Introduction
There’s something undeniably magical about baking with fruits, and these delightful strawberry cookies are a perfect example of that joy! With bursts of fresh strawberry flavor and a tender, buttery texture, these cookies are sure to become a cherished treat in your home. Perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a cup of tea, they capture the essence of summer in every bite. Let’s get those ovens warmed up and indulge in this sweet berry delight!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 24 cookies
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with delightful parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, a delicious golden color.
- Beat in the egg and vanilla extract, ensuring everything is well combined and beautifully mixed.
- In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt, creating a perfect blend of dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined to keep those lovely textures intact.
- Now comes the star of the show! Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Drop generous tablespoon-sized portions of the dough onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart for room to grow.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden, filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma.
- Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust a light sprinkling of powdered sugar over the cookies for that irresistible finishing touch before serving.
Notes or Tips
For the best flavor, use ripe, juicy strawberries. You can also experiment with adding a dash of lemon zest for a bright citrus kick that complements the strawberries beautifully. These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, consider freezing the unbaked dough and baking them fresh whenever your heart desires!
Cooking Techniques
When creaming the butter and sugar, aim for a light, airy texture—this will help to create chewy cookies. Be careful not to overmix once you add the flour; this will keep your cookies tender. Gently folding in the strawberries is key to distributing them without crushing them too much, preserving those lovely chunks of fruit in each bite!
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before chopping to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
What can I substitute for butter? You can use coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
How can I make these cookies gluten-free? Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Conclusion
These strawberry cookies are a delightful way to showcase the sweetness of fresh strawberries, and are sure to bring smiles all around the table. The tender, buttery texture combined with the juicy fruit elevates a simple cookie into an extraordinary treat. Bake a batch today and share them with loved ones—or keep them all to yourself. We won’t judge! Happy baking!