Hummingbird Cookies

Hummingbird Cookies: A Portable Twist on a Southern Classic

Few desserts hold the same charm as a traditional hummingbird cake. A Southern favorite beloved for its combination of banana, pineapple, and toasted pecans, it has been a centerpiece at everything from birthdays to weddings. However, while the cake’s flavors are undeniably delicious, serving up a multi-layered cake isn’t always practical for every occasion. Enter hummingbird cookies—a bite-sized twist on the classic cake that brings all the delightful flavors in a more portable and crowd-friendly format.

These hummingbird cookies offer the same delightful combination of banana, pineapple, and pecans, with a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a simple cream cheese glaze. With a slightly floral and sweet aroma from the ripe bananas and a subtle tartness from the pineapple, these cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, these cookies will quickly become a go-to favorite in your baking repertoire.

The Sweet Essence of Hummingbird Cake in a Cookie

What makes these hummingbird cookies so irresistible is their ability to capture the essence of the classic hummingbird cake in a smaller, more manageable format. The cake’s beloved flavor profile—sweet bananas, juicy pineapple, and a crunchy pecan finish—is all there, packed into each soft and chewy cookie. The key to recreating the moistness and texture of a cake in cookie form lies in the combination of ripe bananas and a bit of melted butter, which work together to create a tender dough.

Toasted pecans add that nutty crunch that so perfectly balances the sweetness of the fruit, and the pineapple brings a tangy freshness to each bite. But it’s the cream cheese glaze that truly sets these cookies apart, providing a rich and tangy finish that mirrors the beloved frosting on a traditional hummingbird cake.

Ingredients and Preparation

Making hummingbird cookies is easier than you might think, and the ingredients list is both simple and familiar. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cookies:

• Flour: The backbone of the cookie, providing the right structure and texture.
• Ground Cinnamon: A dash of this warming spice helps elevate the flavors and bring them together.
• Salt & Baking Soda: Essential for enhancing flavor and ensuring the cookies rise just right.
• Brown Sugar: For a subtle sweetness and depth that pairs perfectly with the bananas and pineapple.
• Butter: Melted for a smoother texture and added richness.
• Banana: The star of the show, lending moisture and that signature sweetness.
• Egg: To bind everything together and help with structure.
• Toasted Pecans: Chopped finely for a crunchy bite in every cookie.
• Dried Pineapple: Chopped small to add that distinctive tropical flavor.

For the Icing:

• Cream Cheese: A must-have for that velvety, tangy glaze.
• Powdered Sugar: For sweetness and texture in the glaze.
• Vanilla: Just a hint to round out the flavor of the glaze.
• Milk: To get the glaze to the perfect consistency.
• Chopped Pecans (optional): For garnish, adding a final touch of crunch.

Step-by-Step Process: Easy and Fun to Make

The beauty of hummingbird cookies lies in their simplicity. You don’t need a stand mixer or complex equipment—just a few bowls, a spatula, and some basic kitchen tools will get the job done.

1. Making the Dough: Start by whisking together the dry ingredients: flour, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda. In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, mashed banana, and egg, mixing well until fully combined. Then, add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, along with the chopped toasted pecans and pineapple. Stir everything together until it forms a dough, and let it sit for about 15 minutes.
2. Shaping and Baking the Cookies: After resting, scoop out the dough into roughly 2-tablespoon portions and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cookies are set. Once baked, let the cookies cool slightly before transferring them to a wire rack.
3. Making the Glaze: While the cookies cool, prepare the glaze by beating together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth. You want the glaze to be thick but pourable—adjust the milk if necessary to get the right consistency.
4. Finishing Touches: Once the cookies have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top of each cookie. For an extra touch, sprinkle with additional chopped pecans for that irresistible crunch.

Tips for Perfect Hummingbird Cookies

1. Rest the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest for 15 minutes helps hydrate the flour, resulting in a softer, more tender cookie.
2. Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans before adding them to the dough enhances their flavor and brings out their natural oils.
3. Use Ripe Bananas: Overripe bananas are perfect for this recipe. Their sweetness and soft texture will help bind the dough and add flavor.
4. Customize the Glaze: If you prefer a richer glaze, add a little extra cream cheese for a thicker texture. You can also experiment with adding a dash of citrus zest or vanilla extract for a flavor twist.

Variations and Substitutions

While the classic version is always a winner, don’t hesitate to get creative with your hummingbird cookies:

• Add More Fruit: Try mixing in dried mango, coconut, or even a handful of raisins for added texture and flavor.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with coconut oil, the egg with flaxseed, and use a dairy-free cream cheese and powdered sugar substitute for the glaze.
• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the dough for a unique flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the banana and pineapple.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, birthday party, or just need a sweet snack, hummingbird cookies are a hit every time. Their vibrant flavor, soft texture, and delightful cream cheese glaze make them the perfect treat to bring to any gathering. Plus, their portability makes them ideal for sharing or packing up for a picnic.

These cookies offer all the nostalgic flavor of the classic Southern hummingbird cake in a much more convenient form. So the next time you’re craving a tropical, fruity dessert, skip the cake and go for these chewy, flavorful cookies that will have everyone reaching for seconds.