If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings together the sweet, sunny flavors of summer, this Strawberry Banana Cookies Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. These cookies are the perfect balance of soft, fruity goodness with just the right amount of crumbly texture, making every bite a little celebration. Combining fresh strawberries, ripe bananas, and a hint of citrus zest, this recipe is not only easy to make but also bursting with vibrant color and irresistible flavor. You won’t want to miss baking up these cheerful cookies that capture the best parts of fresh fruit in a warm, cozy treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each bring their own special touch, from the natural sweetness of the bananas to the bright freshness of the strawberries. Together, they create a cookie that’s moist, flavorful, and a joy to eat.
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and diced: Fresh strawberries add juicy bursts of flavor and lovely color throughout the cookies.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Lemon juice brightens the fruit, balancing sweetness with a subtle tang.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for structure, giving these cookies their tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cookies rise up perfectly fluffy and light.
- ½ cup sugar, granulated: Adds just enough sweetness to enhance without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt brings out all the flavors beautifully.
- 8 tablespoons butter, unsalted: Butter lends richness and a delicate texture to the dough.
- 2 medium bananas: Mashed for natural sweetness and moist, tender crumb.
- ⅔ cup milk: Adds moisture to create a balanced dough that’s easy to work with.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest or lemon zest: Citrus zest infuses the cookies with a fresh, aromatic lift.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Vanilla ties all the flavors together with its warm, comforting scent.
How to Make Strawberry Banana Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet
Begin by setting your oven to 375°F, ensuring it reaches the perfect baking temperature. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze. This simple prep step sets the stage for cookies that bake evenly and come off the pan effortlessly.
Step 2: Prep Strawberries
Wash, hull, and finely dice your fresh strawberries. Toss them gently in a bowl with the lemon juice. This small touch keeps the berries bright and slightly zestier, enhancing their natural flavor without making them soggy in the dough.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cutting in the butter using a fork or knife until the mixture resembles peas is key to creating tender pockets in the final cookie. This step ensures every bite has a touch of buttery goodness woven throughout.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mash the bananas to a smooth consistency using a fork. Add in the milk, citrus zest, and vanilla extract, stirring until everything is combined. This wet mixture provides moisture and flavor, contributing to the cookies’ soft texture and vibrant aroma.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture and the prepared strawberries into the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together with a spatula. The trick here is to mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies – a few lumps are perfectly fine!
Step 6: Form Cookies
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple of inches apart. This prevents the cookies from merging as they bake and allows for nice, rounded shapes.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Slide the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cookies are golden and set. Once baked, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling is essential to let the cookies firm up so they hold together beautifully when you dig in.
How to Serve Strawberry Banana Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies are lovely just as they are, but sprinkling a small dusting of powdered sugar, or adding a few fresh strawberry slices on top just before serving can make them look extra special. A tiny dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey also pairs wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Pair your Strawberry Banana Cookies with a tall glass of milk or a cup of your favorite tea for a comforting snack or light dessert. Fresh fruit salad alongside brightens up the table, or serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to take things decadently sweet.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party idea, transform these cookies into mini cookie sandwiches by spreading cream cheese frosting or nut butter between two cookies. They also look beautiful stacked on a dessert plate with edible flowers or fresh mint leaves for an inviting presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days, making them a perfect grab-and-go treat.
Freezing
If you want to save these treats for later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy the Strawberry Banana Cookies Recipe anytime inspiration strikes.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, pop frozen cookies into a warm oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This revives their softness and melts any chilled butter for the ultimate comforting bite.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Banana Cookies Recipe?
Frozen strawberries can be used, but it’s best to thaw and drain them well before adding to the dough to avoid excess moisture that could make the cookies soggy.
Do I have to use fresh bananas, or can I use overripe ones?
Overripe bananas are actually perfect for this recipe; their sweetness and softness make the cookies even more moist and flavorful.
Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free option?
Yes! A 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour works well here, but be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
What can I use instead of butter in the Strawberry Banana Cookies Recipe?
You can substitute an equal amount of coconut oil or a plant-based margarine for a dairy-free option without losing much on the taste or texture.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much while baking?
Make sure your butter is properly cut into the flour without being melted, and chill the dough for 15-20 minutes before scooping to help the cookies keep their shape in the oven.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Strawberry Banana Cookies Recipe, these tender, fruity cookies will quickly become a staple in your baking rotation. They’re made from simple ingredients yet deliver such a satisfying, fresh flavor that brightens any day. So, gather your strawberries and bananas, and enjoy the magic that happens when fresh fruit meets warm cookies—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Strawberry Banana Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 24 servings
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightfully soft and fruity strawberry cookies made with fresh strawberries, ripe bananas, and a hint of citrus zest. These bakery-style cookies combine the natural sweetness of bananas and strawberries with the rich flavor of butter, perfect for a fresh and tender treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Fruit Mix
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and diced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 medium bananas
- 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 and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prep Strawberries: Clean the strawberries thoroughly, hull them, and chop into small pieces. Place them in a bowl and toss with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to preserve their color and add a slight tang.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, ½ cup granulated sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Cut in 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter using a fork or knife until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mash 2 ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add â…” cup milk, 1 tablespoon orange or lemon zest, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Add the wet banana mixture along with the prepared strawberries to the dry ingredients. Gently fold everything together with a spatula just until combined, being careful not to over-mix to keep the cookies tender.
- Form Cookies: Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie a couple of inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake and Cool: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cookies for 25 minutes or until golden and set. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
- Do not over-mix the dough to avoid tough cookies; fold gently until just combined.
- Fresh strawberries add moisture—ensure cookies are spaced well on the baking sheet.
- Bananas act as a natural sweetener and help keep the cookies soft.
- Orange or lemon zest can be substituted based on preference for a different citrus note.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature.
