Banana pudding cookies combine the delicious taste of classic banana pudding with the comforting goodness of homemade cookies. These treats not only satisfy your sweet tooth but are also a delightful way to use up those ripe bananas lingering in your kitchen. The moment you take a bite into these cookies, the flavors of banana, creamy white chocolate, and crunchy vanilla wafers make you feel like you’re indulging in a beloved dessert favorite.
Why We Love This Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe
There’s something utterly comforting about cookies that remind us of cherished childhood desserts. Loaded with sweet bananas, crunchy vanilla wafers, and smooth white chocolate chips, this recipe transforms the classic banana pudding into an easy-to-make cookie version. Whether you’re enjoying them as an afternoon snack, bringing them to a potluck, or just because you deserve a treat, there’s always a reason to bake a batch of these fluffy cookies.
Ingredients about Banana Pudding Cookies
To whip up these delightful cookies, gather the following ingredients:
- 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
With these simple ingredients in hand, you’re well on your way to baking a batch of irresistible banana pudding cookies. It’s a recipe that’s not only easy to follow but also incredibly rewarding.
How to Make Banana Pudding Cookies Directions
Getting started with these banana pudding cookies is a breeze. Follow these straightforward directions to create your batch:
- First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an important step, as preheating ensures that your cookies will bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with the softened butter. Use a fork or mixer to cream this mixture together until it’s nice and smooth. This process helps to blend the flavors beautifully.
- Next, add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined, bringing richness to your cookie dough.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is crucial for a consistent cookie.
- Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients. Mix until everything is just combined; be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
- Now, fold in the crushed vanilla wafers and white chocolate chips. This is where the magic happens—these ingredients add both texture and sweetness to your cookies.
- Using a spoon, drop dollops of the cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet. Make sure to leave enough space between each cookie, as they will spread while baking.
- Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you want the edges to be lightly golden while the centers remain soft and chewy.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This cooling stage is essential for helping them set perfectly.
How to Serve Banana Pudding Cookies
Enjoying your banana pudding cookies is as delightful as making them. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Warm and Fresh: Serve the cookies warm from the oven with a glass of cold milk for the ultimate cozy snack experience. The warmth enhances the flavors and gives you that fresh-baked feeling.
- With Ice Cream: For a decadent dessert, pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture of the ice cream complements the chewy cookies perfectly.
- On a Dessert Table: If you’re hosting a gathering or a potluck, these banana pudding cookies make great additions to dessert tables. Their unique twist on classic flavors will be a hit among guests.
- Gift Idea: Bake a batch of cookies and package them in a decorative box or jar. It makes for a sweet gift for friends or family members who appreciate homemade treats.
Expert Tips: Banana Pudding Cookies
To elevate your banana pudding cookies even further, consider these expert tips:
- Use Ripe Bananas: The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots, as they’ll add natural sweetness.
- Chill the Dough: For thicker cookies, chill your cookie dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before baking. This step will help prevent spreading, resulting in a sturdier cookie.
- Experiment with Mix-ins: While white chocolate chips are wonderful, consider adding chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a flavor twist.
- Don’t Overbake: Since the cookies will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, take them out when they’re just set. This ensures a chewy texture.
How to Store Banana Pudding Cookies
Keeping your banana pudding cookies fresh is easy. Here’s how to store them properly:
- Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy the cookies within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for about 3-4 days.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, place them in the fridge, where they can last up to a week. Make sure they are in a sealed container to keep moisture away.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze exceptionally well. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place the cookies in a single layer, and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Variation of Banana Pudding Cookies
There’s always room for creativity in the kitchen! Here are some fun variations to try with your banana pudding cookies:
- Nutty Banana Cookies: Add in half a cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to introduce a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with bananas.
- Chocolate Twist: Swap out the white chocolate chips for semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips to give your cookies a richer taste.
- Coconut Banana Cookies: Incorporate shredded coconut into your dough for a tropical twist. This combination pairs wonderfully with the flavors of banana and vanilla.
- Spiced Cookies: Enhance the flavor profile by adding a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a spiced cookie variation that adds warmth.
FAQ
What are Banana Pudding Cookies?
Banana pudding cookies are a delicious treat that combines the flavors of ripe bananas, vanilla wafers, and white chocolate chips. They offer a delightful twist on traditional banana pudding in the form of easy-to-make cookies.
How do I make Banana Pudding Cookies?
To make banana pudding cookies, simply mash ripe bananas, combine them with sugars and butter, add egg and vanilla, mix in dry ingredients, and finally fold in crushed vanilla wafers and white chocolate chips before baking.
Can I freeze Banana Pudding Cookies?
Yes, you can freeze banana pudding cookies! After baking, let them cool, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze before storing in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
How should I store Banana Pudding Cookies?
Store banana pudding cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days or refrigerate them for up to a week. For longer preservation, freeze them.
What are some variations I can make with this recipe?
You can add nuts for crunch, swap white chocolate chips for semi-sweet, incorporate shredded coconut for a tropical flavor, or add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra dimension of taste.
Banana pudding cookies are a scrumptious twist on traditional flavors, making them a delightful addition to any dessert table or just a cozy treat at home. Enjoy the baking journey, and indulge in these soft and chewy delights!
Banana Pudding Cookies
Ingredients
Cookie Base
- 2 pieces ripe bananas, mashed Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for natural sweetness.
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened Ensure butter is at room temperature.
- 1 piece large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Enhances flavor.
Mix-ins
- 1 cup vanilla wafers, crushed
- 1 cup white chocolate chips Feel free to swap for semi-sweet or dark chocolate.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the mashed bananas, brown sugar, and granulated sugar with the softened butter. Cream together until smooth.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix thoroughly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually incorporate the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in the crushed vanilla wafers and white chocolate chips.
- Drop dollops of cookie dough onto a lined baking sheet, leaving space between each.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are still soft.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.
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