Strawberry Cookies

Introduction

Strawberry Cookies are a delightful treat that brings the fresh, sweet flavor of strawberries into a soft, chewy cookie. With their vibrant pink color and sweet berry taste, these cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual snacking to holiday gatherings. The combination of fresh strawberries and a buttery, slightly tangy dough makes each bite irresistible.

I first made these when I was craving something sweet and fruity, and they quickly became a family favorite. The kitchen smelled like fresh strawberries as they baked, and the cookies were soft and bursting with flavor. What’s great about these cookies is how versatile they are—you can enjoy them as a sweet snack, serve them at parties, or even pair them with a cup of tea for a cozy treat.

These Strawberry Cookies are easy to make and offer the perfect balance of sweetness and fruitiness in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply indulging in a homemade treat, these cookies are sure to impress!

Perfect for:

• Summer picnics
• Holiday baking
• Dessert tables
• Strawberry lovers
• Gift-giving

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Cookies

Here’s why Strawberry Cookies will quickly become your go-to treat:

• Fresh Strawberry Flavor: The fresh strawberries infuse the cookies with a naturally sweet and fragrant flavor, making them perfect for strawberry enthusiasts.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have a soft, chewy texture that’s both comforting and indulgent.
• Bright and Festive: The light pink hue of the cookies makes them visually appealing, perfect for celebrations or as a thoughtful gift.
• Easy to Make: The recipe is simple, and the ingredients are easy to find, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Versatile: You can add chocolate chips, white chocolate chunks, or even a hint of lemon zest for a refreshing twist.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 120-130 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 6g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Strawberry Cookies:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries (finely chopped)
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt (for extra moisture)
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• ½ cup white chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Strawberries: Fresh, finely chopped strawberries provide the sweet, fruity flavor that makes these cookies stand out.
• Sour Cream or Yogurt: This adds moisture to the dough, ensuring a soft and tender texture in the finished cookies.
• Butter: The butter adds richness to the dough, giving the cookies a slightly crisp edge and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Almond Extract (Optional): A hint of almond extract can enhance the strawberry flavor, but it’s optional for those who prefer a more subtle flavor.
• Chocolate Chips (Optional): Adding chocolate chips can provide a sweet contrast to the tartness of the strawberries.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Strawberry Cookies:

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until smooth and fully combined.
5. Add Sour Cream or Yogurt: Mix in the sour cream or yogurt, ensuring the dough remains moist but not too wet.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cookies tender.
7. Add Strawberries: Gently fold in the finely chopped strawberries. If you’re using chocolate chips, fold them in as well.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

8. Scoop the Dough: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown and the centers are set.
10. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Strawberry Cookies

Strawberry Cookies are a versatile treat that can be served in many ways:

• With Tea or Coffee: These cookies are perfect for pairing with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon snack.
• For Holiday Gatherings: Serve these cookies on a dessert platter or as part of a cookie exchange during holidays like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, or Christmas.
• As a Snack: Keep these cookies on hand for a sweet snack that’s perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
• Gift-Giving: Package these cookies in a cute tin or jar as a sweet homemade gift for friends or family.
• With Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Cookies

Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries will give the cookies the best flavor. If you must use frozen strawberries, be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before scooping the cookies.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can make the cookies dense, so mix just until the ingredients are combined.
• Be Mindful of Baking Time: The cookies should have golden edges but still be soft in the center when done. Keep an eye on them as they bake since oven times may vary.
• Use a Cookie Scoop: Using a cookie scoop ensures uniform-sized cookies, leading to even baking.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Cookies

Here are 10 variations you can try for Strawberry Cookies:

• Strawberry White Chocolate Cookies: Add white chocolate chips to the dough for a creamy contrast to the strawberry flavor.
• Lemon Strawberry Cookies: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist.
• Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Cookies: After baking, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Strawberry Coconut Cookies: Fold in shredded coconut for a tropical flavor that pairs wonderfully with strawberries.
• Strawberry Almond Cookies: Add sliced almonds to the dough for extra crunch and flavor.
• Strawberry Jam Cookies: Use strawberry jam as a filling, making thumbprint-style cookies for a sweet surprise in the center.
• Gluten-Free Strawberry Cookies: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Strawberry Shortcake Cookies: Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract and sprinkle the cookies with a little bit of sugar before baking to create a shortcake flavor.
• Strawberry Chocolate Chip Cookies: Add semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips for a sweet combination of chocolate and strawberry.
• Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies: Incorporate old-fashioned oats into the dough for a hearty, chewy texture.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Cookies

• Freezing: To freeze the cookies, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Cookies

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Strawberry Cookies easier:

• Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer will help you cream the butter and sugar to perfection.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures that each cookie is the same size for even baking.
• Baking Sheets: Use parchment-lined or non-stick baking sheets to prevent sticking.
• Cooling Rack: A wire rack allows the cookies to cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are essential for the best results.
• Zester (Optional): If you’re adding lemon zest, a microplane or fine zester works best.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Cookies

1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
   Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain the strawberries thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
2. Can I add other berries to this recipe?
   Yes, you can substitute or add other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry flavor.
3. Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
   Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the baked cookies for later.
4. Can I use yogurt instead of sour cream?
   Yes, yogurt is a good substitute for sour cream and will add moisture to the dough.
5. How do I store leftover cookies?
   Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Cookies offer a sweet, tangy, and fruity treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of fresh strawberries and a soft, chewy texture makes them irresistible to anyone who loves strawberries. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea, sharing them with family, or gifting them to a friend, these cookies are sure to be a hit.

This recipe is as simple to make as it is delicious, making it perfect for everything from casual afternoons to special celebrations. With their delightful flavor and inviting aroma, these strawberry cookies will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

I’d love to see how your Strawberry Cookies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!