Oh, I can’t wait to share this Banana Cream Pie Cookies Recipe with you! These cookies are like borrowing a slice of southern comfort and turning it into a handheld treat. The moment I tried them, I was hooked—the soft texture and that subtle banana cream pudding flavor swirled with crispy bits of graham cracker and melted white chocolate make these cookies truly special.

What makes this Banana Cream Pie Cookies Recipe worth trying (and bookmarking forever) is how quick and easy it is to throw together, yet it delivers those layers of flavor and texture that always impress. Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon treat, a cozy tea party, or just because you deserve a sweet snack, these cookies always hit the spot with minimal fuss.

🧡

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Rich Flavor without Fuss: The instant banana cream pudding mix gives these cookies a delightful banana flavor without needing fresh bananas or extra prep.
  • Perfect Texture: Soft, chewy centers balanced by crunchy graham cracker chunks and melted white chocolate chips for an irresistible bite.
  • Quick to Make: You’ll be baking these beauties in no time – they come together in just minutes and bake fast too.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: My family and friends always ask for these at get-togethers; they’re a fun twist on a classic pie in cookie form.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Banana Cream Pie Cookies Recipe plays a role in building flavor and texture. From buttery dough to crunchy grahams and sweet white chocolate, here’s what you need and why it works.

  • Unsalted butter: I prefer unsalted so I can control the saltiness; room temperature butter creams up perfectly for the soft cookie base.
  • Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with that light texture.
  • Brown sugar: Packed brown sugar adds moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
  • Eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
  • Vanilla extract: A tiny splash enhances the overall flavor complexity.
  • All-purpose flour: The cookie’s structure depends on this; spoon and level it for accuracy to avoid dry or dense cookies.
  • Instant banana cream pudding mix: The star of the show—this gives that unmistakable banana cream pie taste and soft texture without extra effort.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
  • Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just right and become tender.
  • White chocolate chips: Melts beautifully and adds a smooth sweetness that pairs perfectly with banana.
  • Chopped graham crackers: Adds a bit of crunch and simulates that classic pie crust vibe.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love mixing things up depending on the season or who I’m baking for. This Banana Cream Pie Cookies Recipe is super versatile, so don’t hesitate to customize it for your taste buds.

  • Swap the white chocolate chips for dark chocolate: I tried this once and it gave the cookies a deeper, slightly bittersweet contrast that my husband adored.
  • Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour—just make sure it’s a cup-for-cup replacement to keep the texture spot on.
  • Add chopped nuts: Pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor if you want a little extra texture.
  • Banana extract boost: For a more pronounced banana flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of banana extract alongside the vanilla.

How to Make Banana Cream Pie Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheets

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your cookie sheets with parchment paper or silicone liners. I always find this step makes clean-up a breeze and stops the bottoms from browning too fast—something I learned the hard way!

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars Until Light and Fluffy

In a large bowl, beat the room temperature butter with both sugars until the mixture is light and creamy—this usually takes about 2 minutes with an electric mixer. You’ll notice the change in texture and color, and that’s your indicator that it’s just right. Don’t rush this part because it makes a huge difference in your cookies’ softness.

Step 3: Mix in Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing just until combined after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. This step keeps your dough from overmixing which helps keep the cookies tender.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough

Incorporate the all-purpose flour, dry banana cream pudding mix, salt, and baking soda. Stir everything until there’s no more flour streaks and the dough feels soft but holds its shape. When you fold in the chopped graham crackers and white chocolate chips, do so gently but thoroughly so every bite gets a little of that crunch and melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.

Step 5: Scoop, Bake, and Cool

Scoop the dough into 2 tablespoon-sized portions and roll them into smooth balls. Place about 8 cookies per baking sheet, spaced 2 inches apart—they’ll spread a little but not too much. Bake for 8-9 minutes until the edges turn a subtle golden brown and the tops are mostly set. If they look a little soft, that’s perfect; letting them cool on the sheet for 8 minutes helps them finish baking without overdoing it. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Banana Cream Pie Cookies Recipe

  • Measure Flour Accurately: I discovered spoons and levels are the best way to keep the dough soft and avoid dry cookies instead of scooping straight from the bag.
  • Don’t Overbake: These cookies look slightly underdone when they come out, but cooling on the baking sheet finishes the bake and keeps them delightfully chewy.
  • Chill Dough If Needed: If your kitchen is warm or your dough feels too sticky, chilling for 15-20 minutes helps manage the shape when scooping.
  • Use Fresh Pudding Mix: Older pudding mix can lose flavor and texture, so I always check expiration dates for the best banana punch.

How to Serve Banana Cream Pie Cookies Recipe

Banana Cream Pie Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a tiny pinch of crushed graham cracker and a few white chocolate shavings on top of the cookies before baking to amp up the visual appeal and crunch. Sometimes, a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving adds a little extra charm and sweetness.

Side Dishes

These Banana Cream Pie Cookies pair beautifully with a cup of black coffee or a glass of cold milk—my go-to combo! If you want to get fancy, I’ve served them alongside vanilla bean ice cream, which feels like a mini banana cream pie sundae.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like arranging these cookies on a pretty platter with fresh banana slices and bits of graham cracker scattered around, like styling a mini pie display. Wrapping them individually in cellophane tied with a ribbon also makes a lovely homemade gift that friends always appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store the Banana Cream Pie Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. I’ve found they stay soft and fresh for up to 4 days—if they start to firm up, just pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes before serving.

Freezing

These cookies freeze great! Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked softness.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftover Banana Cream Pie Cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to revive their chewiness without drying out the white chocolate chips. Avoid microwaving if you can—it can sometimes make the texture too soft or melt the chips unevenly.

FAQs

  1. Can I substitute fresh bananas for the pudding mix in this Banana Cream Pie Cookies Recipe?

    While fresh bananas add natural flavor and moisture, they won’t create the same creamy, concentrated banana cream pie taste that the instant pudding mix provides. If you want to use fresh bananas, you may need to adjust the flour amount to compensate for extra moisture and consider adding vanilla pudding powder for that iconic flavor.

  2. What’s the best way to crush graham crackers for this cookie recipe?

    I like to place graham crackers in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin until I get a mix of small chunks and fine crumbs. This variation in size adds great texture without overpowering the cookies.

  3. Can I make these cookies dairy-free or vegan?

    To make Banana Cream Pie Cookies dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use dairy-free white chocolate chips. Vegan adaptations could also include using flax eggs or your favorite egg replacer, although the texture and flavor might change slightly.

  4. How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?

    Make sure your butter is at room temperature but not too soft or melting. Also, chilling the dough briefly before baking can help maintain thicker cookies. Using parchment paper and spacing the dough balls well apart will also keep them from merging during baking.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Banana Cream Pie Cookies Recipe transforms familiar pie flavors into a fun and easy cookie format. It’s one of those recipes I keep returning to when I want a simple way to impress or satisfy a sweet craving. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself making these cookies for every occasion, just like I do!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Banana Cream Pie Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 78 reviews
  • Author: Paula
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 9 minutes
  • Total Time: 14 minutes
  • Yield: 24 cookies
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Banana Cream Pie Cookies combine the creamy sweetness of banana pudding with the crunchy texture of graham crackers and the richness of white chocolate chips. Soft and chewy with a slight golden edge, these cookies are perfect for dessert or a special treat.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Cookie Dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks, room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 cups + 2 tbsp all purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
  • 3.4 oz package instant banana cream pudding mix (dry, not prepared)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp baking soda

Add-ins

  • 1 1/4 cups white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chopped graham crackers (about 5 graham crackers, crumbled into small pieces)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone liner to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This usually takes about 2 minutes using an electric mixer.
  3. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs and vanilla extract into the butter and sugar mixture. Mix just until combined, being careful not to over-mix.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl or directly into the wet mixture, add the all-purpose flour, instant banana cream pudding mix, salt, and baking soda. Stir everything together until you achieve a soft, cohesive dough.
  5. Fold in Graham Crackers and White Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chopped graham crackers and white chocolate chips into the dough, ensuring even distribution without overworking it.
  6. Form Cookie Balls: Using about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, scoop and roll into smooth balls for uniform size and baking.
  7. Arrange Cookies: Place approximately 8 cookie dough balls onto each prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  8. Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 9 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops are just set but might look slightly underdone.
  9. Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 8 minutes to finish cooking internally, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • Do not overbake the cookies; they will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
  • Using room temperature butter helps achieve a creamy consistency for the dough.
  • Measure flour accurately by spooning into the measuring cup and leveling off to avoid a dry, dense cookie.
  • For a more intense banana flavor, you can add a small amount of mashed ripe banana if desired.
  • Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cookie
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 110mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star