If you’re a dessert lover, there’s a good chance you’ve tasted banana pudding or a soft, chewy cookie. But what if we told you that your two favorite treats have come together in a delicious new form? Enter the banana pudding cookie — a mouthwatering mash-up that combines the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding with the irresistible texture of a cookie.
Whether you’re a home baker, a foodie, or just someone looking for a new indulgence, the banana pudding cookie is about to become your new obsession.
What Is a Banana Pudding Cookie?
A banana pudding cookie is exactly what it sounds like: a cookie that captures all the classic flavors of banana pudding. Think ripe banana flavor, creamy vanilla, hints of Nilla wafers, and sometimes even whipped topping—all baked into a chewy cookie form.
These cookies usually have:
- Mashed bananas or banana extract for flavor
- Crushed vanilla wafers for texture
- White chocolate chips for sweetness
- Pudding mix (yes, actual pudding mix!) for that extra soft, moist bite
It’s the kind of cookie that tastes like your childhood but feels brand new.
Why Banana Pudding Cookies Are So Popular
The rise of unique cookie flavors in recent years has given way to fun twists on traditional desserts. The banana pudding cookie has become a social media darling, popping up on TikTok, Pinterest, and foodie blogs for several reasons:
1. Nostalgia Meets Innovation
Banana pudding is a dessert many people associate with childhood or family gatherings. Putting it in cookie form is a fresh take that doesn’t lose the heartwarming feeling of the original.
2. Perfect Texture
Thanks to the pudding mix and banana content, these cookies are soft, chewy, and moist in all the right ways. Every bite feels like comfort food.
3. Versatility
You can make banana pudding cookies in multiple ways—thick or thin, crispy edges or gooey centers, with or without nuts. Some recipes even sandwich two cookies with whipped cream for the ultimate dessert sandwich.
Homemade Banana Pudding Cookie Recipe (Easy & Delicious!)
Want to try your hand at baking these beauties at home? Here’s a simple banana pudding cookie recipe that anyone—even beginners—can follow.
Ingredients:
- 1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, softened
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 banana (mashed)
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix (dry)
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed Nilla Wafers
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugars together in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add egg, vanilla, and mashed banana, mixing until combined.
- Stir in the dry pudding mix, followed by flour, baking soda, and salt.
- Gently fold in crushed Nilla wafers and white chocolate chips.
- Use a cookie scoop to drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Allow cookies to cool on a wire rack before enjoying!
Pro tip: Let the dough chill for 30 minutes before baking for extra thick cookies.
Variations of Banana Pudding Cookies
The beauty of banana pudding cookies is that they’re customizable. Here are a few delicious twists to try:
1. Banana Cream Pie Cookies
Add a small dollop of whipped topping on each cooled cookie and garnish with a mini Nilla wafer on top. It’s like banana cream pie in cookie form.
2. Nutty Banana Pudding Cookie
Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty crunch that complements the banana flavor beautifully.
3. Chocolate Banana Pudding Cookie
Swap the white chocolate chips for milk or dark chocolate chips for a richer, deeper flavor.
4. Vegan or Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free vanilla wafers and flour for a gluten-friendly version. Substitute egg and butter with plant-based alternatives to make it vegan.
Where to Buy Banana Pudding Cookies
Not in the mood to bake? You’re in luck! Several bakeries and online shops offer banana pudding cookies for delivery or pickup. Here are a few options:
- Crave Cookies – Known for their rotating menu of gourmet cookies, often featuring banana pudding.
- Crumbl Cookies – Occasionally releases a banana pudding cookie as a limited-time flavor.
- Goldbelly – Offers nationwide shipping for various banana-based desserts.
- Local Bakeries – Check your area for boutique bakeries; many offer custom banana-inspired flavors.
Tips for the Best Banana Pudding Cookies
To make sure your banana pudding cookies turn out soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, follow these expert tips:
✅ Use ripe bananas
Overripe bananas are sweeter and add more moisture and banana flavor to your dough.
✅ Don’t overmix
Once you add the dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.
✅ Chill your dough
A chilled dough holds its shape better and prevents spreading.
✅ Store properly
Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days. You can also freeze them for longer shelf life.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Dessert for Any Occasion
The banana pudding cookie is more than just a food trend — it’s a comforting, innovative dessert that appeals to both the young and the nostalgic. Whether you bake them from scratch or pick some up from your favorite cookie shop, this delicious fusion is sure to make an impression.