If you’re looking for a delightful treat that bursts with fresh fruit flavors and soft, chewy texture, you have to try this Strawberry Banana Cookies Recipe. It’s a heartwarming combination where sweet strawberries and ripe bananas come together to create cookies that feel like a hug in every bite. Whether you’re making them for an afternoon snack or a special gathering, these cookies blend fruity freshness with a tender crumb that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building flavor, moisture, and the perfect cookie texture. From the juicy strawberries to the fragrant zest, every element makes these cookies shine.
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and diced: Fresh strawberries add a natural sweetness and lovely bursts of color throughout the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: A touch of lemon juice brightens the strawberry flavor and balances the sweetness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives the cookies their structure and tenderness.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to be soft and fluffy, not dense.
- ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds subtle sweetness without overpowering the natural fruit flavors.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps create that irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 medium bananas: Mashing these brings moisture and a gentle fruity sweetness, making the cookies tender and soft.
- â…” cup milk: Moistens the dough and blends all ingredients smoothly.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest or lemon zest: Adds a fresh burst of citrus aroma that lifts the cookie flavor to another level.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and brings warmth to the dough.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step ensures your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly.
Step 2: Prep the Strawberries
Gently clean and dice the strawberries, then toss them with lemon juice in a bowl. The lemon keeps the strawberries vibrant and adds a bit of tartness that plays wonderfully with the bananas.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Cut in Butter
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Then, incorporate the cold butter by cutting it in with a fork or knife until the mixture looks like little peas. This step is key for a tender crumb with tiny buttery pockets.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
Mash the bananas until smooth, then blend in the milk, citrus zest, and vanilla extract. This mixture provides moisture and infuses the cookies with warm, fruity notes.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Add the wet banana mixture and the strawberry-lemon bowl into the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything using a spatula, but be careful not to overmix—overworking the dough can make the cookies tough.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Use a cookie scoop to form dough balls and place them evenly spaced on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for about 25 minutes until they’re lightly golden and set. After baking, let the cookies cool on a wire rack; that’s when they develop their perfect chewy texture.
How to Serve Strawberry Banana Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle a few finely chopped fresh strawberries on top of each cookie right after baking, or dust them lightly with powdered sugar. A small dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting also pairs deliciously.
Side Dishes
These cookies go wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. For a brunch spread, serve them alongside fresh fruit salad or yogurt parfaits—the fruity synergy is unbeatable.
Creative Ways to Present
Try sandwiching the cookies with a spread of vanilla buttercream or strawberry jam to create irresistible cookie sandwiches. They also look festive stacked with a drizzle of melted chocolate on top for celebrations or a casual tea party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten Strawberry Banana Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and flavorful for up to three days, making them a perfect grab-and-go snack.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies fresh longer, freeze them in a sealed freezer bag. They can easily last up to two months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet treat.
Reheating
Warm your cookies for about 10 seconds in the microwave or pop them in a warm oven for a few minutes to revive that freshly baked softness and melt-in-your-mouth feel.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that can affect the dough’s consistency.
What if I don’t have fresh bananas?
Ripe bananas are best for natural sweetness and moisture. If you don’t have fresh ones, thawed frozen bananas work well too.
Can I substitute the butter with oil?
Butter gives the best flavor and texture, but you can use coconut oil or vegetable oil for a different twist, though it might slightly change the texture.
How do I make these cookies gluten-free?
Swap the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend, and keep an eye on baking time as it may vary.
Are these cookies vegan-friendly?
Not as is, since they use butter and milk. However, you can substitute with plant-based alternatives like vegan butter and almond milk without sacrificing taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Strawberry Banana Cookies Recipe that makes it easy to fall in love with. The blend of sweet fruit, citrus zest, and buttery softness is simply unbeatable. If you want to impress friends or treat yourself to a cozy homemade snack, give this recipe a try—you’ll be so glad you did!
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
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these soft and fruity Strawberry Cookies, perfectly balanced with fresh strawberries, ripe bananas, and citrus zest. These homemade cookies offer a tender texture and a burst of natural sweetness, ideal for a wholesome treat or snack.
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 oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the cookies bake evenly and don’t stick.
- Prepare strawberries: Clean and chop the strawberries, then place them in a bowl and add the lemon juice. This helps preserve their color and adds a subtle tang.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in the unsalted butter using a fork or knife until the mixture resembles peas, creating a crumbly texture essential for tender cookies.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, mash the bananas thoroughly with a fork. Then add the milk, citrus zest, and vanilla extract and mix well to blend the flavors.
- Combine all: Add the wet mixture and the strawberries to the dry ingredient bowl. Gently mix using a spatula until combined, being careful not to over-mix to keep the cookies light and tender.
- Form cookies: Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 25 minutes until the cookies are golden and cooked through. Remove and let cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness and moisture.
- Do not over-mix the dough to keep the cookies soft.
- You can substitute orange zest for lemon zest based on your flavor preference.
- Allow cookies to cool fully to firm up before handling.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
