Homemade Banana Pudding Cookies

Introduction:

Indulge in the delightful fusion of two beloved desserts with our Homemade Banana Pudding Cookies recipe. These cookies offer the perfect blend of creamy banana pudding and the classic charm of freshly baked cookies, creating a treat that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re craving a comforting snack or planning a special dessert for gatherings, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.

Serving and Storage Tips:

1. Serve Fresh: For the best taste and texture, enjoy your Homemade Banana Pudding Cookies fresh out of the oven or cooled to room temperature. They are perfect for serving as a delightful dessert or snack.
2. Store Properly: To maintain their freshness, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help prevent them from becoming stale or losing their flavor.
3. Avoid Moisture: Keep the cookies away from moisture to prevent them from becoming soggy. Placing a piece of bread in the container can help absorb excess moisture and keep the cookies crisp.
4. Freezing Option: If you want to store the cookies for an extended period or make a larger batch in advance, you can freeze them. Place the cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
5. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply remove the desired number of cookies from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are soft and ready to eat.
6. Reheating Option: If you prefer your cookies warm, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave. Place the cookies on a baking sheet and heat them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes, or microwave them for 10-15 seconds until warmed through.
7. Garnish Fresh: If you choose to garnish your cookies with additional sliced bananas or vanilla wafers, it’s best to add them just before serving to maintain their freshness and appearance.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Homemade Banana Pudding Cookies stay fresh, delicious, and ready to delight your taste buds whenever you crave a sweet treat!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup mashed ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 (3.4-ounce) package instant banana pudding mix
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• Optional: Additional sliced bananas and vanilla wafers for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and instant banana pudding mix.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Gently fold in the mashed bananas and white chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. If desired, press a slice of banana or a vanilla wafer onto the top of each cookie for added flair.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the tops are set.
10. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Serve and enjoy these heavenly Homemade Banana Pudding Cookies with a glass of cold milk or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

FAQ’s :

1. Can I use regular pudding mix instead of instant banana pudding mix? While regular pudding mix can be used, it may alter the texture and flavor of the cookies. Instant banana pudding mix is preferred as it provides a stronger banana flavor and helps achieve the desired consistency.
2. Can I substitute ingredients like butter or sugar for a healthier option? You can experiment with substitutes like coconut oil or applesauce for butter, and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for sugar. However, keep in mind that these substitutions may affect the taste and texture of the cookies.
3. How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe? The bananas should be ripe, with yellow peels that are speckled with brown spots. Overripe bananas will provide a stronger banana flavor and natural sweetness to the cookies.
4. Can I freeze the cookie dough for later use? Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for future baking. Simply shape the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until firm. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to bake, allow the dough to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before proceeding with the recipe.
5. Why are my cookies spreading too much during baking? If your cookies are spreading too much, it could be due to several factors such as using melted butter instead of softened butter, not chilling the dough before baking, or baking on a hot baking sheet. To prevent spreading, make sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully and consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
6. Can I add nuts or other mix-ins to the cookie dough? Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, or other mix-ins like shredded coconut or dried fruit. Just be sure to adjust the measurements accordingly to maintain the right consistency of the dough.
7. How long will the cookies stay fresh? When stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the cookies will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer to extend their shelf life, you can freeze the cookies for up to 2-3 months.
8. Can I omit the white chocolate chips from the recipe? Yes, you can omit the white chocolate chips if you prefer. However, they add a delicious sweetness and creamy texture to the cookies, so you may want to consider substituting them with another type of chocolate chips or leaving them out entirely.

Conclusion:

With their irresistible combination of creamy banana pudding and soft, chewy cookie goodness, these Homemade Banana Pudding Cookies are sure to become a new favorite in your household. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a cozy night in or sharing them with friends and family at gatherings, these cookies are guaranteed to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. Give this recipe a try and prepare to be amazed by the deliciousness that awaits!