Banana Cream Pie Cookies: The Incredible Ultimate Recipe

Banana Cream Pie Cookies are an amazing fusion of two beloved desserts, transforming the classic banana cream pie into bite-sized cookies. These delightful treats balance the comforting flavor of ripe bananas with a creamy filling that has made the traditional pie a favorite for generations. Each cookie is soft and chewy, perfectly reminiscent of the pie’s silky texture, topped with an easy banana frosting to deliver a delightful surprise with every bite. This incredible recipe will quickly become a go-to for those who crave something sweet yet comforting.
If you’re a banana lover like I am, these cookies are about to become your new obsession. They embody the essence of a banana cream pie while being portable and easy to share. The fun texture, coupled with the rich flavors of banana and cream, creates a delightful cookie that delivers nostalgia in every morsel. This is a dessert that not only pleases the palate but also brings a smile to the face of anyone who bites into them. Let’s delve into why you’ll absolutely adore this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love Banana Cream Pie Cookies, making them an irresistible choice for any gathering or simply to enjoy at home. Here are some reasons why this recipe is so wonderful:
1. Unique Flavor Combination: The harmonization of banana, vanilla, and cream creates a rich taste that’s hard to beat.
2. Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, requiring minimal special shopping.
3. Quick Preparation: These cookies can be made quickly, ideal for those who need a fast and satisfying dessert.
4. Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or chilled; they are delightful either way.
5. Great for any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual get-together, a family gathering, or a picnic, these cookies will impress.
6. Kid-Friendly: Children adore the sweet and creamy flavors, making them a hit with little ones.
These cookies encapsulate the joy of both banana cream pie and cookies in a fun and easy-to-eat format, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Making Banana Cream Pie Cookies is quick and easy. Here’s a breakdown of the time you’ll need:
– Preparation Time: 15 minutes
– Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
– Total Time: About 25-30 minutes
With such a quick turnaround, you can enjoy these cookies any time you desire!

Ingredients

– 1 cup ripe bananas (about 2 medium bananas), mashed
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup vanilla pudding mix (instant)
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
– 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (optional)

For the Frosting

– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup mashed banana (fresh)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating Banana Cream Pie Cookies is a simple yet rewarding process. Follow these steps to make these delightful treats:
1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed bananas, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter. Mix until smooth.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture and continue to blend until fully incorporated.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and vanilla pudding mix.
5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
6. Add Extras: If you’d like extra texture, fold in the chopped nuts and mini chocolate chips.
7. Scoop Dough: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about two inches apart.
8. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are slightly golden.
9. Cool: Remove the cookies from the oven and allow them to cool on the sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Make Frosting: While the cookies cool, prepare the frosting by beating the softened butter in a mixing bowl. Gradually add powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and mashed banana until smooth and creamy.
11. Frost Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, spread a generous layer of frosting on top of each cookie for a creamy finish.
This simple process captures the essence of banana cream pie in cookie form, and before you know it, you’ll have a delectable batch ready to share.

How to Serve

To elevate your Banana Cream Pie Cookies and make the experience truly unforgettable, consider the following serving suggestions:
1. Presentation: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful serving platter or cake stand. A neat arrangement can make even simple treats look gourmet.
2. Garnish: Add a sprinkle of crushed nuts or mini chocolate chips on the frosting for extra texture and flavor.
3. Pairing: Serve them alongside a glass of cold milk or a steaming cup of coffee to balance the sweetness of the cookies.
4. Chill: For a refreshing twist, consider chilling the cookies briefly in the fridge before serving. This enhances the creamy frosting.
5. Portion Size: Cut the cookies in half if you desire smaller bites, which encourages guests to have more than one.
These simple yet effective serving tips will ensure that your Banana Cream Pie Cookies are not only delicious but also a beautiful centerpiece of your dessert table. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures with friends and family!

Additional Tips

– Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your cookies will be. Look for bananas with plenty of brown spots for maximum flavor.
– Don’t Overmix: Once you add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies.
– Experiment with Toppings: Aside from frosting, you could top the cookies with a drizzle of melted chocolate or even a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs for added texture.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to get creative with your Banana Cream Pie Cookies! Here are some delicious variations to try:
1. Chocolate Banana Cream Pie Cookies: Add cocoa powder to the dough for a chocolatey twist. Replace some flour with the cocoa powder for even more flavor.
2. Coconut Addition: Mix in shredded coconut for a tropical twist that adds both flavor and texture.
3. Peanut Butter Cream Frosting: Make frosting with peanut butter instead of solely banana for a nutty flavor that complements the banana cookies perfectly.

Freezing and Storage

– Storage: Keep these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. They will stay fresh and delicious!
– Freezing: You can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Make sure they are completely cooled before placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag.

Special Equipment

You don’t need anything fancy to make these cookies, but having the following items will make the process smoother:
– Mixing bowls
– Baking sheet
– Parchment paper
– Cookie scoop or tablespoon
– Electric mixer for making frosting
– Wire rack for cooling

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen bananas?
Yes! Frozen bananas work well, but be sure to defrost them and drain any excess moisture before using them in the recipe.
Do I have to add nuts or chocolate chips?
No, both of these ingredients are optional. Feel free to omit them or replace them with something you prefer.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
The cookies are done when the edges are slightly golden and the centers are set. They may look a bit undercooked, but they will continue to firm up as they cool.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a tasty gluten-free version.
What type of bananas are best for baking?
Choose ripe bananas for baking, as they are sweeter and easier to mash, which enhances the flavor of your cookies.

Conclusion

Banana Cream Pie Cookies are not just delightful treats; they encapsulate the nostalgia and deliciousness of a classic dessert in a portable format. With a unique combination of flavors and a texture that mimics a creamy pie, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests or satisfying a sweet tooth, these cookies will easily become a staple in your baking repertoire, delighting everyone who tries them!

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