If you love classic banana pudding, you’re going to fall hard for these Banana Pudding Cookies. They take everything you love about the nostalgic dessert—creamy banana flavor, vanilla sweetness, and a hint of wafer crunch—and transform it into a soft, chewy cookie that melts in your mouth.

These cookies are quick to make, require simple ingredients, and are perfect for bake sales, parties, lunchbox treats, or anytime you want a cozy homemade dessert.

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Why You’ll Love These Banana Pudding Cookies

Tastes like banana pudding in cookie form

All the creamy, nostalgic flavor in a handheld treat.

Soft and chewy texture

Pudding mix keeps cookies moist and tender.

Easy to make

No complicated steps or chilling required.

Kid-friendly favorite

Sweet, familiar, and fun to eat.

Great for using ripe bananas

Perfect way to avoid food waste.

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What Are Banana Pudding Cookies?

Banana Pudding Cookies are soft cookies made with:

• Banana pudding mix
• Ripe bananas
• Vanilla wafer crumbs or cookies
• Butter, sugar, and flour

The pudding mix adds intense banana flavor and a soft, bakery-style texture.

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Ingredients

For the cookies

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large ripe banana, mashed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 package (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Mix-ins (optional but recommended)

• 1/2 cup crushed vanilla wafers
• 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

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How to Make Banana Pudding Cookies

Step 1: Preheat oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

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Step 2: Cream butter and sugars

In a large bowl, beat together:

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar

Mix until light and fluffy.

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Step 3: Add wet ingredients

Mix in:

• Mashed banana
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Blend until smooth.

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Step 4: Add pudding mix

Stir in banana pudding mix until fully incorporated.

This step is key for flavor and texture.

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Step 5: Add dry ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt

Gradually add to wet mixture and stir until combined.

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Step 6: Add mix-ins

Fold in:

• Crushed vanilla wafers
• White chocolate chips
• Nuts (optional)

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Step 7: Scoop cookies

Drop spoonfuls of dough onto baking sheet.

Leave space between each cookie.

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Step 8: Bake

Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.

Centers may look soft—that’s perfect.

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Step 9: Cool

Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

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Tips for Perfect Banana Pudding Cookies

Use very ripe bananas

The riper, the sweeter and more flavorful.

Don’t overbake

Cookies continue cooking as they cool.

Use instant pudding mix only

Cook-and-serve will not work properly.

Chill dough if needed

If dough feels too soft, chill for 15–20 minutes.

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Delicious Variations

Banana Cream Pie Cookies 🍌

Add extra vanilla wafers and a white chocolate drizzle.

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Chocolate Banana Pudding Cookies 🍫

Add chocolate chips for a banana-chocolate twist.

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Peanut Butter Banana Cookies 🥜

Swirl in peanut butter for a rich, nutty flavor.

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Banana Nut Cookies 🌰

Increase walnuts or pecans for crunch.

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Banana Coconut Cookies 🥥

Add shredded coconut for tropical flavor.

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What to Serve With Banana Pudding Cookies

These cookies pair perfectly with:

• Cold milk
• Coffee or latte
• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Fresh banana slices

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Storage Instructions

Room temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Refrigerator

Keep fresh for up to 1 week.

Freezer

Freeze baked cookies for up to 2 months.

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Make-Ahead Tips

Cookie dough

Can be refrigerated up to 48 hours before baking.

Freezing dough balls

Freeze raw dough for fresh-baked cookies anytime.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using underripe bananas

Leads to less flavor and sweetness.

Overmixing dough

Can make cookies dense.

Overbaking

Removes softness and moisture.

Skipping pudding mix

This is what gives the signature texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use homemade banana pudding?

For this recipe, instant pudding mix works best for structure and flavor consistency.

Why are my cookies too soft?

Banana adds moisture—make sure to measure accurately and avoid overmixing.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.

Can I reduce sugar?

Yes, but pudding mix already adds sweetness, so adjust carefully.

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Why These Cookies Are So Popular

Banana Pudding Cookies are loved because they combine:

• Nostalgic banana pudding flavor
• Soft, bakery-style texture
• Easy preparation
• Simple ingredients
• Comforting homemade taste

They’re the perfect fusion of cookie and dessert classic.

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Final Thoughts

These Banana Pudding Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with creamy banana flavor in every bite. Inspired by the beloved dessert, they’re easy to make and impossible to resist.

Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, these cookies deliver nostalgic comfort and bakery-quality taste in a simple homemade treat.

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