Why Make This Recipe
Banana Pudding Cookies are a fun twist on the classic dessert. They bring together the flavors of vanilla pudding, ripe bananas, and creamy white chocolate into a soft and chewy cookie that everyone will love. These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them a perfect treat for gatherings or a simple dessert at home. The sweetness of the bananas and the crunch of banana chips add a unique texture that is hard to resist.
How to Make Banana Pudding Cookies
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 (3.4 ounce) box Instant Banana Pudding mix
- 1/2 cup mashed bananas (about 1 large ripe banana)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 11 ounces white chocolate chips (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1 cup dried banana chips
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup crushed Nilla Wafer Cookies
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and both types of sugar for about 3-4 minutes until creamy and well combined.
- Add the pudding mix, mashed bananas, and vanilla extract to the butter mixture. Mix until smooth.
- Slowly add in the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix until just combined. Then, fold in the white chocolate chips and dried banana chips.
- Using a large cookie scoop (about 3 Tablespoons), drop cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Make sure not to undercook the cookies.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.
- For the topping, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and heavy cream in a mixing bowl using a whisk attachment. Beat until stiff peaks form; you may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl initially. This process may take several minutes.
- Once the cookies are cooled, spoon the whipped frosting into a decorator bag with an open star tip. Pipe the frosting onto the cookies and immediately sprinkle with crushed Nilla wafers.
How to Serve Banana Pudding Cookies
Serve these delightful cookies as a stand-alone treat or as part of a dessert platter. They are perfect for parties, picnics, or just a cozy evening at home. Pair them with a glass of cold milk or your favorite coffee for an extra special touch.
How to Store Banana Pudding Cookies
To keep your Banana Pudding Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to three months. Just remember to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Tips to Make Banana Pudding Cookies
- Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
- Use ripe bananas for maximum flavor and sweetness.
- Don’t skip the chilling time for the cookies after baking; this helps the texture.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of white chocolate chips based on your preference!
Variation
You can easily change up this recipe by adding nuts, such as chopped walnuts or pecans, for added crunch. If you prefer dark chocolate, substitute the white chocolate chips with dark chocolate chips or chunks.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh bananas instead of dried banana chips?
Yes, you can use fresh bananas, but the texture and crunch will vary. Dried banana chips add a nice crunch that complements the soft cookies.
2. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that works for baking.
3. Can I make the frosting ahead of time?
It’s best to make the frosting just before serving the cookies, as it may lose its stiffness if stored for a long time. However, you can prepare the cream cheese and whipped cream separately and mix them just before decorating the cookies.
