If you’ve ever scooped into a bowl of creamy, cool banana pudding layered with vanilla wafers and sliced bananas, you already know it’s more than dessert—it’s nostalgia in a dish. Now imagine all that goodness reimagined in a chewy, buttery cookie. That’s the joy of this banana pudding cookie recipe—a bite-sized, oven-baked celebration of Southern tradition with a fun, modern twist.
👵 A Cookie Inspired by Southern Roots
Banana pudding has deep roots in Southern American cuisine. Though bananas became widely available in the U.S. only in the late 19th century, it wasn’t long before inventive Southern cooks incorporated them into custards and puddings layered with sponge cakes and, eventually, vanilla wafers.
In our home, desserts were sacred. Though I come from an Italian family known for cannoli and panettone, summers were a time of culinary fusion. My grandmother adored American classics, and banana pudding was one of her favorite Southern treasures. It started with a box of instant pudding and ended with a plate of cookies that won over even the most stubborn biscotti lovers.
These banana pudding cookies were a family experiment that quickly became a staple—bright, banana-flavored cookies studded with white chocolate chips and crushed vanilla wafers. They’ve graced summer BBQs, baby showers, and church bake sales, earning fans of all ages.
🍌 Why This Banana Pudding Cookie Recipe is a Must-Try
- Instant banana pudding mix gives the cookies an intense, authentic flavor
- No chilling needed—you can bake them right away
- Crushed vanilla wafers offer a nostalgic crunch
- White chocolate chips add a creamy, dreamy sweetness
- Perfect for summer picnics, school lunches, or midnight snacks
- Brings together tradition and innovation in every bite
🧺 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2¼ cups (280g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed vanilla wafers (plus more for garnish)
📝 Use instant pudding only—not cook-and-serve!
🧑🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prepare
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream the Butters & Sugars
Beat butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2–3 minutes.
3. Add the Banana Flavor Boost
Beat in dry banana pudding mix. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir into wet mixture.
5. Fold in the Goodies
Fold in white chocolate chips and crushed vanilla wafers.
6. Scoop & Bake
Scoop dough by the tablespoon and place 2 inches apart. Bake 9–11 minutes.
7. Cool & Garnish
Cool on sheet 5 minutes, then move to wire rack. Top with extras while warm if desired.
🧁 Pro Tips for Cookie Success
- Room temperature butter is essential for proper creaming.
- Slightly underbake for soft centers.
- Add ½ mashed banana to increase flavor—reduce butter by 2 tbsp.
🍽 How to Serve Banana Pudding Cookies
- Pair with banana or vanilla ice cream
- Create ice cream sandwiches
- Serve with pudding dip on a cookie tray
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Instructions
- Store: Airtight container, up to 5 days
- Freeze dough: Scoop and freeze, bake directly (add 1–2 min)
- Freeze cookies: Wrap tightly, store up to 2 months
🧑🔬 The Science Behind Banana Pudding Mix
- Cornstarch retains moisture for a chewy texture
- Flavorings in the mix add a banana punch
- No need to chill thanks to pudding’s stabilizers
🧁 Variations & Add-Ins
- Add chopped nuts or toasted coconut
- Mix in mini marshmallows or peanut butter chips
- Drizzle cooled cookies with caramel sauce
- Use chocolate pudding for a twist
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free wafers.
Can I use cook-and-serve pudding?
No. Only instant pudding works in this dough.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! It’s freezer-friendly.
How can I increase banana flavor?
Add banana extract or mash in ripe banana (adjust butter accordingly).
💛 Wrapping It Up
Whether you’re a banana pudding purist or just love trying new cookie creations, this banana pudding cookie recipe is for you. It’s simple, satisfying, and filled with Southern charm—perfect for summer days or any day you need a little sunshine.
Bake a batch, share them with friends, and savor that golden banana goodness in every bite.