Banana Pudding Cookies
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Experience the delightful fusion of classic banana pudding and comforting cookies with these irresistible Banana Pudding Cookies. Soft, chewy, and filled with sweet banana flavor, these treats are packed with vanilla wafers and topped with a creamy pudding-inspired glaze. Perfect for dessert lovers and a fun twist on traditional cookies, they make an excellent addition to any gathering or a cozy afternoon snack.
The story of Banana Pudding Cookies begins with a love for both banana pudding and cookies. This recipe brings together the best of both worlds in a delightful treat that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
The Perfect Blend of Flavors
Banana Pudding Cookies are a delightful marriage of two beloved treats: cookies and banana pudding. This unique twist results in a soft and chewy cookie texture that's bursting with banana flavor. With the addition of crushed vanilla wafers, these cookies mimic the classic pudding we all know and love. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or a day later, their flavor only improves, making them an enduring favorite for dessert lovers.
The mashed bananas not only add mouthwatering sweetness but also keep the cookies wonderfully moist. Each bite is complemented by the slight crunch of the vanilla wafers, creating an enjoyable contrast that elevates the overall experience. Perfect for both casual snacking and special occasions, these cookies are sure to delight friends and family alike.
Baking Tips for Success
Baking is as much a science as it is an art. To ensure your Banana Pudding Cookies come out perfect every time, it's essential to measure your ingredients accurately. Use a kitchen scale for the best results, especially when it comes to flour. Remember, too much flour can lead to dry cookies, while too little can result in a gooey mess. Follow the recipe closely and you'll be rewarded with delicious cookies.
Additionally, pay close attention to the ripeness of your bananas. The sweeter and more overripe the bananas are, the better flavor they will impart to your cookies. Lastly, don’t skip cooling the cookies before glazing. This helps prevent the glaze from melting into the cookies too quickly, ensuring a beautiful finish and an appealing presentation.
Serving and Storage
These Banana Pudding Cookies are versatile and can be served in numerous ways. For a lovely presentation, arrange them on a decorative platter and drizzle some additional glaze over the top. Pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent experience. They're perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just cozy afternoons at home.
When it comes to storage, keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. You can also extend their shelf life by freezing them. Simply place the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be enjoyed straight from the freezer or thawed at room temperature before serving, making them a convenient, sweet treat any time.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vanilla wafers, crushed
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the banana mixture until combined, then fold in the crushed vanilla wafers.
Bake the Cookies
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
Prepare the Glaze
While the cookies are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Glaze the Cookies
Once the cookies have cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cookie.
Let the glaze set before serving.
Fun Variations
There are countless ways to customize Banana Pudding Cookies to suit your taste preferences. For a chocolatey twist, consider adding chocolate chips to the dough or incorporating cocoa powder into the dry ingredients. If you're a fan of nuts, tossing in some chopped walnuts or pecans can add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the bananas beautifully.
Another fun variation is to substitute the vanilla wafers with another favorite cookie, such as crushed graham crackers for a s'mores effect. You can even make them into sandwich cookies by adding a layer of frosting or cream cheese between two cookies for an added indulgence.
Healthier Options
Looking to make your Banana Pudding Cookies a bit healthier? You can easily swap out some ingredients for lighter alternatives. For example, using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour can add fiber without compromising on taste. Additionally, consider substituting applesauce for part of the butter to reduce the fat content while still keeping the cookies moist.
Another option is to use ripe bananas as a natural sweetener instead of relying solely on sugars. The natural sweetness of bananas can significantly lower the amount of granulated sugar needed, making these treats a bit more guilt-free. These simple adjustments allow you to enjoy your favorite cookies while maintaining a balanced approach to snacking.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use ripe bananas?
Yes! Ripe bananas will add more sweetness and flavor to your cookies.
→ How should I store these cookies?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Banana Pudding Cookies
Experience the delightful fusion of classic banana pudding and comforting cookies with these irresistible Banana Pudding Cookies. Soft, chewy, and filled with sweet banana flavor, these treats are packed with vanilla wafers and topped with a creamy pudding-inspired glaze. Perfect for dessert lovers and a fun twist on traditional cookies, they make an excellent addition to any gathering or a cozy afternoon snack.
Created by: Imogen Price
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 24 cookies
What You'll Need
For the Cookies
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vanilla wafers, crushed
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed bananas.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this to the banana mixture until combined, then fold in the crushed vanilla wafers.
Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
While the cookies are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Once the cookies have cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cookie.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 6g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Sugars: 10g