Banana Cream Pudding Cookies

If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s deliciously soft, bursting with flavor, and just a little unique, look no further than these Banana Cream Pudding Cookies. Combining the classic flavors of banana cream pie with the comforting texture of a cookie, this treat is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. The addition of banana cream pudding not only enhances the flavor but also gives these cookies their signature softness and chewiness. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that’s perfect for any occasion, from afternoon snacks to dessert tables.

What Sets This Recipe Apart

These Banana Cream Pudding Cookies stand out due to their rich, creamy flavor derived from the instant pudding mix, which adds moisture and a unique banana essence that’s hard to resist. The white chocolate chips offer a delightful sweetness that pairs beautifully with the banana flavor, creating a harmonious blend that is both comforting and indulgent. Plus, they are incredibly easy to whip up, making them a perfect baking project for both novice and seasoned bakers.

Ingredients at a Glance

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3.4 ounce package banana cream instant pudding mix
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups white chocolate chips

Setup & Equipment

• Mixer: A stand or hand mixer will make creaming the butter and sugars much easier.
• Baking sheets: Use two or more to accommodate all your cookie dough.
• Parchment paper: Line your baking sheets for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Mixing bowls: You’ll need a couple of bowls for combining ingredients.
• Spatula: For scraping down the sides of your bowl and mixing in the chips.

Banana Cream Pudding Cookies Made Stepwise

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Using your mixer, beat the ingredients together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 3: Add the Pudding Mix and Eggs

Next, add the banana cream instant pudding mix, followed by the eggs and vanilla extract. Beat the mixture until everything is well combined and smooth.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.

Step 5: Fold in the White Chocolate Chips

Using a spatula, gently fold in the white chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 6: Scoop and Bake

Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space between each cookie for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers remain soft.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delightful Banana Cream Pudding Cookies with a glass of milk or your favorite beverage.

Texture-Safe Substitutions

• If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute the unsalted butter with a vegan butter alternative.
• For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
• Replace white chocolate chips with dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
• To enhance the banana flavor, consider adding mashed ripe bananas (about 1/2 cup) to the dough, adjusting the flour slightly if needed.

Missteps & Fixes

When baking Banana Cream Pudding Cookies, there are a few missteps to watch out for:

• Cookies spread too much: This can happen if the butter is too warm. Ensure it’s softened but not melted before creaming with the sugars.
• Cookies turn out dry: Overbaking is often the culprit. Keep an eye on them, as they should look slightly underbaked when you pull them from the oven.
• Flavor is too bland: Make sure to use quality ingredients, especially the pudding mix, as it significantly impacts the flavor.
• Too much banana flavor: If you add mashed bananas, reduce the pudding mix slightly to maintain the right consistency.

Meal Prep & Storage Notes

These Banana Cream Pudding Cookies are perfect for meal prep! You can make the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the cookie dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer, adding an extra minute or two to the baking time.

• Storing baked cookies: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Freezing baked cookies: To freeze, place cookies in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh bananas in this recipe?

Yes, you can add mashed ripe bananas (about 1/2 cup) for an extra banana flavor, but you may need to adjust the flour to maintain the dough consistency.

What if I don’t have banana cream pudding mix?

If you can’t find banana cream pudding mix, you can use vanilla pudding mix instead, but the banana flavor will be less pronounced.

Can I make these cookies without eggs?

Absolutely! You can substitute each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes).

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be lightly golden around the edges and soft in the center. They will continue to set as they cool on the baking sheet.

Time to Try It

Now that you have the inside scoop on how to make these delightful Banana Cream Pudding Cookies, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get baking! This recipe is not only straightforward but also incredibly rewarding with its luscious flavor and soft texture. They make the perfect treat to share with family and friends, or simply to enjoy by yourself on a cozy afternoon.

There’s something magical about the combination of banana and creamy white chocolate that will have everyone reaching for seconds. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in the delightful world of Banana Cream Pudding Cookies. Happy baking!