These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies are a fun twist on the classic treat! Soft cookies topped with sweet chocolate and fresh strawberry pieces will make your taste buds dance.
Honestly, who can resist that combo? I love making these for a sweet snack, and they vanish quicker than I can bake them! 🍓🍪
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Unsalted Butter: This is essential for a rich cookie texture. If you’re out of unsalted butter, you can use salted butter but reduce the added salt slightly.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives sweetness and helps the cookies rise. For a healthier option, coconut sugar or brown sugar can be used, but expect a slightly different flavor and color.
Egg: The egg binds everything together. If you’re vegan or allergic, a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) works well.
Strawberry Gelatin Powder: This is what gives the cookies that lovely strawberry flavor and color. If you prefer a natural option, consider using strawberry puree instead, though it will require adjustments to moisture.
Chocolate: While semisweet chocolate is classic, you can substitute with milk chocolate for a sweeter taste or dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Try white chocolate for a fun twist!
How Do I Ensure My Cookies Turn Out Soft and Chewy?
The key to soft and chewy cookies is all in how you handle the dough and the baking time. First, don’t overmix your dough after adding the dry ingredients. This keeps the cookies tender. Also, ensure you bake them just until set but not browned—12-14 minutes is usually perfect!
- Keep your oven preheated to 350°F for consistent baking.
- Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them; this helps them firm up a bit.
- Don’t skip the cooling on a wire rack—it allows air to circulate and keeps cookies from becoming soggy.
Enjoy making these delightful treats! They won’t last long once they’re out of the oven!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Base:
- 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 powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup strawberry gelatin powder (like Jell-O strawberry flavor)
For the Topping:
- Fresh strawberries, halved or quartered (about 1 cup)
- 8 ounces semisweet or dark chocolate, chopped or chips
- Red, white, and green sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cookie recipe takes about 20 minutes of preparation time, plus an additional 12-14 minutes for baking. Make sure to allow cooling time afterward, so plan for at least an hour to let everything set perfectly before serving. Total, you’ll spend about an hour and a half before enjoying these yummy treats!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for creating that soft cookie texture!
3. Add the Wet Ingredients:
Next, beat in one large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl for an even mix.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and strawberry gelatin powder. This will help ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—just combine until you see no dry flour left.
6. Shape the Cookies:
Roll the dough into 1 to 1 ½ inch diameter balls and place them on your lined baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This gives them room to spread while baking!
7. Add Strawberries:
Gently press a piece of halved or quartered strawberry into the center of each dough ball. This adds a fruity flavor that pairs beautifully with the cookies.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes. You want them set but not browned—watch them closely!
9. Cool the Cookies:
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Melt the Chocolate:
While your cookies cool, melt the chocolate. Place the chopped chocolate or chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until the chocolate is completely smooth.
11. Coat the Cookies:
Once the cookies are cool, dip the top of each cookie into the melted chocolate or use a spoon to drizzle the chocolate over the top. Let some chocolate drizzle down the sides for that fun, dipped look!
12. Add Sprinkles:
While the melted chocolate is still wet, sprinkle your red, white, and green sprinkles on top for a festive touch. Be creative with your design!
13. Allow to Set:
Finally, place the decorated cookies on parchment or wax paper and allow the chocolate to harden completely before serving. This will take about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the room temperature.
Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies! They’re perfect for any occasion or just as a sweet treat to brighten your day! 🍓🍪
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in the cookies. Pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the dough.
How Should I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want them to last longer, you can freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Just thaw them at room temperature before enjoying!
Can I Make These Cookies Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can make the cookie dough ahead of time and stow it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the rolled dough balls and bake them straight from the freezer; just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Is There a Substitute for Strawberry Gelatin Powder?
If you prefer a more natural option, you can use strawberry puree instead. Start with about 1/4 cup of puree, but you may need to adjust the amount of flour in the recipe to maintain the right dough consistency.
