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Southern Banana Pudding Cookies Recipe

3.8 from 74 reviews

Southern Banana Pudding Cookies combine the classic flavors of banana pudding in a soft, chewy cookie form. These delightful treats feature mashed ripe bananas, instant vanilla pudding mix, and optional chocolate chips, baked to golden perfection and garnished with powdered sugar, whipped cream, and fresh banana slices for a nostalgic Southern dessert experience.

Ingredients

Scale

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 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients

  • ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Whipped cream for serving
  • Banana slices for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and instant vanilla pudding mix until thoroughly combined. Set aside.
  3. 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.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and mashed ripe bananas into the creamed mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract until everything is well combined.
  5. Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing. If using, fold in the chocolate chips gently.
  6. Form Cookies: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  7. Bake Cookies: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the centers are set but soft.
  8. Cool the Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  9. Decorate: Once cooled, lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a sweet finish.
  10. Serve: Top each cookie with a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh banana slice for garnish. Enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Ensure bananas are ripe for the best flavor and sweetness.
  • Do not overmix the dough after adding dry ingredients to keep cookies tender.
  • Chocolate chips are optional but add a nice contrast to the banana flavor.
  • Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with plant-based margarine and use dairy-free pudding mix and whipped cream.

Keywords: banana pudding cookies, southern dessert, soft cookies, banana dessert, vanilla pudding cookies