These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies are a treat that combines soft, chewy cookies with delicious chocolate and sweet strawberries on top! They look as good as they taste!
Honestly, who can resist a cookie that looks like dessert and tastes like a dream? I love making these for parties, and they always disappear fast. They’re just so fun to eat!🍓🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the salt level in your cookies. If you’re in a pinch, margarine can work too, though I prefer butter for its richer taste.
Granulated and Powdered Sugar: Granulated sugar maintains the cookie’s structure while powdered sugar adds to the softness. If you want a healthier option, try coconut sugar or use more powdered sugar alone for extra sweetness.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These provide a naturally fruity flavor and the pink color. If you can’t find them, use fresh strawberries, just be aware it may change the texture slightly. You can also use strawberry extract for a strong flavor boost!
Chocolate: Semi-sweet chocolate is my go-to for the perfect balance of sweetness. Dark chocolate can be used for a deeper flavor, and white chocolate could add a beautiful touch, though it’s sweeter.
How Can I Get My Cookies to Bake Evenly?
A common challenge is getting cookies to bake evenly and achieve that perfect balance of chewy and soft. Follow these tips for success:
- Make sure your oven is preheated properly; an oven thermometer can help check accuracy.
- Space the cookies about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet. This allows for spread and even baking.
- Bake in batches on the middle rack for consistent heat exposure, rotating the trays halfway through if your oven has hot spots.
- Cool cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This helps firm them up while retaining moisture.
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, ground to powder (or 1/4 cup strawberry powder)
- 1-2 drops red or pink food coloring (optional, for more vivid color)
For the Chocolate Coating:
- 12 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped or in chips
For Decoration:
- Sprinkles (red, white, and pink)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe requires about 15 minutes for preparation and 10-12 minutes for baking. Allow at least another 30 minutes for cooling and chocolate setting. In total, set aside about 1 hour and even longer if you need your chocolate to chill completely!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot when your cookies are ready to go in. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper for easy clean-up and to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butters and Sugars:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened butter with both the granulated and powdered sugars. Use a hand mixer or a whisk to cream them together until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color. This process helps to create a soft texture in the cookies!
3. Add in Eggs and Vanilla:
Crack the eggs into the bowl, one at a time. Beat well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for that lovely flavor kick.
4. Mix in the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and the strawberry powder. If you’d like your cookies to be extra pink, this is the time to add a drop or two of food coloring! Mix this dry blend into the wet ingredients gradually, just until combined. Don’t overmix; it’s okay if it’s slightly soft and a bit sticky.
5. Portion the Dough:
Using a tablespoon or a cookie scoop, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
6. Bake the Cookies:
Pop the baking sheets into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes. You want the edges to be lightly golden, while the center should still appear set. Don’t worry if they’re slightly puffy; they’ll flatten a bit as they cool. After baking, let them sit on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. Melt the Chocolate:
To melt your chocolate, break it into pieces (or use chips) in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and fully melted. Be careful not to overheat!
8. Coat the Cookies:
Once your cookies are completely cool, dip one half of each cookie into the melted chocolate or use a spoon to drizzle it over the top. Place them back on the parchment paper.
9. Add Sprinkles:
Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle the cookies with your colorful sprinkles! This is where they get their fun and festive flair.
10. Allow to Set:
Finally, allow the chocolate to set completely either at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a quicker set. Once hardened, your cookies are ready to serve!
Enjoy your beautiful Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies! They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones at special occasions or just for a sweet personal treat! 🍓🍪
Can I Use Fresh Strawberries Instead of Freeze-Dried?
Yes, you can use fresh strawberries, but they will add moisture to the dough, which may alter the cookie’s texture. If you choose fresh, finely chop them and consider reducing other wet ingredients slightly to compensate.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Just let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before baking, so it softens a bit for easier scooping.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. If the chocolate starts to soften due to heat, you can place them in the fridge to keep them firm, but this might change the texture slightly.
Can I Use Different Types of Chocolate?
Yes! While semi-sweet is popular, you can use milk chocolate for a sweeter taste, or dark chocolate for a richer flavor. White chocolate is also a fun option for a sweeter, visually striking alternative.
