Indulge in the delightful sweetness of summer with these irresistible Strawberry Cookies. Bursting with the fresh flavor of strawberries and boasting a soft, chewy texture, these cookies are a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a sweet snack to enjoy with your afternoon tea or a crowd-pleasing dessert for a summer gathering, these strawberry-infused cookies are sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cookies
- Fresh and Fruity: Made with real strawberries, these cookies offer a burst of natural sweetness and flavor.
- Soft and Chewy: The addition of strawberries keeps the cookies soft and moist, making them utterly irresistible.
- Simple and Versatile: With just a handful of ingredients, these cookies are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite mix-ins.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make these delectable Strawberry Cookies:
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for added texture
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls
- Hand or stand mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheets
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Dice the fresh strawberries and set them aside.
2. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add Egg and Vanilla
Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
6. Fold in Strawberries (and Optional Mix-Ins)
Gently fold in the diced strawberries (and any optional mix-ins like white chocolate chips or chopped nuts) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Scoop and Bake
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them a few inches apart.
8. Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Variations
- Frozen Strawberries: If fresh strawberries are not available, you can use frozen strawberries that have been thawed and drained.
- Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
- Glaze: For added sweetness, drizzle cooled cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
How to Serve
Enjoy these Strawberry Cookies as a delightful snack with a glass of milk, a cup of tea, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
FAQ
Can I use strawberry jam instead of fresh strawberries?
While fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture, you can use strawberry jam as a substitute. However, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to compensate for the sweetness of the jam.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour for the regular flour to make gluten-free Strawberry Cookies.
Conclusion and Call to Action
These Strawberry Cookies are a delightful way to enjoy the fresh flavors of summer all year round. With their soft, chewy texture and bursts of strawberry goodness, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Try baking a batch today and share the love by spreading the recipe with your friends and family. For more delicious recipes and baking inspiration, be sure to subscribe to our blog. Happy baking!