Strawberry Cookies

Strawberry Cookies

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of freshly baked Strawberry Cookies wafting through the kitchen. I remember the first time I tried making them; it was a warm spring afternoon, and I was in search of a sweet treat that could lift my spirits. The vibrant red of the strawberries, combined with the buttery dough, instantly drew me in. Each bite is a delightful blend of flavors, making these cookies not just a dessert, but a celebration of all things sweet and fruity. Whether you’re baking for a gathering or just for yourself, these Strawberry Cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
25 mins
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Difficulty:
Medium
Calories:
150 kcal
Protein:
2 g
Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
Fat:
7 g
Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl

The Appeal of This Strawberry Cookies

Fresh and Fruity Flavor

One of the things I adore about Strawberry Cookies is their fresh and fruity flavor. The combination of freeze-dried strawberries and a hint of lemon zest gives these cookies a burst of bright, delicious taste. It’s like enjoying a little piece of spring in every bite!

Perfect Texture

Achieving the perfect balance between chewy and soft is an art, and these cookies do just that. The inclusion of cream cheese in the dough keeps them moist, while the butter lends a soft texture that melts in your mouth. You’ll find yourself going back for seconds—if not thirds!

Easy to Make

Don’t worry if you’re not a master baker; these Strawberry Cookies are surprisingly easy to whip up. With just a few simple ingredients and a mixer, you can have a batch ready in no time. It’s a perfect recipe for baking with kids or for those impromptu occasions!

Versatile and Customizable

Feel free to tailor this recipe to your liking! You can add chocolate chips for a sweet twist or even mix in some nuts for added crunch. The base is so flexible that you can make it your own!

Ideal for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a picnic, a birthday party, or a simple afternoon treat, Strawberry Cookies fit right in. Their vibrant color and delightful taste make them a hit at any gathering, bringing joy to everyone who tries them.

Unique Glaze Option

To elevate these cookies even further, consider drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a hint of strawberry jam. It adds a beautiful finishing touch, making them not just tasty but visually appealing too!

Ingredients for Strawberry Cookies

Strawberry Cookies

When it comes to baking, the right ingredients can make all the difference. For these Strawberry Cookies, each component plays a key role in creating a delicious and satisfying treat. The combination of butter, cream cheese, and freeze-dried strawberries harmonizes beautifully, ensuring every bite is soft, sweet, and utterly delightful. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, slightly softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup freeze-dried strawberries, chopped
  • ½ lemon, zest and juice (about 1 tsp)
  • 1 tablespoon strawberry jam, optional

Step by Step Guide for Strawberry Cookies

Strawberry Cookies

Ready to bake some scrumptious Strawberry Cookies? This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, ensuring your cookies turn out perfectly every time. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Strawberry Cookies will bake evenly. While the oven heats, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together ½ cup unsalted butter and 2 ounces cream cheese. Beat them until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this should take about one minute. The goal here is to incorporate air for a light texture.
  3. Next, add in ⅓ cup brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar. Mix these sugars into the butter-cream cheese mixture until well combined and smooth.
  4. Now it’s time to add the egg. Crack in 1 large egg and mix until everything is combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.
  5. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla, the zest of ½ lemon, and its juice. If you’re using strawberry jam for extra flavor, add that in as well. Beat until just combined; don’t overmix!
  6. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir them together to ensure they’re evenly distributed.
  7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Be cautious not to overmix; you want the dough to remain soft and light. It’s okay if there are a few lumps.
  8. Now, gently fold in ¾ cup freeze-dried strawberries with a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  9. Using a medium cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop the dough and place it onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each scoop as they will spread while baking.
  10. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. They should look golden on the bottom and set in the middle. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
  11. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for maintaining their soft texture.
  12. If desired, combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1-3 teaspoons milk, and 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice to drizzle over the cooled cookies for a delightful glaze.

Things Worth Knowing

  • Ingredient Quality: Using high-quality butter and cream cheese can significantly enhance the flavor.
  • Chilling the Dough: If you have time, chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking to improve texture.
  • Storage Tips: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to one week.
  • Variations: You can experiment with other freeze-dried fruits if you want to mix things up!
  • Testing Doneness: Look for a slight golden edge; underbaking slightly can lead to a wonderfully chewy center.

Tips for Success

Strawberry Cookies

Baking is both an art and a science, and these tips will help you achieve the best results with your Strawberry Cookies.

  • Storage: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to one week.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just scoop it onto baking sheets and freeze, then transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
  • Pairing: Enjoy your Strawberry Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea for a comforting treat.
  • Ingredient Substitutions: If you’re out of cream cheese, you can use yogurt as an alternative, though it may change the texture slightly.
  • Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
  • Keep an Eye on Baking: Every oven is different; check your cookies a minute or two before the minimum baking time.

How to Enjoy Strawberry Cookies

When it comes to serving Strawberry Cookies, the options are endless. Here’s how you can elevate your cookie experience:

  • Picnic Treat: Pack these cookies for a delightful picnic in the park; they’re easy to transport and loved by all.
  • Party Favorite: Bring them to gatherings or birthday parties; their vibrant color and flavor make them a hit with guests.
  • Afternoon Snack: Serve these cookies as an afternoon snack with a side of fruit or yogurt.
  • Holiday Delight: These cookies are perfect for springtime celebrations, especially with Easter approaching.
  • Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
  • Seasonal Pairing: Pair these cookies with fresh summer strawberries or a fruit salad to enhance the fruity experience.

FAQ

While fresh strawberries add a lovely taste, they contain more moisture, which can alter the texture of your cookies. If you choose to use fresh strawberries, make sure to chop them finely and reduce the other liquid ingredients slightly to ensure your cookies retain the right consistency. Alternatively, you could consider using freeze-dried strawberries for the best results, as they offer a concentrated flavor without the added moisture.

To keep your Strawberry Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can stay delicious for about one week. If you want to extend their shelf life, you can freeze them. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply thaw them at room temperature or microwave them for a few seconds until warm.

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips can create a delightful contrast to the fruity flavors of your Strawberry Cookies. You can mix in dark chocolate or white chocolate chips, depending on your preference. About half a cup should be a good amount to start with, but feel free to experiment with more or less to suit your taste!

Strawberry Cookies are incredibly versatile and perfect for various occasions! They are great for spring and summer gatherings, birthday parties, or even as a delightful snack during a movie night. Their vibrant color makes them an appealing choice for festive events like Easter as well. Enjoy them with friends and family or keep them all for yourself!

Conclusion

The beauty of Strawberry Cookies lies in their vibrant flavor and delightful texture. They are not just cookies; they are little bites of joy that can brighten any day. I encourage you to try baking them for yourself and experience their magic. You may find that they become a staple in your baking repertoire!

Strawberry Cookies

Strawberry Cookies

The ultimate comfort food, Strawberry Cookies are a delightful treat that combines sweet, fruity flavors with a soft, chewy texture. Perfect for any occasion, these easy cookies are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Try making them tonight!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 18 servings
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup unsalted butter slightly softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • cup brown sugar packed
  • 2 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup freeze dried strawberries chopped
  • ½ lemon zest and juice (about 1 tsp)
  • 1 tablespoon strawberry jam optional

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Frying Pan
  • Chef's Knife
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your Strawberry Cookies will bake evenly. While the oven heats, line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to cream together ½ cup unsalted butter and 2 ounces cream cheese. Beat them until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this should take about one minute. The goal here is to incorporate air for a light texture.
  3. Next, add in ⅓ cup brown sugar and ½ cup granulated sugar. Mix these sugars into the butter-cream cheese mixture until well combined and smooth.
  4. Now it’s time to add the egg. Crack in 1 large egg and mix until everything is combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure everything is well incorporated.
  5. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla, the zest of ½ lemon, and its juice. If you're using strawberry jam for extra flavor, add that in as well. Beat until just combined; don’t overmix!
  6. In a separate bowl, combine the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir them together to ensure they’re evenly distributed.
  7. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Be cautious not to overmix; you want the dough to remain soft and light. It’s okay if there are a few lumps.
  8. Now, gently fold in ¾ cup freeze-dried strawberries with a spatula, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
  9. Using a medium cookie scoop or a tablespoon, scoop the dough and place it onto the prepared baking sheets. Leave some space between each scoop as they will spread while baking.
  10. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. They should look golden on the bottom and set in the middle. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking!
  11. Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is essential for maintaining their soft texture.
  12. If desired, combine 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, 1-3 teaspoons milk, and 1-2 teaspoons lemon juice to drizzle over the cooled cookies for a delightful glaze.

Notes

  • Tip 1: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can last up to one week.
  • Tip 2: You can freeze the dough for up to three months. Just scoop it onto baking sheets and freeze, then transfer to a bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
  • Tip 3: Enjoy your Strawberry Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a warm cup of tea for a comforting treat.
  • Tip 4: If you're out of cream cheese, you can use yogurt as an alternative, though it may change the texture slightly.
  • Tip 5: Don’t hesitate to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a different flavor profile.
  • Tip 6: Every oven is different; check your cookies a minute or two before the minimum baking time.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating