Oh, the joy of baking cookies! There’s just something magical about the way the aroma fills your kitchen, making it feel oh-so-cozy. And let me tell you, these Strawberry Shortcake Cookies are like a sweet hug on a plate. I’ve always loved the classic strawberry shortcake, but turning that delightful flavor into a cookie? That’s a game changer! I first made these for a picnic, and everyone went absolutely nuts over them. They’re soft, buttery, and bursting with juicy strawberry goodness! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you need a little sweetness in your life, these cookies are sure to impress. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for all the cookie lovers in your life!
Ingredients List
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup strawberries, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
How to Prepare Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because a properly preheated oven helps the cookies bake evenly and get that lovely golden edge we all adore!
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until it’s light and fluffy. You’re looking for about 2-3 minutes of mixing time. Trust me, this step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, making your cookies nice and tender!
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, crack in that egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want to make sure the egg is fully incorporated, so give it a good mix for about 30 seconds. It should look smooth and creamy!
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is key to ensuring your cookies rise beautifully without any lumps. Just give it a quick stir until everything is evenly blended.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, it’s time to combine the two mixtures! Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. I like to do this in thirds, mixing gently until just combined after each addition. This keeps the cookies light and prevents overmixing, which can make them tough.
Step 6: Fold in Strawberries
Now for the fun part—folding in those delicious chopped strawberries! Use a spatula to gently incorporate them into the dough. You want to be careful here so as not to break the strawberries too much; we want those juicy bursts in every bite!
Step 7: Drop Dough onto Baking Sheets
Using a tablespoon, drop the dough onto your baking sheets lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space them a couple of inches apart because they will spread while baking. Trust me, you don’t want them to merge into one giant cookie!
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Pop those trays into the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they’re ready when the edges turn golden and the centers look just set. The smell will be heavenly, I promise!
Step 9: Cool Before Serving
Once they’re out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks. This helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle. Serve them warm or at room temperature, and watch everyone swoon over these delightful treats!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: These cookies come together in just 30 minutes, making them perfect for last-minute treats!
- Flavorful Delight: The combination of sweet strawberries and buttery cookies creates a bursting flavor that’s irresistible.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a picnic, potluck, or just a cozy night in, these cookies are a hit!
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love getting involved in the baking process, and they’ll adore these cookies even more!
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite fruits or add chocolate chips for a fun twist.
- Batch-Friendly: You can easily double the recipe if you’re expecting a crowd or just want extra to share (or keep for yourself!).
Tips for Success
Alright, my friend, let’s make sure your Strawberry Shortcake Cookies turn out amazing every single time! Here are my favorite tips to help you achieve cookie perfection:
- Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, always go for fresh strawberries! Frozen ones can lead to excess moisture, which might make your cookies a bit soggy.
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re combining the wet and dry ingredients, be gentle! Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Just mix until everything is combined, and you’re good to go!
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and egg are at room temperature. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even mixing.
- Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chilling the dough for about 30 minutes can help the cookies maintain their shape while baking. Plus, it makes them even more delicious!
- Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Ovens can vary, so start checking your cookies at the 12-minute mark. You want them golden around the edges but still soft in the center!
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to mix things up! Add a bit of lemon zest for a zesty kick or swap out strawberries for other fruits like raspberries or blueberries.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to baking the most scrumptious Strawberry Shortcake Cookies that everyone will rave about!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve baked up a delicious batch of Strawberry Shortcake Cookies, you’ll want to keep them fresh for as long as possible! To store your leftovers, simply place the cookies in an airtight container. This helps maintain their soft texture and delicious flavor. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for about 3-4 days, but trust me, they might not last that long!
If you find yourself with some cookies that need a little revival, reheating is super easy! Just pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm them up. This will make them feel fresh out of the oven again! You can also give them a quick warm-up in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Just keep an eye on them so they don’t get too crispy. Enjoy every last crumb of those delightful cookies!
Nutritional Information
Now, if you’re curious about what you’re indulging in, here’s the typical nutritional breakdown for one of these scrumptious Strawberry Shortcake Cookies. Just remember, these values are estimates based on the ingredients I use, so they can vary a bit depending on what you choose:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
So there you have it! These cookies are a delightful treat that won’t completely derail your day, especially when shared with friends and family. Enjoy every bite knowing they’re just a bit of sweetness in your life!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries give the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen ones in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture in the cookies!
How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Keep an eye on the cookies around the 12-minute mark. They’re done when the edges are golden and the centers are just set. They’ll firm up a bit as they cool!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for a bit before baking, so it’s easier to scoop.
What’s the best way to store leftover cookies?
Keep your Strawberry Shortcake Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them!
Can I add other fruits to the cookie dough?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. Just remember to adjust the amount based on the moisture content of the fruit!
Strawberry Shortcake Cookies: A Sweet Treat You’ll Adore
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious strawberry shortcake cookies perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 1/2 cup strawberries, chopped
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar.
- Add egg and vanilla, mix well.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture.
- Fold in chopped strawberries.
- Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden.
- Cool on wire racks before serving.
Notes
- Store cookies in an airtight container.
- Use fresh strawberries for best flavor.
- Can substitute with other fruits if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Strawberry Shortcake Cookies