Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe
These Banana Pudding Cookies incorporate the flavors of eating a classic banana pudding but in cookie form! This easy-to-make treat consists of a soft banana cookie, a smooth and creamy banana pudding buttercream frosting and some crushed vanilla wafer cookies on top for a nice crunch.
If you love bananas and banana-flavored desserts, these Banana Pudding Cookies are going to be your new obsession.
This cookie is absolute perfection from the texture of the cookie and frosting to the flavor of both in every bite. You won’t want to stop eating them!
Also, this recipe is a great option for a gathering with friends, family or even a quiet night at home. If you like this frosted cookie recipe, try my Birthday Cake Cookies, Lemon Curd Cookies, Soft Carrot Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting and these decadent Frosted Chocolate Cookies.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
These are the ingredients you will need to make this recipe. However, the measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
- All Purpose Flour – Any brand of all purpose flour will work for this cookie recipe. I have not tested this recipe with a gluten-free all purpose flour yet, however, you could try substituting it at a 1:1 ratio.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda – see FAQ section for the reason to using both baking powder and baking soda in this cookie recipe.
- Instant Banana Pudding Mix – Make sure you are using Instant Pudding Mix as any other type will affect the result of the cookies and frosting.
- Brown Sugar – I used a light brown sugar, however, you could use dark brown sugar if that’s all you have on hand.
- Granulated Sugar – Any brand of granulated sugar will work.
- Vanilla – I used vanilla extract, however, a vanilla paste would work as well if that is what you have on hand.
- Eggs – Make sure you are using large-sized eggs
- Salted Butter – You can also use unsalted butter, however, make sure to add a pinch of salt to the cookie dough if that is the case
- Mashed Bananas – Mash the bananas with a fork prior to adding into the batter
Step by Step Instructions to Make Banana Pudding Cookies
The full-detailed instructions are written out in the recipe card below. Use these images to help guide you as needed when following the directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both ingredients provide essential elements to the final product of these Banana Pudding Cookies. The baking soda requires an acidic ingredient (like brown sugar) to activate. This helps the cookie spread and create golden-brown edges. However, the baking powder contains both a base and a dry acid, making these cookies rise higher and have a soft, cake-like texture.
The cookies are done baking when they have nice golden edges, bottom and slightly golden top. The cookie will still be soft but fully cooked through. Let them cool completely before moving and adding the frosting on top.
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe
Ingredients
Banana Pudding Cookies
- 1 cup Salted Butter, softened
- 1/2 cup Instant Banana Pudding Mix
- 3/4 cup Light Brown Sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 medium Banana, mashed
- 2 large Eggs
- 2 cups All Purpose Flour
- 1 tsp Baking Powder
- 1 tsp Baking Soda
- Vanilla Wafer Cookies, crushed, for topping only
Banana Buttercream Frosting
- 1/2 cup Salted Butter, softened
- 3 tbsp Instant Banana Pudding Mix
- 1 1/2 cups Powdered Sugar
- 2 tbsp Heavy Cream
Instructions
- First, let's make the cookies. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, add the softened butter, instant banana pudding mix, light brown sugar and granulated sugar.
- Mix until combined
- Add in the eggs, vanilla and mashed banana
- Mix again
- Slowly mix in the flour, baking powder and baking soda until just combined
- Chill the dough in the fridge for 45-60 minutes
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F
- Scoop the dough with a 2 tbsp cookie scoop and portion on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Bake in the oven for 11-14 minutes or until the edges and bottoms of the cookies are golden
- I had to do 2 separate trays of cookies and I baked them separately to ensure an even bake
- Remove from oven and let cool completely
- Once the cookies are done and cooling, it's time to make the frosting!
- In a large mixing bowl or electric mixer, add the softened butter, banana pudding mix and 1 cup of the powdered sugar
- Mix until fully combined
- Add the remaining powdered sugar and heavy cream
- Mix until fully incorporated. The frosting should be thick but still smooth and creamy to be able to pipe it on the cookies
- Once the cookies are fully cooled, (optional) transfer the frosting to a piping bag and swirl frosting on each one
- Top with crushed vanilla wafer cookies
- Enjoy!