Banana Pudding Cake Mix Cookies – The Ultimate Soft and Moist Cookie Guide

Banana pudding cake mix cookies are a sweet shortcut to comfort and connection—just like the ones I grew up baking with my mom. I’m Helen, the home cook behind Easy Tasty Kitchen, where I share easy, flavorful recipes inspired by family, love, and tradition.

These cookies were born from a craving for Southern banana pudding and the need for something quick and satisfying. With just a box of cake mix and a packet of banana pudding, I created soft, chewy cookies that feel like home in every bite. Whether you’re baking for family night or just treating yourself, these cookies are the perfect blend of nostalgic flavor and effortless prep.

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What Are Banana Pudding Cake Mix Cookies?

Banana pudding cake mix cookies are soft, chewy cookies made with just cake mix, instant banana pudding, and a few basic ingredients. They capture the creamy, nostalgic flavor of classic banana pudding—all in a simple, no-fuss cookie form.

Loved for their quick prep and rich banana taste, these cookies skip complicated steps but still feel homemade. Thanks to the pudding mix, they stay moist and flavorful for days, making them perfect for busy families or beginner bakers.

If you’ve never tried cookies with banana pudding mix, you’re missing out on one of the easiest, most comforting desserts you can make from a box.

Looking for More Banana Pudding Ideas?

Love the flavor of banana pudding cake mix cookies and want to explore more banana-rich desserts? Here are a few of our reader favorites to satisfy your sweet tooth:

• Don’t miss our Banana Pudding Cupcakes – soft, fluffy, and full of banana flavor in every bite.
• Check out our Banana Pudding Cheesecake Bars – the perfect fusion of creamy cheesecake and classic pudding flavor.
• Try our top-rated Banana Pudding Cake Cups – a portable version of your favorite Southern classic.

Ingredients Breakdown and Why They Matter

The beauty of banana pudding cake mix cookies is how simple yet flavorful they are—thanks to a few key ingredients.

Cake Mix: Start with yellow or banana cake mix. Banana adds bold flavor, while yellow gives a soft, buttery base for your banana pudding cake mix cookies.

Instant Banana Pudding Mix: This is the game-changer. It makes the cookies ultra-soft and chewy by locking in moisture and boosting that rich banana flavor.

Eggs and Oil: Eggs hold the dough together, and oil keeps the texture soft and dense—perfect for chewy cookies that stay fresh longer.

Add-ins: Customize with crushed Nilla wafers, chocolate chips, or nuts for added texture and flavor. These little extras take your banana pudding cake mix cookies from great to unforgettable.

Tip: Always use instant—not cook-and-serve—pudding mix for the best results.

How to Make Banana Pudding Cake Mix Cookies (Step-by-Step)

Simple Steps to the Perfect Banana Pudding Cake Mix Cookies

One of the biggest perks of banana pudding cake mix cookies is how fast they come together. You don’t need a mixer or hours in the kitchen—just one bowl, a spoon, and a little love.

Here’s how to make soft, chewy cookies with bold banana flavor every time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow or banana cake mix (15.25 oz)
• 1 (3.4 oz) box instant banana pudding mix
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• Optional: 1 cup white chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, or crushed Nilla wafers

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix and pudding mix. Add eggs, oil, and vanilla (if using). Stir until everything is well blended. The dough will be thick—don’t worry, that’s normal for banana pudding cake mix cookies.

3. Add Your Extras
Fold in any mix-ins you like: chocolate chips, nuts, or cookie crumbs. This is where you can really make these cookies your own.

4. Scoop and Place
Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave about 2 inches between cookies.

5. Bake
Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underdone, but that’s the secret to keeping them soft.

6. Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. They’ll firm up as they cool—don’t overbake!

Tips for the Best Banana Pudding Cake Mix Cookies

• Don’t overmix the dough. Stir just until combined.
• Don’t overbake. They’ll continue to cook on the sheet after you pull them from the oven.
• Want extra banana flavor? Add ½ tsp banana extract or mashed ripe banana to the dough (just reduce oil slightly).

These cookies are soft, chewy, and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving banana pudding in cookie form.

Customizing Your Cookies – Creative Variations

Banana pudding cake mix cookies are incredibly easy to customize, making them perfect for every taste and occasion.

Add-Ins That Work Magic

Enhance flavor and texture with simple mix-ins:

• White chocolate chips for creamy sweetness
• Crushed Nilla wafers for crunch
• Chopped nuts for a classic Southern twist
• Mini marshmallows for gooey bites

Fun Twists to Try

• Cookie sandwiches: Add cream cheese or frosting between two cookies
• Stuffed centers: Fill dough with peanut butter or Nutella before baking
• Bar version: Press dough into a pan and bake for chewy cookie bars

With just a few changes, your banana pudding cake mix cookie recipe can go from simple to show-stopping.

Banana Pudding Mix Explained – What It Does and Why It Works

The secret to ultra-soft banana pudding cake mix cookies? Instant banana pudding mix.

What It Does:

• Keeps cookies moist longer
• Adds rich banana flavor
• Creates a soft, chewy texture
• Improves structure and thickness

Instant pudding mix contains starches that absorb moisture and fat, making your cookies tender without being cakey.

Pro Tip:

Always use instant pudding mix, not cook-and-serve. It blends straight into the dough and activates during baking—no extra steps needed.

Turning Cake Mix into Cookies from Scratch

No Box? No Problem.

Want to make banana pudding cake mix cookies but don’t have a box of cake mix on hand? No worries—you can create a homemade cake mix from scratch using pantry staples and still get soft, chewy cookies with banana flavor baked in.Baking Tips for Soft Banana Cookies Every Time

How to Turn Cake Mix Into Cookie Dough from Scratch

Here’s a simple DIY substitute for one box of cake mix (about 15.25 oz):

Homemade Cake Mix Base:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• Optional: ½ tsp baking soda (for a little more rise)

Mix these dry ingredients together well. Then use them in place of a boxed cake mix in your banana pudding cake mix cookie recipe.

Adding Pudding Mix to Homemade Cookie Dough

Once your homemade mix is ready, follow the same steps:

1. Add 1 box (3.4 oz) instant banana pudding mix
2. Mix in 2 eggs and ½ cup oil or melted butter
3. Optional: 1 tsp vanilla or banana extract for extra flavor

The result? The same chewy, flavorful cookies with banana pudding mix—just made fully from scratch.

Flavor Tip:

Want a stronger banana flavor? Add ¼ cup mashed ripe banana to the dough and reduce oil slightly to balance the moisture. It makes your soft banana cookies recipe even more flavorful and rich.

Baking Tips for Soft Banana Cookies Every Time

Want perfect banana pudding cake mix cookies every time? Here’s how to keep them soft, chewy, and full of banana flavor:

• Don’t overmix the dough—just stir until combined.
• Use oil for extra chewiness (or melted butter for flavor).
• Slightly underbake so cookies stay moist as they cool.
• Chill the dough for 20 minutes if it’s too sticky—helps control spreading.
• Boost flavor with a little mashed banana or banana extract, but reduce oil slightly.

To keep your soft banana cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or freeze extra dough for future bakes.

Storage, Freezing, and Make-Ahead Tips

Keep Your Banana Pudding Cake Mix Cookies Fresh and Delicious

Once you’ve baked a batch of banana pudding cake mix cookies, you’ll want to make sure they stay soft and flavorful as long as possible. Good news: these cookies store well and freeze beautifully—making them perfect for make-ahead treats or last-minute dessert needs.

How to Store Banana Pudding Cake Mix Cookies

• Room Temperature:
  Store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 5 days. Place a slice of sandwich bread inside the container to help retain moisture and softness.
• Refrigeration:
  Not recommended. The cold can dry them out and dull the banana flavor.
• Softness Tip:
  If your cookies start to harden, microwave them for 6–8 seconds to bring back that warm, chewy texture.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze the Dough:
Scoop dough into balls, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven (just add 1–2 minutes to bake time).

Freeze Baked Cookies:
Cool completely, then freeze in layers separated by parchment paper. Thaw at room temp or reheat in the microwave for a fresh-from-the-oven feel.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Dough can be made 2–3 days in advance and kept chilled in the fridge. Just scoop and bake when ready.
• Bake a double batch and freeze half for busy weeks, potlucks, or surprise guests.

These storage and prep tips ensure your banana pudding cake mix cookie recipe fits into your schedule—without sacrificing texture or flavor.

Where to Use These Cookies (Beyond Snacking)

Banana pudding cake mix cookies aren’t just great for snacking—they’re super versatile too!

Fun Ways to Use Them:

• Party trays & potlucks: Soft, easy to serve, and always a hit
• Lunchbox treats: Kid-approved and mess-free
• Dessert boards: Pair with fruit, dips, or other cookies
• Trifles & parfaits: Crumble into layered banana desserts
• Ice cream sandwiches: Add vanilla ice cream for a frozen twist

These soft banana cookies fit right into any celebration—or just make everyday moments sweeter.

Conclusion

Banana pudding cake mix cookies are the perfect mix of easy, soft, and flavorful. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or craving a quick treat, these cookies deliver comfort and sweetness in every bite. With simple ingredients and endless ways to customize, they’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen—just like they are in mine.

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Banana Pudding Cake Mix Cookies – Your Questions Answered