Name: Banana Pudding Cookie Sandwiches (Soft, Creamy, Bakery-Style Treat)
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; ¾ cup light brown sugar, packed; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract; 2 large eggs; 2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour; 1 (3.4 oz) package banana-flavored instant pudding mix; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 tablespoons dry banana instant pudding mix; 3–4 cups powdered sugar; 2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; Crushed vanilla wafer cookies

Ingredients

Scale

For the Banana Cookies

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
¾ cup light brown sugar, packed
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour
1 (3.4 oz) package banana-flavored instant pudding mix
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt

For the Banana Pudding Filling

½ cup unsalted butter, softened
2 tablespoons dry banana instant pudding mix
3–4 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnish

Crushed vanilla wafer cookies

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract and eggs, mixing until fully incorporated.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, banana pudding mix, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined.

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets, spacing evenly. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft. Allow cookies to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 4: Prepare the Filling

Beat the softened butter until creamy. Add dry banana pudding mix and vanilla extract. Gradually mix in powdered sugar, alternating with milk or cream, until the filling is smooth, fluffy, and spreadable.

Step 5: Assemble the Sandwiches

Pair cookies of similar size. Spread or pipe a generous layer of banana pudding filling onto the flat side of one cookie, then top with another cookie to form a sandwich. Roll edges in crushed vanilla wafers if desired.

Notes

Do not overbake the cookies—softness is key.
Allow cookies to cool completely before filling to prevent melting.
Adjust powdered sugar for desired filling thickness.
Use a piping bag for a clean, bakery-style finish.