Soft Banana Cream Cookies with Vanilla Filling

If your usual cookie recipes are starting to feel a little too familiar, these Banana Cream Cookies are a fun and flavorful way to change things up. They are sweet, soft in the center, lightly crisp around the edges, and filled with a cozy banana flavor that makes them taste a little like banana bread in cookie form.

After sharing several banana bread recipes and seeing how much readers enjoyed them, especially my Molasses Banana Bread, I wanted to try a different kind of banana dessert. Cookies felt like the perfect choice because they are easy to make, simple to serve, and always welcome on a dessert table.

The result was better than I expected. These Banana Cream Cookies have a lovely banana aroma, a tender bite, and just enough sweetness to make them feel special without being too heavy. The ripe mashed banana gives them natural flavor, while the dry banana pudding mix adds a creamy banana taste and helps create a soft, satisfying texture.

The ingredients are simple and familiar: flour, butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, banana, and pudding mix. The method is also straightforward, so this is a great banana cookie recipe for beginners or anyone who wants a quick homemade dessert with a fruity twist.

I had not made many fruit-based cookies before this recipe, which made the process even more enjoyable. Since banana desserts are always popular with my family, I knew these cookies would be a hit. If you love banana bread, banana pudding, or easy homemade cookies, this recipe is definitely worth trying.

What are Banana Cream Cookies?

Banana Cream Cookies are homemade banana cookies made with ripe mashed banana and dry banana pudding mix. They have the comforting flavor of banana bread, but they are shaped and baked like cookies. The outside becomes lightly crisp as the cookies cool, while the inside stays soft and tender.

This easy banana cookie recipe is a great option when you want something different from classic chocolate chip or sugar cookies. The banana flavor is sweet, warm, and noticeable without being overpowering. They are also simple enough for everyday baking but tasty enough to serve as a dessert for family, friends, or a casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ripe banana, mashed
• ½ cup banana pudding mix (dry)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Whisk
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Cookie scoop or tablespoon
• Wire cooling rack

How to Make Banana Cream Cookies?

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so the cookies bake evenly and are easy to remove.

Step 2:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set the dry mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

Step 3:

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, then mix again until smooth and combined.

Step 4:

Mash the ripe banana well, then stir it together with the dry banana pudding mix until the mixture is smooth. If you want a brighter yellow color, you can add a few drops of yellow food coloring, but this step is completely optional.

Step 5:

Add the banana mixture to the butter mixture, then gradually mix in the dry ingredients. Stir only until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing, as that can make the cookies less tender.

Step 6:

Scoop the cookie dough into small balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Gently press each dough ball to form a slightly flattened circle.

Step 7:

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until they are set and lightly crisp around the edges. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack. The cookies will firm up more as they cool.

Some Tips!

• Use softened butter so it blends smoothly with the sugar and creates a better cookie dough texture.
• Mash the banana very well before adding it to the dough. A smoother banana mixture helps distribute the flavor evenly.
• Do not overmix the dough once the flour has been added. Mix just until everything is combined.
• Let the cookies rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes after baking so they do not break when moved.
• Yellow food coloring is optional. It can make the cookies look brighter, but the flavor will be the same without it.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store leftover Banana Cream Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for up to 4 days. Make sure the container is closed tightly after each serving to help keep the cookies fresh and prevent them from drying out.

What to Eat with Banana Cream Cookies?

These Banana Cream Cookies are delicious on their own, especially once they have cooled and developed a slightly crisp edge. They also pair nicely with simple drinks and desserts. Enjoy them with a warm cup of hot chocolate, a glass of milk, or a fruity smoothie for an easy afternoon treat.

For a more dessert-style serving, try them with a scoop of banana ice cream or another creamy frozen dessert. They also taste great alongside a slice of cheesecake, such as Earl Grey Cheesecake. Since the cookies have a sweet banana flavor, they work well with creamy, chocolatey, or lightly fruity pairings.

FAQ

What are these Banana Cream Cookies made of?

They are made with all-purpose flour, butter, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, ripe banana, and dry banana pudding mix.

What do these cookies taste like?

They taste sweet and creamy with a clear banana flavor. The texture is a little like banana bread turned into a cookie, with soft centers and lightly crisp edges.

Can I use frozen bananas for this recipe?

Fresh ripe bananas are the best choice for this recipe because they give the cookies a better texture and flavor.

Do I have to use food coloring?

No, food coloring is optional. It only makes the cookies look more vibrant and does not change the flavor.

Can I use instant banana pudding mix?

Yes, instant banana pudding mix works well in this Banana Cream Cookies recipe.

How do I make the cookies softer?

For softer cookies, bake them 1 to 2 minutes less. Let them cool on the baking sheet so they can finish setting without becoming too firm.

Can I freeze the dough?

Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough for up to 1 month. Shape it into dough balls before freezing for easier baking later.

Can I add chocolate chips?

Yes, chocolate chips can be added for extra sweetness. Nuts can also be added if you want more texture and flavor.

Can I use a different pudding flavor?

Yes, you can try another pudding flavor such as vanilla or butterscotch for a different version of the cookies.

Conclusion

These Banana Cream Cookies are an easy and delicious banana dessert with a sweet flavor, soft texture, and lightly crisp bite. They are simple to prepare, made with everyday ingredients, and perfect for anyone who enjoys banana bread or banana pudding. If you want a homemade cookie recipe that feels familiar but still a little different, this is a great one to bake and share.