There is something truly magical about bite-sized treats that combine fresh fruit flavors with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and the Strawberry Banana Cookies Recipe hits that sweet spot perfectly. These cookies carry the bright notes of juicy strawberries and natural sweetness from ripe bananas, all wrapped in a wonderfully soft yet slightly crumbly bite. It’s a recipe that feels like sunshine on your plate, making it a delightful twist on your traditional cookie lineup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Strawberry Banana Cookies Recipe lies in its straightforward and wholesome ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role: the strawberries bring a burst of color and tangy sweetness, bananas offer moisture and natural sugar, while the flour and butter provide structure and rich flavor. Together, they create a balanced cookie that’s both comforting and exciting.
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and diced: These fresh strawberries give the cookies their signature fruity pop and beautiful flecks of color.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice keeps the strawberries vibrant and prevents browning.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base ingredient that offers structure and classic cookie texture.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cookies rise gently and stay soft inside.
- ½ cup sugar, granulated: Adds sweetness without overwhelming the fruit flavors.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the ingredients by balancing the sweetness.
- 8 tablespoons butter, unsalted: The richness that makes these cookies delightfully tender and flavorful.
- 2 medium bananas: Naturally sweet and creamy, perfect for moistening the dough.
- â…” cup milk: Adds moisture and helps bring the dough together smoothly.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest or lemon zest: Adds a citrusy brightness, elevating the overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A warm, aromatic note that rounds out the sweet fruitiness beautifully.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, which will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Get the Strawberries Ready
Clean and dice the fresh strawberries into small pieces. Toss them gently with lemon juice in a bowl; this step not only keeps their color bright but also enhances their natural tanginess.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Next, cut in the unsalted butter with a fork or a knife until the mixture looks like little peas. This technique ensures your cookies will have that perfect crumbly, tender texture.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly with a fork until smooth. Stir in the milk, citrus zest (orange or lemon), and vanilla extract. This wet blend will add moisture and a subtle depth of flavor to your dough.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
Pour the wet banana mixture and strawberries into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Fold everything together gently with a spatula, being careful not to over-mix. Overworking the dough could make your cookies tough, so we want to keep things light and tender.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop the cookie dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each as they will spread slightly during baking. Then, bake for 25 minutes, until they’re lightly golden and set.
Step 7: Cool Completely
Once out of the oven, transfer your cookies to a wire rack to cool fully. This step is essential to let them firm up just enough while maintaining that soft texture that makes these strawberry banana cookies so irresistible.
How to Serve Strawberry Banana Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly sliced strawberries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar add an elegant touch and enhance the fruity appeal. You can also consider a light drizzle of white chocolate for a sweet contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a steaming cup of herbal tea, a glass of cold milk, or even a dollop of vanilla Greek yogurt. The creamy accompaniments help balance the natural fruitiness and make for a satisfying snack.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these cookies as part of a dessert platter alongside fresh fruit and small scoops of ice cream. They also make charming gifts when packaged in clear jars tied with a ribbon—perfect for sharing your love of this recipe with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This way, they stay soft and flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to two months and thaw quickly whenever a craving hits.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm, heat them in a microwave for about 15 seconds or pop them briefly in a preheated oven at 300°F. This brings back their tender, fluffy texture just like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid adding excess moisture to the dough.
What if I don’t have orange or lemon zest?
If you don’t have citrus zest on hand, you can skip it or substitute with a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a different but delicious flavor profile.
Are these cookies suitable for kids?
Absolutely! These cookies are soft, naturally sweetened with bananas and strawberries, and made with wholesome ingredients that little ones will love.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option?
Yes, a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can be used, but the texture might be slightly different. It’s best to follow the blend instructions for best results.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Ensure your butter is cold when cutting it into the flour and avoid over-mixing the dough. Chilling the dough briefly before baking can also help keep the cookies from spreading too thin.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to delight yourself with a sweet treat that feels both fresh and comforting, do not hesitate to try this Strawberry Banana Cookies Recipe. It’s an approachable bake with a unique twist that transforms simple ingredients into a truly memorable snack. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Strawberry Banana Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully soft and fruity Strawberry Cookies, combining fresh strawberries, ripe bananas, and citrus zest to create a unique and flavorful treat. These cookies are lightly sweetened and baked to a perfect golden finish, making them an irresistible snack or dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and diced
- 2 medium bananas
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest or lemon zest
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ cup sugar, granulated
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons butter, unsalted
- â…” cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Strawberries: Clean and chop the strawberries, then place them in a bowl and add the lemon juice to keep them fresh and enhance flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients with Butter: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in the unsalted butter with a fork or knife until the mixture resembles peas, ensuring a crumbly texture.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In another bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly with a fork. Add the milk, citrus zest, and vanilla extract and mix well to combine all flavors.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Add the wet ingredients and strawberries to the dry mixture. Gently fold everything together using a spatula, taking care not to over-mix to keep cookies tender.
- Shape Cookies: Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing the cookies a couple of inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake and Cool: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the cookies for 25 minutes until golden brown. Remove and cool completely on a wire rack for best texture.
Notes
- Handle the dough gently to avoid over-mixing, which can cause tough cookies.
- Using fresh, ripe bananas adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies.
- Lemon juice prevents strawberries from becoming mushy and helps retain their color.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
