Introduction
Imagine the sweet nostalgia of banana pudding transformed into a soft, chewy cookie—now swirl in bright bursts of strawberry and pair it all with a luscious cheesecake dip. That’s exactly what these Strawberry Banana Pudding Cookies deliver. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, party, or just craving something joyful and fruity, this recipe is pure dessert bliss.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m obsessed with any dessert that combines comfort and freshness—and these cookies do it in one bite. The banana pudding mix gives them an ultra-soft texture, while the strawberries add juicy brightness. Dunking them into the tangy-sweet cheesecake dip takes it over the top. It’s like banana pudding, fruit salad, and cheesecake all rolled into one handheld masterpiece.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 box banana pudding mix (3.4 oz)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup finely diced fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup finely diced ripe banana
- Optional: 1/4 cup white chocolate chips or chopped nuts
For the Cheesecake Dip:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for texture)
Swaps and Notes
- Fruit Swap: Try raspberries or blueberries in place of strawberries for a flavor variation.
- Pudding Mix: Vanilla pudding mix can be used if banana is unavailable, but you’ll miss that signature banana pudding flair.
- Texture Add-ins: White chocolate chips add a creamy burst, while nuts give a nice crunch—customize based on your cravings.
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream the Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Add egg and vanilla extract; beat until smooth.
- Add Pudding Mix: Stir in the banana pudding powder until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in Fruit & Add-ins: Gently fold in the diced strawberries, banana, and any optional mix-ins.
- Scoop & Bake: Drop tablespoon-sized dough portions onto the baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Let cool on the sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Make Cheesecake Dip: In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla; beat again. For a fluffier dip, add heavy cream and whip until light.
- Chill Dip for at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy it as a rich pairing to your fruity cookies!
Tips for Success
- Use Ripe Bananas: They’ll be sweeter and easier to dice without mushiness.
- Don’t Overmix the dough after adding flour to keep cookies soft and tender.
- Chill the Dip ahead of time to let the flavors meld—great for make-ahead dessert spreads.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These cookies shine on a dessert board, served alongside Brownie Batter Dip or Ice Cream Sandwich Cake for a no-bake treat vibe.
Pair them with a tall glass of cold milk, a tangy Strawberry Mojito, or lemonade for sunny-day snacking.
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Cookies: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Cheesecake Dip: Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days. Stir before serving.
- Freezing: You can freeze unbaked cookie dough balls—just add 1–2 extra minutes to baking time when ready.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession
- This Brownie Batter Dip Is My Favorite No-Bake Dessert for Instant Chocolate Cravings
- This Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Is My Favorite No-Bake Summer Dessert
- These No-Bake Monster Cookie Energy Balls Are My Favorite Snack to Keep On Hand
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Banana Pudding Cookies are more than a treat—they’re a fruity, creamy celebration that feels indulgent but is simple enough for any home baker. Try them once, and they might just become your new favorite way to enjoy fruit and pudding in dessert form.
If you give this recipe a go, leave a comment and share how it turned out. Don’t forget to follow for more irresistible creations. 🍓🍌💛
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