Banana pudding cookies bring together the delightful flavors of banana and vanilla into a chewy, satisfying dessert. With their sweet aroma and inviting texture, these cookies are perfect for snacking, sharing, or simply enjoying after a long day. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned baker, you’ll find that this recipe is easy to follow and creates cookies that everyone will love.
Why We Love This Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe
This banana pudding cookies recipe is a personal favorite for many reasons. First and foremost, the combination of ripe bananas and creamy vanilla flavors creates an irresistible taste that can’t be beaten. The blend of white chocolate chips with crushed vanilla wafers adds delightful texture, making each bite a surprise. Plus, these cookies are soft and chewy, ensuring that they remain enjoyable even a few days after baking. They are versatile enough to be served at gatherings, packed in lunchboxes, or simply enjoyed with a cup of tea or coffee.
Ingredients about Banana Pudding Cookies
List of ingredients with measurements
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vanilla wafers, crushed
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
How to Make Banana Pudding Cookies Directions
Making banana pudding cookies is both simple and fun! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is vital as it ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Next, grab a large bowl and combine the mashed bananas, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with the softened butter. Use a hand mixer or wooden spoon to cream these ingredients until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. This step helps incorporate air into the dough, which is essential for achieving a light texture.
Now, it’s time to add the egg and vanilla extract to the mix. Blend these ingredients thoroughly into the creamed mixture to ensure you have a uniform batter. The vanilla extract not only enhances the flavor but also adds a pleasant aroma while baking.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step is crucial as it ensures that the leavening agent is evenly distributed throughout the flour. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Take care not to overmix; a few flour streaks are okay as this helps keep your cookies tender.
Once your dough is ready, gently fold in the crushed vanilla wafers and white chocolate chips. These ingredients bring texture and burst with flavor, making every bite unforgettable. The crushed wafers offer a nod to traditional banana pudding and create beautiful little pockets of crunch in your cookies.
Next, you will want to drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave adequate space between each cookie as they will spread while baking. The dough should be placed about 2 inches apart to ensure they don’t stick together.
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for about 10–12 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, and you’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn golden and the centers are still soft and a bit puffy. Once done, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is important as it allows the cookies to set properly, resulting in a delightful chewy texture.
How to Serve Banana Pudding Cookies
Serving banana pudding cookies can be as simple or as fancy as you’d like! For a casual and delightful experience, arrange them on a platter and enjoy them as they are, either warm or at room temperature. These cookies are perfect for casual gatherings, making them an ideal treat to share with friends and family during a game day or movie night.
If you’d like to elevate your serving style, consider pairing these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture of the ice cream complements the soft density of the cookies, creating a delightful dessert experience. You can even sandwich the cookie around a generous scoop for a cookie ice cream sandwich.
For an extra touch, dust a light sprinkle of powdered sugar on top just before serving. This simple addition adds a visual appeal and gives them a finished look. Whether at a birthday party or a holiday gathering, these banana pudding cookies are sure to brighten any table!
Expert Tips: Banana Pudding Cookies
For the best results with your banana pudding cookies, consider the following expert tips:
- Use Ripe Bananas: The sweeter and riper your bananas are, the more flavor your cookies will have. Look for bananas that have brown spots, as they provide a natural sweetness.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just let the dough sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before baking.
- Don’t Overmix: It’s crucial not to overmix the dough after adding the flour. A gentle hand ensures your cookies remain tender and chewy.
- Experiment with Mix-ins: While white chocolate chips are delightful, don’t hesitate to add nuts or other types of chocolate for a different flavor profile.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can elevate your cookie-baking skills and produce impressive, bakery-worthy treats.
How to Store Banana Pudding Cookies
To keep your banana pudding cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last for up to a week, although they are often eaten much sooner because they taste fantastic!
If you want to extend their shelf life, consider freezing them. To do so, make sure they have completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply let them thaw at room temperature or warm them up slightly in the microwave for that freshly baked taste.
Variation of Banana Pudding Cookies
While the classic banana pudding cookies are delightful as is, there are numerous ways to personalize this recipe to fit your preferences:
- Nutty Flavor: Consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans to enhance the texture and add a nice nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: For chocolate enthusiasts, try swapping half of the white chocolate chips with semisweet chocolate chips or incorporating cocoa powder into the dough.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the bananas wonderfully.
- Fruity Addition: Enhance the flavor profile with dried fruits, such as raisins or cranberries, for a fruity twist.
Each variation allows you to experiment and tailor this recipe to your taste. Have fun exploring new flavors!
FAQ
What are Banana Pudding Cookies?
Banana pudding cookies are a sweet treat that combines the flavors of ripe bananas, white chocolate chips, and crushed vanilla wafers into a soft, chewy cookie.
How do you make Banana Pudding Cookies?
To make banana pudding cookies, mash ripe bananas and mix them with sugars and butter. Add an egg and vanilla, then blend in flour, baking soda, and salt. Finally, fold in vanilla wafers and chocolate chips before baking them.
Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?
Yes, frozen bananas can be used, but ensure they are fully thawed and drained of excess moisture before mashing.
How long will Banana Pudding Cookies last?
When stored in an airtight container, banana pudding cookies can last up to a week at room temperature and up to three months in the freezer.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate gluten-free diets, but the textural outcome may differ slightly.
With this detailed guide, you’re all set to create delicious banana pudding cookies that will undoubtedly please anyone who tries them. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures with each bite!
Banana Pudding Cookies
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ripe bananas 2 ripe bananas, mashed Use very ripe bananas for best flavor.
- 1 cup 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup 1/2 cup butter, softened Ensure butter is softened for easy mixing.
- 1 large 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavor.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups 2 cups all-purpose flour For a gluten-free version, substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon 1/2 teaspoon salt Balances sweetness.
Mix-ins
- 1 cup 1 cup vanilla wafers, crushed Brings traditional banana pudding flavor.
- 1 cup 1 cup white chocolate chips Can be replaced with semisweet chocolate chips for variation.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and softened butter. Cream together until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and blend until uniform.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
- Gently fold in the crushed vanilla wafers and white chocolate chips.
Baking
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.
- Bake for about 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the centers are soft.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
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