Have you ever craved the comforting flavors of a banana cream pie but wished it came in a soft, chewy cookie form? That’s exactly what inspired these Banana Cream Pie Cookies—a fun twist on a classic banana dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings or a quick sweet treat at home.
With hints of ripe bananas, creamy notes from vanilla pudding mix, and the nostalgic crunch of graham cracker crumbs, these cookies deliver that familiar cream pie flavor in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a family get-together or just want an easy cookie recipe to brighten your day, this one’s sure to become a family favorite dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of classic desserts with a twist, these Banana Cream Pie Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. They capture all the creamy, comforting flavors of a traditional banana cream pie but in a fun, handheld cookie form—perfect for sharing or enjoying on the go.
You’ll love how easy this recipe is to follow, using simple pantry staples like ripe bananas and instant pudding mix to create soft, chewy cookies with a subtle graham cracker crunch. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile: whether you want to keep them plain or dress them up with frosting or toppings, these cookies deliver rich flavor without being overly sweet.
Best of all, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser—great for summer gatherings, potlucks, or an everyday dessert that feels a little special. So if you’re looking for a unique banana dessert that’s simple to make and absolutely delicious, this recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients for Banana Cream Pie Cookies
Before we dive into baking, let’s make sure you have everything you need for these soft, chewy, and flavor-packed Banana Cream Pie Cookies. This ingredient list brings together the best parts of a classic banana dessert with all the fun of an easy cookie recipe.
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour – Gives the cookies structure and helps create that soft, tender bite.
- 1 package (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding mix – Adds flavor and keeps the cookies moist without making the dough heavy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – Essential for that light, slightly chewy texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened – Brings richness and that classic cookie taste. Room temperature butter blends more easily.
- ½ cup granulated sugar – For sweetness and structure.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar – Adds moisture and a hint of caramel-like depth.
- 1 large egg – Binds everything together and helps with structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the pudding mix for that strong vanilla cream flavor.
- ½ cup ripe mashed banana (about 1 medium banana) – The star ingredient for authentic banana flavor.
For the Pie-Like Crunch:
- ¾ cup graham cracker crumbs – Adds texture and that familiar pie crust-inspired flavor.
Optional Toppings (Highly Recommended!):
- Whipped cream or frosting – For a true banana cream pie vibe, a swirl of whipped topping can make all the difference.
- Extra graham cracker crumbs – Sprinkle on top after baking for visual appeal and extra crunch.
Practical Tips:
- Ripe Bananas Work Best: Look for bananas with brown spots—they’re sweeter and mash easily.
- Pudding Mix Note: Be sure to use instant pudding mix, not cook-and-serve. It blends better into the cookie dough and keeps the texture light.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter, egg, and banana should all be at room temp for even mixing and better cookie consistency.
How to Make Banana Cream Pie Cookies
Ready to turn simple ingredients into irresistibly soft and flavorful Banana Cream Pie Cookies? Follow these step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a batch of cookies that tastes like summer in every bite.
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Tools
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Instant vanilla pudding mix
- Baking soda
- Salt
This dry mix is what gives your cookies that signature soft and chewy cookie texture while packing in cream pie flavor from the pudding.
Step 3: Cream the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, using a hand mixer or stand mixer:
- Beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and mashed ripe banana.
- Mix until smooth and fully combined.
Pro Tip: Scrape down the sides of your bowl as needed to ensure everything mixes evenly.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture:
- Mix on low speed until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Fold in graham cracker crumbs with a spatula for that extra layer of texture.
Your dough will be soft and slightly sticky—perfect for scooping!
Scoop and Shape
- Use a medium cookie scoop or tablespoon to portion the dough onto your prepared baking sheets.
- Space the cookies about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- For an extra pie-like crunch, sprinkle a few more graham cracker crumbs on top before baking.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
- Bake in your preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers still look slightly soft (they’ll firm up as they cool).
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 7: Optional Topping
Once cooled, you can:
- Add a small dollop of whipped cream or pipe a swirl of vanilla frosting on top for a true banana cream pie dessert
- Sprinkle with extra graham cracker crumbs for finishing texture and presentation.
Substitutions & Variations
One of the best things about this Banana Cream Pie Cookies recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re working with dietary preferences or simply want to put your own twist on this banana dessert, here are some smart and tasty options:
Ingredient Substitutions
- Butter Substitute:
Out of butter? Swap with margarine or plant-based butter for a dairy-free cookie option. Just note the texture may be slightly softer. - Egg-Free Option:
Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) to create a vegan-friendly cookie. - Banana Boost:
Want a stronger banana flavor? Add ½ teaspoon of banana extract in addition to the mashed banana. - Gluten-Free Version:
Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to keep the texture close to the original while making the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Flavor Variations
If you’re in the mood to get creative, these variations add extra layers of flavor and fun:
- Chocolate Chip Twist:
Fold in ½ cup white chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips for a sweet, creamy bite. - Banana Cream Stuffed Cookies:
For an over-the-top dessert, sandwich a layer of banana cream filling or whipped frosting between two cookies. - Graham Cracker Crust Base:
Press extra graham cracker crumbs into the tops of your cookie dough balls before baking for a stronger pie crust-inspired texture. - Nutty Crunch:
Add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra texture and a slight nutty balance to the sweetness. - Tropical Upgrade:
Toss in sweetened coconut flakes for a tropical take on this banana cream dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Once you’ve baked up a batch of these irresistible Banana Cream Pie Cookies, you’ll want to know the best way to keep them fresh and delicious for days to come. Whether you’re saving leftovers or prepping ahead for a gathering, here’s how to store and reheat your cookies like a pro.
How to Store Banana Cream Pie Cookies
- At Room Temperature:
Place cooled cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay soft and chewy for up to 4 days. To help maintain moisture, add a slice of bread to the container—this old baker’s trick keeps cookies from drying out! - In the Refrigerator:
If you’ve added a frosting or whipped cream topping, store the cookies in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last up to 5 days, but bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor. - Freezing for Later:
Both baked cookies and unbaked cookie dough freeze beautifully:- To freeze baked cookies: Let them cool completely, then layer them between sheets of parchment paper in an airtight container or zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- To freeze the dough: Scoop dough balls onto a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen—just add an extra 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
How to Reheat Cookies
If your cookies have been stored and you want to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel:
- Microwave Method:
Place a cookie on a microwave-safe plate and warm for 5–10 seconds. This revives softness and enhances the banana cream flavor. - Oven Method:
Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). Place cookies on a baking sheet and warm for 5–7 minutes for that slightly crisp edge and soft center.
What to Serve with Banana Cream Pie Cookies
While these Banana Cream Pie Cookies are absolutely delicious on their own, pairing them with the right drink or side can take your dessert game to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or just treating yourself, here are some tasty serving ideas that complement the cookies’ sweet, creamy, and slightly tropical flavor profile.
Beverage Pairings
- Iced Coffee or Cold Brew:
The bold flavors of coffee balance the sweetness of the cookies beautifully, making this combo perfect for an afternoon treat. - Chai Latte or Spiced Tea:
The warm spices in chai create a cozy contrast to the banana cream pie flavors, especially on cooler days. - Milkshakes:
For an extra indulgent dessert, serve these cookies with a vanilla or banana milkshake for a full-on banana dessert experience.
Dessert Platter Ideas
If you’re putting together a summer dessert spread, try pairing your cookies with:
- Fresh Fruit:
Serve with sliced strawberries, fresh banana slices, or tropical fruits like pineapple for a refreshing balance. - Mini Cheesecakes:
A creamy cheesecake bite pairs well with the soft and chewy cookie texture, making for a well-rounded dessert table. - Ice Cream:
Vanilla, banana, or even caramel-flavored ice cream makes a fantastic partner. Try creating a cookie ice cream sandwich with two Banana Cream Pie Cookies for an extra treat!
Fun Party Presentation Ideas
- Cookie Trifle:
Crumble the cookies and layer them with whipped cream, sliced bananas, and pudding for a quick and easy banana cream pie trifle. - Cookie Platter with Dips:
Arrange your cookies on a platter with a side of vanilla or cream cheese frosting for dipping. - Themed Dessert Table:
Planning a summer party? Build a banana dessert-themed table featuring these cookies, banana pudding cups, and banana bread bites.
More Summer Dessert Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re loving these Banana Cream Pie Cookies and want to keep the summer sweetness going, I’ve got a few more dessert ideas that are just as delightful and easy to make. Each recipe captures the fresh, vibrant flavors that make summer desserts so irresistible—perfect for sharing with family and friends or indulging on a warm afternoon.
Try These Next:
- Classic Strawberry Shortcake:
Soft, airy biscuits stacked with juicy strawberries and topped with a cloud of whipped cream. It’s a timeless summer favorite that pairs beautifully with banana-flavored treats. - Peach Cobbler:
Warm, gooey peaches baked under a buttery crust—comfort in every bite and a great way to enjoy seasonal fruit. - Lemon Bars:
Tart and sweet with a buttery shortbread crust, lemon bars provide a refreshing contrast to creamy banana desserts. - No-Bake Key Lime Pie:
A tangy, creamy pie that’s super simple to whip up and requires no oven time—ideal for hot summer days. - Coconut Cream Pie:
If you love the creamy, dreamy texture of banana cream pie, coconut cream pie offers a tropical twist with similar indulgence.
Tips for Exploring New Recipes
- Use Seasonal Fruit:
Swap fruits in these recipes to match what’s freshest at the market—this elevates flavor and supports local growers. - Make It Ahead:
Many summer desserts, like banana cream pie cookies and no-bake pies, can be prepared in advance, giving you more time to enjoy the sunshine. - Balance Flavors:
When pairing desserts, think about balancing sweet, tart, and creamy textures for a more dynamic tasting experience.
FAQs About Banana Cream Pie Cookies
Let’s clear up some common questions about these delightful Banana Cream Pie Cookies so you can bake with confidence and enjoy every bite!
What are the Banana Cream Pie Cookies made of?
These cookies combine classic baking ingredients like all-purpose flour, butter, and sugars with mashed ripe bananas and instant vanilla pudding mix for that rich, creamy texture. The addition of graham cracker crumbs adds a subtle crunch reminiscent of a traditional pie crust.
Is Banana Cream Pie Cookies good?
Absolutely! These soft and chewy cookies bring the classic taste of banana cream pie into a fun, handheld treat. The combination of banana, vanilla, and graham cracker makes for a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing treat that’s both comforting and refreshing.
What are the three types of Banana Cream Pie Cookies?
While there’s no strict categorization, you might find:
- Classic Banana Cream Pie Cookies with pudding and graham crackers (like this recipe).
- Frosted Banana Cream Cookies, topped with whipped cream or cream cheese frosting.
- Stuffed Banana Cream Pie Cookies, which have a creamy filling sandwiched between two cookies for an indulgent twist.
What do you need for Banana Cream Pie Cookies?
The essential ingredients include:
- Ripe bananas
- Instant vanilla pudding mix
- All-purpose flour
- Butter
- Granulated and brown sugars
- Graham cracker crumbs
- Egg and vanilla extract