookies

Can I use banana extract instead of pudding mix?
You can, but pudding mix helps with both flavor and texture.

Can I use cooked pudding?
No, only instant pudding mix — not prepared pudding.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. These freeze beautifully and make great gifts.

Why are my cookies flat?
The butter may have been too soft, or the dough too warm — chill it for 20 minutes before baking.

Love experimenting with cookies? Try Twix Cookies next for a chocolatey, caramel-filled treat.

More Yummy Sweets and Banana Recipes You’ll Love

Expand your dessert collection with these Yummy Sweets from Lyndy’s Kitchen:

• Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
• Blueberry Cream Cheese Bars
• Twix Cookies
• Apple Crisp with Oatmeal
• Fruit Dip

Each one pairs beautifully with these cookies and brings something unique to your dessert table.

Why These Banana Cookies Deserve a Spot in Your Dessert Collection

These Banana Pudding Cookies are everything a cookie should be — soft, chewy, flavorful, and full of nostalgia. They’re the perfect marriage of banana pudding and buttery cookie dough, delivering comfort and sweetness in every bite.

They’re also simple, foolproof, and endlessly customizable — a must-have for any home baker who loves Banana Recipes or comforting southern-style desserts.

If you’re passionate about homemade baking, don’t miss Pumpkin Twists or Apple Pie Dip — two more recipes that celebrate warmth, flavor, and tradition.

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