Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe
If you’re craving a dreamy blend of rich chocolate and bright strawberry flavors all wrapped up in a tender, buttery cookie, you’re in for a treat with this Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe. Trust me, once you try these beauties, you’ll want to whip up a batch again and again. The way the luscious strawberry buttercream filling melts inside and the silky chocolate topping seals the deal – it’s just pure magic. Stick with me as I walk you through every step to baking these fan-freaking-tastic cookies that are guaranteed to impress!
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Texture Balance: Cake flour and cocoa powder create cookies that are soft, tender, and richly chocolatey without being dense.
- Decadent Strawberry Filling: Using freeze-dried strawberry powder packs in intense natural flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- Easy Ganache Topping: A simple chocolate and cream ganache adds a silky finish that hardens just right to keep the cookies elegant and not messy.
- Chill and Freeze Steps: Chilling the dough and freezing the filling make assembly neat and ensure the cookies hold their shape while baking.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe plays a starring role. From the cake flour’s delicate crumb to the luscious strawberry filling – each component was carefully chosen to create the best possible cookie. Grab quality ingredients, especially good butter and fresh freeze-dried strawberries, for best results.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, creamy flavor and perfect fat content for tender cookies and a smooth filling.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds moisture and a hint of caramel depth that enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with structure and slight crispness on cookie edges.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness; room temperature eggs blend more evenly.
- Neutral Cooking Oil: Keeps cookies soft and moist without overpowering the chocolate and strawberry flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors without competing with the chocolate and strawberry notes.
- Cake Flour: Essential for a tender, fine crumb texture – substitutes can make cookies tougher.
- Dutch Cocoa Powder: For that deep, mellow chocolate taste that isn’t too sharp or bitter.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Provide the right leavening for lightness without puffing up too much.
- Salt: Enhances and balances sweetness, bringing the flavors to life.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder: Pure strawberry magic that intensifies flavor without adding moisture.
- Powdered Sugar: Blended smoothly into filling for a creamy texture without grittiness.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate & Heavy Cream: Come together as a luscious ganache topping that sets beautifully.
Make It Your Way
One of the nicest things about this Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe is how flexible it is. I often tweak it based on what I have on hand or who I’m baking for, and each variation brings something delicious to the table.
- Variation: If you prefer a dairy-free version, swap butter and cream for coconut oil and coconut cream – the flavor twists delightfully with a tropical hint.
- Add-Ins: Sometimes, I toss in finely chopped white chocolate or toasted almonds for an extra texture surprise that pairs well with the strawberry notes.
- Seasonal Touch: During berry season, fresh strawberries can be used to make a quick jam filling, but be mindful of extra moisture.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugars Until Fluffy
Start by beating the softened butter with light brown sugar and granulated sugar using an electric mixer. I always crank the speed up for about a minute—this is the secret to creating a light, fluffy base that makes your cookies tender and gives them that melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t rush this part or you’ll miss that airy quality!
Step 2: Mix in Eggs, Oil, and Vanilla
Next, add your eggs one at a time along with the neutral oil and vanilla extract. I keep the mixer on low here to avoid over-beating, which can make the dough tough. This step ensures your dough is smooth and well combined, setting you up for perfect cookies.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Incorporate
In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Adding your dry ingredients gradually to the wet batch helps prevent flour clouds and makes it easier to mix evenly. I always scrape the bowl edges with a spatula to be sure nothing is hiding—you want a perfectly homogenous dough.
Step 4: Chill Dough and Prepare Filling
Pop the dough into the fridge for at least 30 minutes—this helps firm it up so rolling and shaping is easier. While that chills, whip up the filling by beating butter until creamy, then folding in your strawberry powder, salt, and powdered sugar. Freeze small scoops of this filling to keep the assembly neat and ensure the filling doesn’t melt when baking.
Step 5: Assemble Cookies with Strawberry Filling
When your dough is chilled and filling frozen, scoop cookie dough balls, press a thumbprint into the center, and stuff with a frozen dollop of strawberry filling. Carefully seal the filling inside by rolling the dough around it. This step can be a bit fiddly, but trust me, it’s worth the effort—the surprise strawberry center is the star!
Step 6: Bake and Cool Before Adding Ganache
Bake your filled cookies at 350°F (175°C) for 11-12 minutes. The centers might look a little soft or underbaked—that’s perfect! Let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a rack. This resting period helps them set up so the filling stays gooey but not runny.
Step 7: Make and Spread the Chocolate Ganache
For the finishing touch, melt the chocolate with heavy cream in short bursts in the microwave, whisking until silky smooth. Let it cool slightly so it thickens but doesn’t harden, then spread about 2 teaspoons over each cookie’s top. I use the back of a spoon to get a nice even layer that sets with a gorgeous shiny glaze.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Using Cake Flour: Using cake flour really softens the cookie crumb – I tried all-purpose once and immediately noticed the texture difference.
- Freeze Filling Scoops: Freezing your strawberry filling scoops beforehand helps the dough seal better without melting the filling.
- Don’t Skip Cooling: Cooling cookies on the baking sheet before moving them prevents breakage and keeps your chocolate topping from sliding off.
- Chocolate Ganache Thickness: Let the ganache cool a bit before applying so it doesn’t run – 5 minutes uncovered usually does the trick.
How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I love sprinkling a pinch of freeze-dried strawberry powder or a few crushed freeze-dried berries on top of the ganache for a pop of color and extra berry zing. Sometimes, a tiny fresh strawberry slice on each cookie makes for a stunning presentation that also hints at what’s inside.
Side Dishes
When serving, a nice cup of black coffee or a lightly brewed green tea pairs beautifully with these cookies, balancing their sweetness. If it’s a brunch or tea setting, fresh fruit salad or a mild-flavored cheese board add a delightful contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to arrange them on tiered stands decorated with fresh strawberry garlands and mint leaves. Wrapping individual cookies in parchment paper tied with pink twine makes them sweet favors. You could also drizzle white chocolate over the ganache for an artistic touch on special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover Chocolate Strawberry Cookies in an airtight container in the fridge since the ganache and filling are dairy-rich. They stay fresh for about 3-4 days this way without drying out. Just bring them to room temperature before eating for the best experience.
Freezing
These cookies freeze wonderfully! I freeze them individually on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you want a treat, thaw at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. This is a game-changer when you want delicious cookies on hand without starting from scratch.
Reheating
To freshen up refrigerated cookies, I pop them in a warm oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes – just enough to soften without melting the chocolate ganache. This little trick revives the lovely soft texture and makes them taste freshly baked.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried powder in this Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe?
Fresh strawberries have much more moisture, which can affect the cookie dough and filling’s texture and baking behavior. For best results, stick to freeze-dried strawberry powder which adds intense natural flavor without extra moisture. If you want to use fresh berries, consider making a jam filling, but be prepared for softer cookies and adapt baking times accordingly.
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What if I don’t have cake flour for this recipe?
No worries! You can substitute with 3 cups of all-purpose flour plus 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to mimic cake flour’s tenderness. This combo lightens the flour’s protein content and ensures a softer crumb. Just be sure to measure carefully for consistent results.
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Is there a way to make the cookies vegan?
Yes, you can make some swaps to veganize this recipe. Use plant-based butter and substitute eggs with flax or chia egg replacements. Replace dairy heavy cream with coconut cream or a creamy nut milk for the ganache. Make sure the chocolate you use is dairy-free. Keep in mind, texture and flavor might shift slightly but still delicious!
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How can I store these cookies to keep them fresh longer?
Store your cookies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them individually, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. Always bring them back to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe truly holds a special place in my kitchen and heart. It’s the perfect way to treat yourself or impress guests with something both classic and unique. Every bite tells a story of rich chocolate, fragrant strawberries, and buttery bliss. I hope you enjoy making and savoring these as much as I do—it’s like a little hug in cookie form. So grab your mixing bowls, and let’s make some memories with these irresistible cookies!
Print
Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Yield: 19 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies, featuring a rich cocoa-infused cookie base, a creamy strawberry butter filling, and a smooth chocolate ganache topping. Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any day!
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar firmly packed
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature preferred
- 2 Tablespoons neutral cooking oil (avocado, canola, or vegetable oil)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups (394 g) cake flour
- ⅔ cup (70 g) Dutch cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon table salt
For the Filling
- 8 Tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter
- 4 Tablespoons (24 g) freeze-dried strawberry powder
- ⅛ teaspoon table salt
- 1 ⅓ cups (165 g) powdered sugar
For the Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet or couverture chocolate
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and both sugars together using an electric mixer on high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, about one minute.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the eggs, neutral oil, and vanilla extract on low speed until combined. Set aside the wet mixture.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together cake flour, Dutch cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt thoroughly.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture on low speed, mixing until fully incorporated. Scrape the bowl sides and bottom with a spatula to ensure even mixing. Cover the dough and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare Strawberry Filling: Beat the butter until creamy using an electric mixer on high speed. Add freeze-dried strawberry powder and salt, mixing on low speed. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Scoop tablespoons of filling onto a wax paper-lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 15 minutes.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Assemble Cookies: Scoop the chilled cookie dough into 3-tablespoon (58g) portions. Roll each into a ball, then use your thumb to create a crater in the center. Place one frozen strawberry filling scoop into the crater and wrap dough around to enclose the filling completely. Roll into smooth balls and place on prepared baking sheets, spacing at least 2 inches apart.
- Bake Cookies: Bake on the center rack of the oven for 12 minutes, removing when centers are slightly underbaked. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Chocolate Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the chocolate and heavy cream for 25 seconds. Stir well and heat in additional 15-second intervals if necessary until smooth. Whisk the mixture until a smooth ganache forms. Let cool for several minutes until slightly thickened.
- Apply Chocolate Topping: Once cookies are fully cooled, top each with about 2 teaspoons of ganache. Spread evenly using a spatula or the back of a spoon. Allow the ganache to harden before serving and enjoying.
Notes
- Cake flour substitution: Use 3 cups all-purpose flour (375g) plus 2 tablespoons (16g) cornstarch if cake flour is not available.
- Freeze-dried Strawberry Powder: Use freeze-dried strawberries pulverized finely in a food processor, not dehydrated strawberries, for the best texture and flavor.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container. They keep at room temperature for up to 2 days and should be refrigerated beyond that for freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
