Introduction
Welcome to a delightful adventure in baking! Today, we’re making the most scrumptious Strawberry Cookies that are bound to brighten your day. Imagine sinking your teeth into a soft, chewy cookie infused with the sweet and tangy essence of fresh strawberries. Perfect for a sweet snack or a delightful dessert, these cookies are a celebration of summer in every bite. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s get started on this berry delicious journey!
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 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 (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your cookies won’t stick and will bake evenly.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This aeration is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract to the buttery mixture, mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents for a perfectly risen cookie.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Gently fold in the diced strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough for bursts of fruity flavor in every bite.
- Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This allows room for spreading as they bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft – this is where the magic happens!
- Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, finish these beauties with a light dusting of powdered sugar for that extra touch of sweetness.
Notes or Tips
For the best results, make sure your butter is softened to room temperature to allow for easier creaming. If you want to enhance the strawberry flavor, consider adding a splash of strawberry extract along with the vanilla. And, if fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can also use freeze-dried strawberries; just be sure to chop them finely!
Cooking Techniques
When creaming butter and sugar, it’s important to mix until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy; this incorporates air and helps your cookies rise beautifully. Additionally, folding in the strawberries gently ensures you don’t crush them too much, leaving you with lovely chunks throughout the cookies.
FAQ
Can I freeze these cookies? Yes, you can freeze the cookie dough before baking! Simply scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them into the oven directly from the freezer!
What can I serve with these cookies? These cookies are delightful on their own but can be paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!
Conclusion
And there you have it! These Strawberry Cookies are not only easy to make but are sure to impress your friends and family with their fresh, fruity flavor. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack or as a sweet addition to a dessert table, they’re bound to be a hit. So gather those ingredients, and let the sweet aroma of baking fill your home. Happy baking!