Description
These Southern Banana Pudding Cookies are a delightful treat that captures the creamy, sweet flavors of classic banana pudding in a soft, chewy cookie. Enhanced with vanilla pudding mix and optional chocolate chips, these cookies are perfect for a comforting dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix
Wet Ingredients
- 2 medium ripe bananas, mashed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Optional & Garnishes
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Whipped cream for serving
- Banana slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and instant vanilla pudding mix. Set this mixture aside to be added later to the wet ingredients.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Bananas: Beat in the egg and mashed ripe bananas until fully incorporated. Mix in the vanilla extract to deepen the flavor profile.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies soft. If using, fold in chocolate chips gently for an extra burst of flavor.
- Form Cookies and Bake: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are set but still soft.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, lightly dust with powdered sugar. Top each cookie with a dollop of whipped cream and a slice of banana for an elegant and tasty finish. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure bananas are ripe for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Do not overmix the dough once adding the dry ingredients to maintain a soft texture.
- Chocolate chips are optional but add a complementary flavor and texture.
- Cookies are best stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For a stronger banana flavor, consider adding a small amount of banana extract.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American
