Hummingbird Cream Cheese Cookies



Lately, when I think retro, I think less about magic 8-balls, my pink '68 Karmann Ghia, or the unanswerable question of whether Rush or Supertramp is the greatest band of all time and more about my retro self.

A time when I was perfectly happy sitting under the tree reading my latest Nancy Drew book all afternoon... without the distraction of electronics. When we didn't think about working out or dieting, we simply rode our bikes, walked, ran, rode our horses, played handball, and made sure we were home by 5 pm for our home-cooked meals around the table. And dessert. Now, we didn't have dessert every day, but when we did, it was super sweet, and extra rich and comforting, just like Hummingbird Cake.

So, this week I decided to make something based on this southern classic. The original recipe for Hummingbird Cake was printed in Southern Living Magazine in 1978. It quickly caught on first, as a way to use up extra bananas. And then, as a special occasion cake, which is still enjoyed today.

And with all the flavors of that traditional cake, I created a cookie. With a base including a banana.  Cream cheese mixed in, instead of used as a frosting. And bits of pineapple and maraschino cherries make this delightful dessert just as beautiful as it is delicious. Living up to the original cake's claim to fame of tasting... and looking "hummingbird sweet."


 

Hummingbird Cream Cheese Cookies

1 c. margarine, softened (I use butter flavored Crisco sticks)
4 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 large ripe banana
3/4 c. sugar
3/4 c. light brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. pure vanilla
2-1/2 c. flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 c. pineapple tidbits, drained
1/4 c. chopped maraschino cherries

Cream margarine, sugars, banana and cream cheese.  Add in egg and vanilla and beat well.  In a smaller bowl mix flour, baking powder and salt. Add to creamed mixture.  Then fold in pineapple tidbits and cherries.  Spoon onto cookie sheets and bake at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes. Makes 18 large or 36 small cookies.  Also great straight out of the freezer, once baked.


Comments

  1. Hummingbird cake is such a classic one and I like seeing these cookies inspired by it.

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    1. Thanks Renee! They were so fun to make... and eat :-)

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  2. Yes, you absolutely brought back my childhood - the one where we were not distracted by electronics and reading was a favorite past time. I never did have hummingbird cake growing up, probably because of my region, but your cookies sound delicious!

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    1. Thank you Shelby! Yes, those days were precious. Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. I love your reflections of your "retro self"---as I have the same memories! And I would love to celebrate the old times with some of your delectable cookies!

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    1. Thanks Liz! Weren't Nancy Drew books the best?!

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  4. I have never had hummingbird cake. I think I need to make a cake and these cookies just to make sure I get a full sense of what it's like :)

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  5. Nancy Drew! Being indulged in one those books, h the memories of that time! These are lovely cookies!

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    1. I know! Wasn't it a great time, Deanna! Thanks for stopping by.

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  6. I just recently discovered hummingbird cake, within the last three years or so. My boys love it. This looks like a quicker way to get the same tastes. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks Camilla! It did come together really quickly, and was delicious!

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  7. Love hummingbird cake but have never made the cookies! Can't wait to try these!

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    1. Hi Heather! These are a great substitution when you want something quicker, but with all the flavors!

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  8. Love this twist on hummingbird cake! And PS: Rush is the best. Even if they said only little nerdy boys liked them. Well. They were wrong. Food Blogging women do too! ;)

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    1. LOL! I'm with you... I can't understand why my husband doesn't like Rush... they rock! :-)

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  9. These look lovely and I need to bake cookies for our Lenten Fish Fry this Friday. Thanks for the recipe.

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    1. Thanks Wendy! I love these because you can pretty much use whatever ingredients you want. You could also add nuts or coconut!

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  10. I love these flavors together! Yum!

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    1. Thanks Cindy! I especially loved the cream cheese in it all :-)

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  11. What pretty cookies! These look perfect for spring!

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    1. Thank you Courtney! I can not wait for SPRING!! :-)

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  12. What a great blending of flavours in these cookies.

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    1. Thanks Laura! They really came together nicely!

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  13. I've never seen these before, they look so good.

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    1. Thanks Mary Ellen! They were fun to create :-)

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  14. These just look like melt in your mouth goodness! I think they'd be a lovely accompaniment to an Easter celebration! So pretty!

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    1. What a great idea! Thanks for stopping by Valerie!

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  15. I don't care for frosting topped cookies so I love that you put cream cheese INTO the cookies. Such a fun recipe this week.

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    1. I'm with you, Lauren! Plus, it's much simpler. Thank you!

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  16. Do you know I have never had hummingbird cake??? WOW! Well dang it I need to make your cookies so I can get a taste of what I am missing!

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    1. Hope you give the cookies, and the cake a try! Thanks for stopping by, Bobbi!

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  17. These cookies look delicious!

    -Julie @ Texan New Yorker

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