Strawberry Burst Cookies

Strawberry Burst Cookies looked so bright and fun, I had to try them. Sweet strawberries in cookies? Yes, please!

The first bite was amazing. Juicy strawberry pieces and soft, chewy cookie together. Honestly, I couldn’t stop smiling.

They feel fresh, sweet, and so happy. Perfect for snacks or a little treat anytime. Each bite just bursts with flavor.

So yep, I had to share them with you. Let’s bake a batch together and enjoy every fruity bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Strawberry Bliss in Every Bite: The combination of freeze-dried strawberries and fresh strawberry purée infuses these cookies with a refreshing, sweet flavor that’s impossible to resist.
• Bursting with Flavor: White chocolate chips and a hint of lemon zest take the flavor profile to a whole new level, adding a touch of luxury to this simple cookie recipe.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re making cookies for a family gathering, a party, or just a sweet snack for yourself, these strawberry burst cookies are always a crowd-pleaser.
• Soft, Chewy, and Buttery: These cookies are perfectly soft and chewy on the inside, with a slight crisp on the outside, thanks to a delicious mix of ingredients.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The dough can be refrigerated for a couple of hours or even frozen for later use—perfect for when you want a freshly baked cookie at a moment’s notice.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s make sure you have all the necessary tools for success.

• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two medium-sized bowls—one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients.
• Hand or Stand Mixer: A mixer will make it much easier to cream the butter and sugar together. If you don’t have a mixer, a good old-fashioned wooden spoon will do.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to perfect cookies, so make sure you have a reliable set of measuring cups and spoons.
• Baking Sheets: Two baking sheets will allow you to bake multiple batches at once. Lining them with parchment paper will help your cookies bake evenly and prevent sticking.
• Cooling Rack: Once your cookies are done baking, let them cool on a wire rack so they can firm up without becoming soggy.

Ingredients

Now, let’s get into the ingredients! This recipe combines the perfect balance of sweetness, fruitiness, and creaminess for a cookie that will transport your taste buds to a strawberry patch on a warm day. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Dough:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Room temperature butter is essential for creating a soft, tender cookie texture.
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar: The sugar adds the necessary sweetness to balance out the tang of the strawberries.
• 1 large egg: Eggs provide structure and moisture to the dough, helping the cookies hold together.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: The vanilla adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the fruity notes of the strawberries.
• ¼ cup strawberry purée (fresh or frozen and thawed): The strawberry purée gives the dough a natural pink hue and a fresh strawberry flavor. If you don’t have purée, you can blend fresh strawberries in a blender until smooth.
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: This is the main structure for the cookies, and the amount will create a nice, thick dough.
• ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise and achieve that perfect, chewy texture.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda: Aiding in spreading and contributing to the softness of the cookie.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the dough and balances the sweetness.

For the Strawberry Burst:

• ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries (crushed): Freeze-dried strawberries are perfect for adding concentrated strawberry flavor without any excess moisture. The crushed pieces will distribute evenly throughout the dough, providing a sweet surprise in every bite.

Optional Additions:

• ½ cup white chocolate chips: White chocolate chips add a creamy sweetness that complements the tartness of the strawberries.
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest: Lemon zest gives the cookies a zesty kick that enhances the flavor of the strawberries, adding a refreshing citrus note.

Variations for Strawberry Burst Cookies

If you’re feeling a little adventurous or want to experiment with different flavors, here are a few fun variations to try:

• Add Nuts: If you love a little crunch in your cookies, try adding some chopped nuts like macadamia nuts, almonds, or walnuts.
• Use Dark Chocolate: Instead of white chocolate chips, dark chocolate chips can add a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor that pairs well with the tartness of the strawberries.
• Try Other Berries: If you’re in the mood for something different, swap out the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry version.
• Make it Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) and use plant-based butter for a vegan version of these strawberry cookies.
• Strawberry Jam Filling: For a fun twist, make a thumbprint in the center of each cookie and fill it with strawberry jam before baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get started! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of delicious strawberry burst cookies in no time.

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). This ensures the oven is at the right temperature when you’re ready to bake the cookies.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.

3. Cream Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using a hand or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will give your cookies a soft texture. Add the egg and vanilla extract and mix until incorporated. Then, add the strawberry purée and mix again until fully combined.

4. Add Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Continue mixing until the dough comes together. It may look a bit thick, but that’s perfectly fine. If you want to add white chocolate chips, freeze-dried strawberry pieces, or lemon zest, fold them in now.

5. Scoop the Dough

Using a cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the dough into 1.5-2 tablespoon portions. Roll each portion into a ball and place them about 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you’d like, you can gently flatten the dough balls with the back of a spoon or your palm for a more uniform shape.

6. Bake

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look a bit soft, but they will firm up as they cool. If you want slightly crispier cookies, bake for an additional minute or two.

7. Cool

Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set and maintain their shape.

How to Serve Strawberry Burst Cookies

These cookies are perfect for many occasions. Here are a few serving ideas:

• As an Afternoon Snack: Enjoy these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a sweet treat in the afternoon.
• For Parties or Gatherings: Serve them at a party, picnic, or potluck for a bright and flavorful dessert.
• In a Cookie Box: Gift these cookies to family and friends as a homemade present in a decorative box or tin.
• For Breakfast (Why Not?): Skip the muffins and enjoy a couple of these strawberry burst cookies with your morning coffee!

Storing Strawberry Burst Cookies

• Room Temperature: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can store them in the fridge.
• Freezing: To freeze the dough for later, scoop the dough onto a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes. Once frozen, transfer the dough balls to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just place them directly on the baking sheet and bake as usual, adding an extra minute or two if baking from frozen.
• Frozen Cookies: If you’ve already baked the cookies, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top bag. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, simply let them thaw at room temperature.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cookie
Calories per Cookie: 150 kcal
Total Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 100mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 15g
Protein: 1g

Conclusion

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these Strawberry Burst Cookies are sure to be a hit. With the vibrant strawberry flavor and creamy white chocolate chips, these cookies are an absolute treat that everyone will love. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a batch of delicious cookies that will brighten up any day!