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Strawberry Shortcake Cookies: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Dessert
If you’re a fan of the classic strawberry shortcake dessert, you’re going to love these Strawberry Shortcake Cookies. These buttery, biscuit-like cookies are packed with chunks of fresh strawberries and topped with a sweet glaze, making them the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer picnic, planning a bake sale, or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making these delicious cookies, share some tips to ensure they turn out perfectly, and provide all the nutritional information you need. So, let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why these cookies are so special:
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these cookies are a breeze to whip up.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday, party, or just a casual snack, these cookies are always a hit.
- Fresh Strawberries: The addition of fresh strawberries gives these cookies a burst of natural sweetness and a delightful texture.
- Sweet Glaze: The glaze adds the perfect finishing touch, making these cookies irresistible.
Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious cookies:
For the Cookies:
- 2½ cups all-purpose baking mix (not to be confused with all-purpose flour)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup half and half
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
- 1 cup chopped strawberries
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- Coarse raw cane sugar (optional, for topping)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons half and half
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper and set them aside.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose baking mix and granulated sugar.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients
- Add the half and half and melted butter to the dry ingredients.
- Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until a soft dough forms.
Step 4: Incorporate Strawberries and White Chocolate Chips
- Gently stir in the chopped strawberries and white chocolate chips until just combined.
- Pro Tip: Be careful not to over-mix, as ripe strawberries can bleed into the dough, turning it pink.
Step 5: Scoop and Shape the Cookies
- Use a medium cookie scoop (or about 1½ tablespoons) to portion out the dough.
- Place 12 cookies per sheet, spacing them evenly.
- If desired, sprinkle the tops with coarse raw cane sugar for a little extra sweetness and crunch.
Step 6: Bake the Cookies
- Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are lightly golden brown.
- Pro Tip: Keep a close eye on the cookies, as they can go from perfectly baked to overdone quickly.
Step 7: Cool the Cookies
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to cool completely before glazing.
Step 8: Make the Glaze
- In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and half and half.
- Stir until you achieve your desired consistency. Start with 1 tablespoon of half and half and add more as needed.
- Use a fork to drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies.
The History of Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is a beloved dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. Its origins can be traced back to Europe, where shortcake was initially a simple, biscuit-like bread made with flour, cream, sugar, and butter. The dessert gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century, particularly in the mid-1800s, when strawberries became more widely available. The combination of sweet, juicy strawberries and tender shortcake was an instant hit, and it quickly became a staple at summer picnics and gatherings.
The classic strawberry shortcake dessert typically consists of layers of shortcake biscuits, fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. Over time, variations of the dessert have emerged, including cakes, parfaits, and even cookies. The Strawberry Shortcake Cookies we’re exploring today are a modern twist on this timeless treat, offering all the flavors of the classic dessert in a convenient, handheld form.
Strawberry shortcake is often associated with summer, as strawberries are in peak season during the warmer months. However, thanks to modern agriculture and global shipping, strawberries are now available year-round, making it possible to enjoy strawberry shortcake-inspired treats like these cookies anytime. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet craving, these cookies are a delicious way to pay homage to the classic dessert.
Why Fresh Strawberries Make All the Difference
When it comes to baking, the quality of your ingredients can make or break a recipe. This is especially true for Strawberry Shortcake Cookies, where fresh strawberries play a starring role. Fresh strawberries bring a natural sweetness, vibrant color, and juicy texture to the cookies, elevating them from ordinary to extraordinary.
Using fresh strawberries ensures that the cookies have a bright, fruity flavor that complements the buttery, biscuit-like base. Unlike frozen or canned strawberries, fresh strawberries have a firmer texture, which helps them hold their shape during baking. This means you’ll get delightful chunks of strawberry in every bite, rather than a mushy, overly wet cookie.
When selecting strawberries for this recipe, look for berries that are ripe but still firm. Overripe strawberries can release too much moisture, which may affect the texture of the cookies. To prepare the strawberries, wash them thoroughly, remove the stems, and chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. Be gentle when mixing them into the dough to prevent them from breaking apart and bleeding into the batter.
If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen strawberries as a substitute. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture. While the texture and flavor may differ slightly, frozen strawberries can still yield delicious results. However, for the best possible outcome, fresh strawberries are the way to go.
Tips for Perfecting Your Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
Baking is both an art and a science, and even small adjustments can have a big impact on the final result. Here are some expert tips to help you perfect your Strawberry Shortcake Cookies:
- Use the Right Baking Mix: It’s important to use all-purpose baking mix (like Krusteaz or Jiffy) rather than all-purpose flour. Baking mix contains leavening agents and other ingredients that give the cookies their signature texture. Using flour instead will result in a denser, less flavorful cookie.
- Don’t Over-Mix the Dough: Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined, and be gentle when incorporating the strawberries to prevent them from bleeding into the batter.
- Watch the Baking Time: These cookies bake quickly, so keep a close eye on them. They’re done when the edges are set and the tops are lightly golden brown. Remember, the cookies will continue to firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.
- Experiment with Toppings: While the recipe calls for a simple powdered sugar glaze, you can get creative with toppings. Try drizzling melted white chocolate, sprinkling crushed freeze-dried strawberries, or adding a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair.
- Store Properly: To keep your cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you need to store them for longer, freeze the cookies in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per cookie (based on 20 servings):
- Calories: 187 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 11mg
- Sodium: 222mg
- Potassium: 71mg
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 19g
- Vitamin A: 98 IU
- Vitamin C: 4mg
- Calcium: 54mg
- Iron: 0.5mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
Can I Substitute the White Chocolate Chips?
Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even omit them altogether if you prefer.
How Should I Store These Cookies?
Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
Can I Make These Cookies Gluten-Free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free all-purpose baking mix to make these cookies gluten-free.
Strawberry Shortcake Cookies: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Dessert
Strawberry Shortcake Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic strawberry shortcake dessert. They feature buttery, biscuit-like cookies loaded with fresh strawberry chunks and white chocolate chips, topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for a quick treat or a sweet snack, these cookies are easy to make and bursting with flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
▢ 2½ cups all-purpose baking mix
▢ ½ cup granulated sugar
▢ ½ cup half and half
▢ 4 tablespoons salted butter, melted
▢ 1 cup chopped strawberries
▢ 1 cup white chocolate chips
▢ Coarse raw cane sugar (optional, for topping)
For the Glaze:
▢ 1 cup powdered sugar
▢ 1-2 tablespoons half and half
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose baking mix and granulated sugar. - Add Wet Ingredients:
Add the half and half and melted butter to the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. - Fold in Strawberries and Chocolate Chips:
Gently stir in the chopped strawberries and white chocolate chips until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix, as the strawberries may bleed into the dough. - Scoop and Shape:
Use a medium cookie scoop (or 1½ tablespoons) to portion out the dough. Place 12 cookies per sheet, spacing them evenly. Sprinkle the tops with coarse raw cane sugar if desired. - Bake:
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops are lightly golden brown. - Cool:
Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before glazing. - Make the Glaze:
In a small bowl, stir together the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of half and half. Add more half and half as needed to reach your desired consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a fork.
Notes
- Handle Strawberries Gently: Overmixing can cause the strawberries to bleed into the dough, so mix just until combined.
- Don’t Overbake: Watch the cookies closely. They’re done when the edges are set and the tops are lightly golden. They will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Baking Mix Note: Use an all-purpose baking mix (like Krusteaz or Jiffy), not all-purpose flour.
Nutrition
- Calories: 187kcal per 1 cookie
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 222mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 11mg
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Shortcake Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic dessert, combining the flavors of fresh strawberries, buttery cookies, and a sweet glaze. They’re easy to make, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is a must-try.