These chocolate covered strawberry cookies are a sweet delight! Soft cookies are topped with creamy chocolate and juicy strawberries for a perfect treat that brings smiles.
Honestly, who can resist that chocolatey goodness on a cookie? I love serving these at parties because they disappear in seconds! Just be prepared for everyone to ask for more! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the best control over salt levels. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can try using coconut oil. It brings a light coconut flavor too!
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used for sweetness, but you can substitute it with brown sugar for a richer flavor and chewy texture!
Strawberry Gelatin Powder: This adds a lovely strawberry taste and color. If you prefer a natural approach, you can use pureed fresh strawberries, but you might need to adjust the flour slightly for moisture.
Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet is my go-to for balance, but you can use milk chocolate or even white chocolate if you want something sweeter. For a dairy-free option, dark chocolate is a great choice!
How Do I Perfectly Prepare the Cookie Dough?
Getting the cookie dough right is key for these cookies. Here’s how to ensure a perfect texture and shape:
- Start by creaming the softened butter and sugar until it’s fluffy — this adds air and lightness.
- When adding the flour mixture, do this slowly. It helps to mix evenly and prevents overworking the dough.
- Use a cookie scoop to create uniform dough balls; this helps with even baking.
- Press the strawberries in gently but not too deep; you want them to stay on top.
These small steps will set you up for cookie success and ensure the cookies remain soft and delicious!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cookie Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder (e.g., Jell-O)
For the Topping:
- Fresh strawberries, halved or sliced to fit cookies (approx. 1 pint)
- 8 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or shortening (to thin chocolate)
- Red, green, and white sprinkles for decoration
Time Needed:
This delightful recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to bake, plus some time for cooling. Overall, you’ll need about 1 hour to get these delicious cookies ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to ensure the cookies don’t stick.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, combine the softened butter and granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
3. Incorporate Egg and Vanilla:
Add the egg and vanilla extract to the creamed mixture. Continue to mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and strawberry gelatin powder until they are evenly mixed.
5. Make the Cookie Dough:
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until a soft dough forms. Don’t overmix, just until everything is combined!
6. Form the Cookies:
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading while baking.
7. Add the Strawberries:
Slightly flatten each dough ball and gently press a halved strawberry into the center. Make sure the strawberry is nestled slightly into the dough.
8. Bake the Cookies:
Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes. Look for edges that are lightly golden while keeping the centers soft. Once done, let them cool on the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Melt the Chocolate:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips together with the vegetable oil. Do this in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until the chocolate is smooth and glossy.
10. Coat the Cookies:
Once the cookies are cooled, dip the top half of each cookie into the melted chocolate. Alternatively, you can spoon the melted chocolate over the strawberries and tops. Aim for an even coat for that delicious chocolatey goodness!
11. Decorate with Sprinkles:
Place the chocolate-covered cookies on parchment paper. Quickly sprinkle them with red, green, and white sprinkles while the chocolate is still wet, adding a festive touch!
12. Let the Chocolate Set:
Allow the chocolate to set completely at room temperature or pop them in the refrigerator for a quicker set.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chocolate is set, your cookies are ready! Serve these festive treats to friends and family, and enjoy the compliments that come your way!
These cookies combine the delightful flavors of strawberry and chocolate, making them perfect for any occasion, especially during the holidays. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture. This will help keep your cookies from getting soggy.
How Do I Store Leftover Cookies?
Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the blend contains xanthan gum for the right texture.
What Kind of Chocolate Can I Use for Dipping?
You can use semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate chips. For a lighter option, white chocolate works well too! Just make sure to thin it with a bit of vegetable oil or shortening for a smooth coating.
