These delightful strawberry cookies are soft, tender, and bursting with the vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries. Perfect for any occasion, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious, making them a surefire hit with kids and adults alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistibly tender: These cookies practically melt in your mouth, offering a delicate crumb and texture.
- Bursting with flavor: The fresh strawberry taste shines through, making them a delightful treat.
- Simple ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items, just pantry staples combined with fresh fruit.
- Versatile: Ideal for parties, afternoon snacks, or even as a homemade gift.
- Quick to make: Whip these cookies up in no time, perfect for satisfying sudden cravings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh strawberries
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Egg yolks
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mash the fresh strawberries until smooth, or pulse them in a blender for a finer consistency.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg yolks and vanilla extract to the butter mixture, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
- Gently fold the mashed strawberries into the dough, ensuring even distribution.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Approximately 20 cookies
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 25-30 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate-dipped: After cooling, dip the cookies halfway in melted chocolate for an indulgent twist.
- Lemon-strawberry flavor: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy kick.
- Gluten-free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Strawberry glaze: Drizzle a simple strawberry glaze on top for added sweetness and visual appeal.
- Jam-filled: Create a thumbprint in each cookie before baking and fill with strawberry jam.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Allow frozen cookies to thaw at room temperature. If desired, warm them in a 300°F oven for 2-3 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them before mashing to prevent excess moisture.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. What’s the best way to mash strawberries?
You can mash them with a fork for a chunkier texture or blend them for a smoother consistency.
4. Can I substitute the butter with margarine?
Yes, but the texture may be slightly different as margarine has a higher water content.
5. How do I ensure the cookies stay soft?
Do not overbake and store them in an airtight container to retain moisture.
6. Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Certainly! Chopped almonds or pecans would pair nicely with the strawberry flavor.
7. Are these cookies suitable for gifting?
Yes, they make an excellent gift! Package them in a decorative box or bag for a personal touch.
8. Can I use strawberry extract for more flavor?
Yes, you can add a few drops of strawberry extract to enhance the flavor.
9. How do I know when the cookies are done?
The edges should be lightly golden, but the centers will still appear soft.
10. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can, but the cookies will have a denser texture and a nuttier flavor.
Conclusion
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Strawberry Cookies are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with a tender, buttery texture. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, these cookies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or gift them to loved ones, they are guaranteed to impress. Give this recipe a try and indulge in the sweet, fruity goodness!
PrintMelt-in-Your-Mouth Strawberry Cookies
These Melt-in-Your-Mouth Strawberry Cookies are soft, buttery, and bursting with the flavor of fresh strawberries. Perfectly sweet with a delicate texture, these cookies are a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with tea, as a dessert, or a quick snack, they’ll become a favorite in no time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into a powder
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar:Â In a large bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients:Â Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients:Â In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and freeze-dried strawberry powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in Fresh Strawberries:Â Gently fold in the finely chopped fresh strawberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- Shape and Bake:Â Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough, roll them into balls, and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Flatten slightly with your palm.
- Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are set and lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Dusting:Â Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
Notes
- For an extra strawberry flavor, you can drizzle the cookies with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and strawberry puree.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.