Description
Delight in these Banana Pudding Cookies that perfectly capture the nostalgic flavors of banana pudding in a soft, sandwich-style cookie. Featuring creamy vanilla and banana-flavored filling nestled between buttery cookies with crushed vanilla wafer accents, this recipe offers a deliciously sweet treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon banana extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup instant vanilla pudding mix (small box)
- 1 cup mini vanilla wafer cookies, crushed
Filling Ingredients
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon banana extract
- 1/2 cup mini vanilla wafer cookies, crushed (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to combine.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for the dough.
- Add Eggs and Extracts: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then add the vanilla and banana extracts along with the instant vanilla pudding mix, mixing until incorporated.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually fold the flour mixture into the wet ingredients just until combined. Gently mix in the crushed mini vanilla wafer cookies for texture and flavor.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Drop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the cookie edges turn golden and the centers are set.
- Cool the Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preparing them for assembly.
- Prepare the Filling: Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is fluffy. Then mix in vanilla and banana extracts for a rich, flavorful filling.
- Assemble the Cookies: Spread or pipe the prepared filling onto the bottom side of one cookie and sandwich with another cookie. Roll the edges of the cookie sandwich in crushed mini vanilla wafer cookies for an added crunchy texture and decorative finish.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth and creamy dough.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
- The instant pudding mix adds moisture and banana pudding flavor but can be substituted with homemade pudding if desired.
- Use mini vanilla wafers for the best texture in the dough and for decoration.
- For best results, allow cookies to cool completely before assembling to prevent the filling from melting.
