Step 1

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine the sliced rhubarb, sliced strawberries, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir well to coat the fruit in the sugar and let it sit for 10 minutes to macerate.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk to form a dough.

Step 4

Transfer the fruit mixture to a 9x9-inch baking dish. Drop spoonfuls of the dough on top of the fruit, spreading it out evenly.

Step 5

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling.

Step 6

Remove from the oven and let the cobbler cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.