Strawberry Banana Pudding Cookies with Cheesecake Dip – A Dreamy Dessert Delight
Introduction
If you love soft, chewy cookies with a fruity twist, these Strawberry Banana Pudding Cookies are a must-try! Infused with real banana flavor, strawberry pieces, and pudding mix, these cookies are moist, tender, and irresistibly delicious. Pair them with a luscious cheesecake dip, and you have a next-level dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
Origin and Cultural Significance
Inspired by classic banana pudding and strawberry shortcake, this recipe brings a fun twist to traditional cookies. The addition of instant pudding mix gives them a soft-batch bakery texture, while the cheesecake dip elevates them to dessert perfection.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Banana Pudding Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 small ripe banana, mashed (about ½ cup)
- 1 (3.4 oz) box banana pudding mix (instant)
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- ½ cup white chocolate chips (optional)
For the Cheesecake Dip:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy cream (or whipped topping)
Instructions
Making the Cookies:
- Preheat Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugars: In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs & Banana: Mix in the eggs, vanilla, and mashed banana until combined.
- Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, banana pudding mix, baking soda, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet ingredients.
- Fold in Strawberries & Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in crushed freeze-dried strawberries and white chocolate chips.
- Scoop & Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
- Cool: Let cookies rest on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Making the Cheesecake Dip:
- Beat Cream Cheese & Sugar: In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Fold in Heavy Cream: Gently mix in the heavy cream until fluffy. Chill before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Cookie with Dip, Approximate Values)
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Carbohydrates: ~30g
- Protein: ~3g
- Fats: ~10g
- Sugar: ~18g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Calcium: ~6% DV
Tips for Success
- Use ripe bananas for the best natural sweetness.
- Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes for a thicker cookie.
- For extra crunch, add chopped nuts or more freeze-dried fruit.
- Pair with fresh strawberries for a beautiful presentation.
Conclusion
These Strawberry Banana Pudding Cookies are soft, fruity, and packed with flavor, making them an irresistible treat. The cheesecake dip adds a rich and creamy element, perfect for dipping, spreading, or drizzling!
Recommendation
Serve at parties, potlucks, or as a fun weekend treat. These cookies pair well with a glass of milk, coffee, or tea, making every bite even more delightful!
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
By making these cookies from scratch, you control the ingredients and sweetness, ensuring a homemade, feel-good dessert that everyone will love!