Indulge in the delightful fusion of two beloved treats with this Banana Pudding Cookies recipe. These soft and chewy cookies capture the essence of creamy banana pudding in each bite. With a burst of banana flavor and a hint of vanilla, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering or simply as a sweet treat for yourself.
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 12 minutes
- Serving: 24 cookies
- Yield: 2 dozen cookies
- Calories: Approximately 150 calories per cookie
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
- Wire rack
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the mashed bananas, eggs, and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Mix until well combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Step 5: Drop rounded tablespoons of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Step 6: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. The centers may still appear slightly soft, but they will firm up as the cookies cool.
Step 7: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the sheets for 5 minutes. Transfer the cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks
- For best results, use ripe bananas with a lot of speckles on the skin. They will have a sweeter and stronger banana flavor.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined to avoid tough cookies.
- If desired, you can add a handful of chopped walnuts or chocolate chips to the cookie dough for extra texture and flavor.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 150 calories per cookie
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
Final Thoughts
These Banana Pudding Cookies offer a delightful twist on traditional cookies, bringing the beloved flavors of banana pudding into a handheld treat. With their soft and chewy texture, these cookies are perfect for banana lovers and cookie enthusiasts alike. Enjoy them with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea for a truly satisfying experience.
FAQ
Q1. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter in the Banana Pudding Cookies recipe?
Yes, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted butter. Just be mindful of the salt content in the recipe and adjust accordingly.
Q2. Can I substitute whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour in the Banana Pudding Cookies recipe?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour as a substitute, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may differ slightly from the original recipe.
Q3. Can I freeze the Banana Pudding Cookies?
Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature before enjoying.
Q4. Can I add chocolate chips or nuts to the Banana Pudding Cookies?
Yes, you can add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the cookie dough for added texture and flavor.
Q5. Can I use margarine instead of butter in the Banana Pudding Cookies recipe?
While it’s possible to use margarine as a substitute for butter, keep in mind that it may affect the flavor and texture of the cookies. Butter is recommended for the best results.
Q6. Can I use a hand mixer instead of an electric mixer for the Banana Pudding Cookies recipe?
Yes, a hand mixer can be used as an alternative to an electric mixer for the Banana Pudding Cookies recipe. Just ensure that the butter and sugars are well creamed and the dough is thoroughly mixed.
Q7. Can I add cinnamon to the Banana Pudding Cookies?
Certainly! If you enjoy the warm and comforting flavor of cinnamon, you can add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for an extra touch of spice in your Banana Pudding Cookies.
Q8. Can I use gluten-free flour in the Banana Pudding Cookies recipe?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute for all-purpose flour in the Banana Pudding Cookies recipe. Make sure to choose a gluten-free flour that is suitable for baking.
Q9. Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the Banana Pudding Cookies?
Yes, you can reduce the amount of granulated sugar and brown sugar in the Banana Pudding Cookies if you prefer a less sweet cookie. However, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor of the final result.
Q10. Can I use banana extract instead of mashed bananas in the Banana Pudding Cookies recipe?
While mashed bananas provide natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies, you can use banana extract as a substitute. Use about 1 teaspoon of banana extract to replace each mashed banana.
Q11. Can I add a cream cheese frosting to the Banana Pudding Cookies?
Absolutely! If you want to elevate the flavor and add a creamy element to the cookies, you can prepare a simple cream cheese frosting and spread a dollop on top of each cooled cookie.
Q12. Can I add other fruits to the Banana Pudding Cookies?
While the recipe focuses on the delicious banana flavor, you can experiment by incorporating other fruits. Diced strawberries, blueberries, or even dried fruits like raisins can be added to the dough for a unique twist.
Q13. Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
Certainly! You can adjust the size of the cookies according to your preference. For smaller cookies, use a heaping teaspoon of dough. For larger cookies, use a heaping tablespoon. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q14. Can I substitute eggs in the Banana Pudding Cookies recipe?
Yes, you can use egg substitutes like mashed bananas, applesauce, or flaxseed meal mixed with water as a replacement for eggs. Keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture of the cookies.
Q15. Can I add a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce on top of the Banana Pudding Cookies?
Absolutely! For an extra decadent touch, you can drizzle caramel or chocolate sauce over the cooled Banana Pudding Cookies. It will add a delightful sweetness and visual appeal.
