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If you love the vibrant flavors of fresh fruit baked into comforting treats, you are going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Banana Zest Cookies Recipe. The bright notes of juicy strawberries and ripe bananas combine with a lively hit of citrus zest to create cookies that are soft, tender, and bursting with natural sweetness. These cookies strike a perfect balance between fresh fruit brightness and cozy bakery charm, making them an absolute delight any time of year.

Strawberry Banana Zest Cookies Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple yet flavorful ingredients is the secret to making these cookies shine. Each element contributes something special, from the fruity sweetness and moisture of the bananas and strawberries to the gentle tang and aroma of the citrus zest.

2 cups strawberries, hulled and diced: Fresh strawberries bring juicy bursts of flavor and a lovely natural pink color.
1 teaspoon lemon juice: Helps brighten the strawberries for a fresh, tangy pop.
2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookies, providing structure and tenderness.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures a gentle rise for soft, fluffy cookies.
½ cup sugar, granulated: Adds just the right balance of sweetness without overpowering the fruit.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors while keeping the sweetness in check.
8 tablespoons unsalted butter: Brings richness and a velvety texture to the dough.
2 medium bananas: These natural sweeteners also add moisture and chewy softness.
⅔ cup milk: Keeps the dough tender and helps bind the ingredients together smoothly.
1 tablespoon orange zest or lemon zest: Infuses a refreshing citrus aroma and a zesty kick.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to round out the fruity flavors.

How to Make Strawberry Banana Zest Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Setup

Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cookies bake evenly and can be removed easily once done.

Step 2: Prep the Strawberries

Clean, hull, and dice the strawberries, then toss them gently with the lemon juice in a bowl. The lemon juice helps to keep the strawberries fresh and adds a subtle zing that enhances their natural sweetness inside each cookie.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter using a fork or knife until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs. This helps to create a tender crumbly texture once baked.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mash the bananas with a fork until smooth, then stir in the milk, zest, and vanilla extract. These wet ingredients will bring moisture, flavor, and that wonderful citrus essence into every bite.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Fold the wet ingredients and strawberries into the dry mixture using a spatula. Be gentle and avoid over-mixing to keep the cookies soft and tender rather than dense and tough.

Step 6: Shape the Cookies

Use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each cookie to allow for spreading during baking.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake the cookies for 25 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling ensures they set up perfectly so you can enjoy each bite without them crumbling apart.

How to Serve Strawberry Banana Zest Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey can elevate the presentation and add a delicate sweetness. For an extra burst of freshness, top with tiny mint leaves or thin citrus twists to complement the zest flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cup of creamy vanilla yogurt or a scoop of lemon sorbet for a refreshing contrast. A glass of cold milk or a hot cup of chamomile tea also makes a comforting companion to enjoy alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your Strawberry Banana Zest Cookies Recipe on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh fruit slices and edible flowers for an inviting dessert spread. You could even sandwich a bit of cream cheese frosting between two cookies for a fun twist on a classic treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to keep them soft and fresh for up to 3 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Freezing

If you’d like to keep these delightful cookies longer, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

Warm the cookies gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes or microwave them for 10-15 seconds to bring back that freshly-baked softness and to revive their delightful aroma.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

Frozen strawberries work in a pinch but tend to add extra moisture, which can make the cookie dough a bit wetter. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them well before adding to maintain the right texture.

What can I substitute for butter?

You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free version, though it may slightly change the flavor and texture. Stick to solid, chilled fats to get the best results.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that’s meant for baking. Just check that the blend includes xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best cookie texture.

How ripe should the bananas be for this recipe?

Use bananas that are ripe with plenty of brown spots. They’ll be sweeter and mash more easily, adding natural sweetness and moisture to the cookies.

Is the citrus zest essential?

The zest really lifts the flavor profile by adding a bright citrus note that balances the sweetness of the fruit beautifully. You can use either orange or lemon zest depending on your preference.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly joyful about baking treats that combine fresh fruit and sunshine in every bite. The Strawberry Banana Zest Cookies Recipe is a heartwarming way to bring familiar flavors together in a soft, tender cookie you’ll want to bake again and again. I can’t wait for you to make these and share the happiness they bring!

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