Name: Simple Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American / Southern-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 box (3.4 oz) banana pudding mix (instant); 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon 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; 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for lighter texture); Optional Garnish:; Fresh strawberry slices; Banana slices; Graham cracker crumbs

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 30 reviews

These Strawberry Banana Dessert Cookies with Cheesecake Dip are everything you crave in a summer treat—soft, chewy cookies bursting with fresh fruit flavor, made even more delightful by an ultra-creamy dip. What’s not to love about a recipe that brings together ripe bananas, juicy strawberries, and the irresistible nostalgia of banana pudding mix, all in one Simple, irresistible dessert? With a handful of everyday ingredients and a straightforward method, this delectable combo is perfect for parties, picnics, or whenever a cookie-and-dip craving strikes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe is how Simple the ingredient list is—nothing fancy or hard to find, just wholesome staples that each play a key role in creating incredible flavors and textures. Every component helps achieve that soft cookie crumb and lush dip, so don’t skip out on anything if you can help it!

Banana pudding mix (3.4 oz, instant): This secret ingredient ensures moist, flavorful cookies with an authentic banana punch.
Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, softened): Creates a rich base and that melt-in-your-mouth quality.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and encourages creaminess when creamed with the butter.
Light brown sugar (1/4 cup, packed): Offers a subtle caramel note and extra chewiness.
Large egg (at room temperature): Binds everything together and contributes to structure.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor and warmth.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Provides the structure for perfectly soft cookies.
Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the cookies just the right lift.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and sharpens flavors.
Fresh strawberries (1/2 cup, finely diced): Adds beautiful color and a juicy fruit burst in every bite.
Ripe banana (1/2 cup, finely diced): Brings even more natural sweetness and banana goodness.
White chocolate chips or chopped nuts (optional, 1/4 cup): For a touch of crunch or extra decadence if you’re feeling fancy.
Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): The star of the cheesecake dip—super creamy and tangy.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup, sifted): Sweetens and smooths out the dip, without any graininess.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors in the dip perfectly.
Heavy cream (1/4 cup, optional): Whips the cheesecake dip into a lighter, fluffier texture if desired.
Fresh strawberry slices, banana slices, graham cracker crumbs (optional): Fun and festive finishing touches for the dip and cookie platter.

How to Make Simple

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Let’s get the magic started! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This quick prep step keeps your cookies from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze—simple and foolproof for any skill level.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy—about 2 or 3 minutes. This ensures your cookies are tender every time. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until it’s all fully combined. Sprinkle in your banana pudding mix and blend until the batter looks dreamily smooth. In another bowl, whisk your flour, baking powder, and salt before gradually adding to the wet ingredients until just combined (don’t over-mix!). Gently fold in those sweet diced strawberries and bananas, plus white chocolate chips or nuts if you like. For a thicker cookie (which I love), chill the dough for 15 minutes. It’s that Simple!

Step 3: Bake the Cookies

Drop heaping tablespoons of your dough onto the prepared baking sheet, giving each one a little breathing room—about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10–12 minutes, watching for the edges to turn lightly golden while the centers stay just set. Let the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes after baking (they’re delicate at first), then carefully transfer to a wire rack to cool. You’ll be amazed how Simple and satisfying it is to see these beauties taking shape!

Step 4: Prepare the Cheesecake Dip

While your cookies cool, get started on the superstar dip. In a mixing bowl, beat your softened cream cheese until it’s silky and smooth. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, mixing until creamy. If you want a lighter, whipped texture, blend in the heavy cream until fluffy. Chill the dip until you’re ready to serve. Making a Simple, no-bake dip couldn’t be quicker for maximum impact.

Step 5: Serve

It’s showtime! Arrange the cooled cookies around a bowl of your luscious cheesecake dip. For extra flair, sprinkle with strawberry or banana slices, or even a crumble of graham crackers. Dig in and savor each Simple, irresistible bite!

How to Serve Simple

Garnishes

For the prettiest dessert platter, I love topping the cheesecake dip with a fan of fresh strawberry or banana slices. A sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs adds a sweet, toasty finish. Not only do these garnishes make the dish pop visually, they’re also tasty and fun for guests to nibble between cookies!

Side Dishes

If you want to turn this into an all-out dessert spread, pair your Strawberry Banana Dessert Cookies with a fresh fruit salad, some iced tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cool creaminess of the dip and warm fruit notes from the cookies complement other Simple summer favorites perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

You can absolutely get creative! Stack the cookies in a tower around the dip, serve them in cupcake liners for grab-and-go ease, or try skewering mini cookies and alternating with fruit for a party-ready platter. Simple swaps like using chocolate chips in the dip or drizzling a bit of honey let you make this your signature treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days. The dip should be stored in a separate container in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure the cookies are completely cooled before storing to lock in that wonderful texture.

Freezing

The cookie dough freezes beautifully! Portion dough balls onto a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then pile them into a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 extra minutes, for a Simple treat whenever the craving strikes. Baked cookies can also be frozen—just thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

If you like your cookies a bit warm, gently microwave them for just 5–10 seconds before serving. The dip is best served chilled, but you can soften it at room temperature for 10–15 minutes if it’s been refrigerated for a while. It’s just Simple comfort all over again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh in the cookie dough?

Frozen strawberries and bananas work in a pinch, but they tend to release more water during baking. If using frozen fruit, thaw and pat dry thoroughly before folding into the dough to keep the cookie texture from becoming too soft.

Is there a way to make these cookies gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just make sure your banana pudding mix is also gluten-free (check the label) for a Simple, allergy-friendly treat.

Can the cheesecake dip be made ahead of time?

Yes! The dip is actually even better when made a day in advance—the flavors have more time to meld. Store it covered in the fridge, then give it a quick stir before serving for best results.

What’s the best way to keep the cookies soft?

Seal them in an airtight container as soon as they are completely cool. Placing a slice of sandwich bread in the container helps maintain that perfect soft, chewy texture, keeping your Simple cookies delicious for days.

Do I have to use white chocolate chips or nuts?

Not at all! These add-ins are totally optional, so feel free to leave them out or swap in another favorite (like milk chocolate chips or dried fruit) to make your Simple cookies your own.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, don’t sleep on these Simple Strawberry Banana Dessert Cookies with Cheesecake Dip. They’re bursting with fresh flavor and surefire smiles, every single time. Give this recipe a go—you’ll be amazed at the joy these Simple, fruity, creamy cookies bring to your table!