Hummingbird Cookie Recipe for Sweet and Easy Treats

Originally posted on October 27, 2017 @ 8:46 am

Hummingbird cookies capture the essence of the beloved hummingbird cake, transforming its tropical flavors into a delightful, portable treat. This cookie recipe combines the sweetness of ripe bananas, the tropical charm of crushed pineapple, and the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg to create a soft, chewy cookie bursting with flavor.

Whether you’re baking for a casual afternoon snack, a festive gathering, or simply craving something sweet and fruity, these cookies will satisfy your taste buds with every bite.

Perfectly moist and bursting with natural sweetness, hummingbird cookies are a fantastic way to enjoy the classic cake flavors without the fuss of frosting or slicing. Plus, they’re easy to make and pack a punch of flavor that’s sure to impress family and friends.

Ready to dive into a baking adventure that’s both fun and delicious? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This hummingbird cookie recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it combines tropical ingredients like banana and pineapple, giving the cookies a unique and irresistible flavor profile.

Unlike many cookies that rely on heavy sugar or artificial flavors, these cookies get their sweetness naturally from fruit, making them a bit healthier.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. The ingredients are common pantry staples, and the steps are straightforward, making it suitable for bakers of all skill levels.

Plus, the cookies come out soft and chewy, with just the right amount of spice to evoke that classic hummingbird taste.

Lastly, these cookies are versatile — perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, or as a delightful dessert alongside your favorite tea or coffee. For more delicious and easy baking ideas, explore our Clementine Bakery Vegan Recipes for Delicious Treats and Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium banana)
  • 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls (medium and large)
  • Electric mixer or hand whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Cooling rack
  • Fork or potato masher (for mashing bananas)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer or whisk until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, beating well to combine.
  5. Fold in the mashed banana and drained crushed pineapple to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until evenly distributed.
  6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a rubber spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep cookies tender.
  7. If using nuts, fold them in now for added texture and flavor.
  8. Drop tablespoon-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
  9. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.
  10. Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

For perfectly moist cookies, make sure your bananas are ripe and soft. Overripe bananas work best for this recipe!

If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent.

To add a little extra tropical flair, try mixing in shredded coconut or swapping out the nuts for macadamia nuts. For a vegan twist, you can replace the butter with coconut oil and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, set to gel for 5 minutes).

Looking for other tasty vegan treats? Check out our Avocado Cookies Vegan Recipe for Soft and Delicious Treats and Best Vegan Holiday Cookie Recipe for Festive Treats.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Cookie (approx.)
Calories 110 kcal
Carbohydrates 15 g
Protein 1.5 g
Fat 5 g
Saturated Fat 3 g
Fiber 1 g
Sugar 8 g
Cholesterol 15 mg

Serving Suggestions

Hummingbird cookies are delicious on their own, but pairing them with a few accompaniments can elevate the experience. Serve these cookies with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.

They also pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert.

Looking to serve them at a party? Arrange the cookies on a platter with fresh fruit like sliced mangoes, pineapple chunks, or strawberries to complement the tropical flavors.

These cookies also make a fantastic addition to a brunch spread alongside other sweet treats.

For more ideas on quick and delicious snacks, explore our Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious and Vegan Pinwheel Recipes That Are Easy and Delicious.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a longtime fan of hummingbird cake or new to these tropical flavors, this hummingbird cookie recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic taste in a simpler, handheld form. The combination of ripe bananas, crushed pineapple, warm spices, and optional nuts creates a cookie that’s moist, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.

These cookies are perfect for any occasion — from casual snacks to festive celebrations — and their easy preparation makes them accessible to bakers of all skill levels. Plus, with the flexibility to customize ingredients and add your own twists, you can make this recipe truly your own.

Don’t forget to check out our other delicious recipes for more inspiration, such as the Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping and the Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.

Happy baking, and enjoy every sweet bite of your hummingbird cookies!

📖 Recipe Card: Hummingbird Cookie Recipe

Description: Delightful cookies inspired by the classic hummingbird cake, featuring bananas, pineapple, and warm spices. These soft, chewy cookies are perfect for a sweet treat any time.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT12M
Total Time: PT27M

Servings: 24 cookies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup mashed ripe banana (about 1 medium banana)
  • 1/4 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. In a separate bowl, cream butter with brown and granulated sugars until fluffy.
  4. Beat in egg and vanilla extract until combined.
  5. Mix in mashed banana and crushed pineapple.
  6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  7. Fold in chopped nuts if using.
  8. Drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  9. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
  10. Cool cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 20 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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