Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Baking brings back cherished memories of summer afternoons filled with treats straight from the oven. The smell of warm strawberries mingling with sweet, buttery cookie dough creates an irresistible aroma that calls to mind long days spent outdoors. Strawberry shortcake cookies combine the beloved flavors of a classic dessert into a delightful, handheld treat that everyone can enjoy.

The unique textures blend crunchy shortcake crumbs with soft, chewy cookies. This inspired creation often becomes a cherished part of gatherings with friends and family. Each bite of these strawberry shortcake cookies transports me to sunny picnics, where laughter and good food unite.

As the berries burst with juice, each cookie reflects a playful spirit, welcoming new moments and shared experiences. Whether enjoyed alone or with loved ones, these cookies serve as a perfect reminder of life’s sweetest pleasures. Strawberry shortcake cookies shine brightly in both taste and spirit, offering a delicious way to celebrate life’s simple joys.

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Fundamentals

Baking strawberry shortcake cookies requires understanding the key elements that create their delightful flavor and texture. The combination of buttery richness and fresh strawberries forms the essence of these cookies. The granulated and brown sugars contribute to the perfect sweetness, while the butter adds a tender crumb.

In this recipe, the strawberries deliver a burst of fresh flavor balanced by the sweetness of the cookie base. The shortcake crumbs provide an essential crunch that elevates each bite. With just the right mix of wet and dry ingredients, the cookie dough achieves a perfect consistency, creating a product that’s dreamy to eat and easy to make.

Preparation/Setup

To begin, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This step ensures that the cookies bake evenly and develop a golden brown hue. Line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.

Next, gather all your ingredients so you have everything on hand. They include granulated sugar, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and oil, as well as fresh strawberries, lemon juice, butter, eggs, and a few others. Having everything prepared allows you to focus fully on creating your delectable strawberry shortcake cookies.

Ingredients

For the strawberry shortcake cookies, you will need the following ingredients:

• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp light brown sugar (packed)
• 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 4 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon clear vanilla extract
• ⅔ cup diced fresh strawberries
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 12 tbsp unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg (room temperature)
• 1 large egg yolk (room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup shortcake crumbs (from above recipe)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, flour, baking powder, oil, and vanilla extract. Mix until the mixture resembles crumbs.
3. Spread the crumb mixture on a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the crumbs turn golden brown. Once baked, set aside to cool completely.
4. Take a small bowl and toss together the diced strawberries and lemon juice. Set this mixture aside to allow the flavors to meld.
5. In a mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar for about three minutes until the mixture appears light and fluffy.
6. Next, mix in the room temperature egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
7. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until almost combined.
8. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of the shortcake crumbs and the chopped strawberries. If the strawberries release excessive juice, consider straining before adding them to the cookie dough.
9. Using a medium (2-tablespoons) cookie scoop, portion the dough onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Optionally, press additional shortcake crumbs onto the tops of each dough ball. For larger bakery-style cookies, use a large (3-tablespoon) cookie scoop.
10. Chill the dough in the freezer for at least 2-3 hours, preferably overnight.
11. After chilling, preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
12. Bake the frozen cookies spaced 2-3 inches apart for 9-11 minutes for standard-size cookies or 12-14 minutes for large cookies. The cookies should be done when the edges start turning golden brown.
13. To enhance the presentation, after baking, press more shortcake crumbs onto the top of each cookie. Add more diced strawberries if desired.
14. Allow the cookies to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before removing them from the baking sheet. Enjoy your delightful creation!

Variation on Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Technique

Mastering the technique of making strawberry shortcake cookies requires attention to detail. Creaming the butter and sugars together thoroughly captures air, resulting in fluffier cookies. Ensure that the butter is at room temperature, as this allows it to blend smoothly with sugars, creating that much-desired fluffy texture.

When adding dry ingredients, fold them gently rather than mixing aggressively. This method preserves the airiness and avoids overworking the dough, which can lead to dense cookies. The final fold in the strawberries and shortcake crumbs should be light to retain their structure within the cookie dough.

Tips/Tricks

For the best results, make sure to measure your flour accurately. Too much flour can lead to tough cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method: spoon the flour into the measuring cup, then level it off with a straight edge without packing it down.

Chilling the dough is a crucial step; it not only makes it easier to scoop but also helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking, resulting in a thick and chewy texture. If you’re fans of chillier treats, consider serving these cookies alongside a scoop of your favorite ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Creating Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Perfecting Results

Baking is both an art and a science. Striking the perfect balance in your strawberry shortcake cookies can sometimes pose a challenge. One common issue is when cookies spread too much during baking. To combat this, thoroughly chill the dough in the freezer before baking. This allows the fat in the butter to solidify, thereby reducing spreading.

Another key factor is not overbaking the cookies. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes of baking; the cookies should look slightly under-baked in the center when you pull them out. They will continue to cook as they cool on the baking rack.

Troubleshooting/Variations

If your cookies turn out too dry, consider reducing the flour or butter in your recipe slightly. Alternatively, adding a teaspoon of milk can help achieve a softer texture. Conversely, if the cookies seem too moist, additional shortcake crumbs can help absorb some of the excess moisture.

For those keen on experimenting, consider incorporating other fruits alongside strawberries. Raspberries or blueberries can provide a delightful twist and add their unique flavor profiles. Mixing in some chopped nuts like almonds or pecans also gives an exciting crunch with each bite.

Presentation and Storage for Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Serving/Presentation

These strawberry shortcake cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can still shine when stored and served appropriately. Arrange your cookies on a delightful platter, perhaps garnished with more diced strawberries for a fresh pop of color.

Serving with whipped cream and additional strawberry slices creates a beautiful presentation and enhances the overall taste experience. The combination of textures, flavors, and colors makes for a visually appealing dish, perfect for entertaining guests or celebrating special occasions.

Pairing/Storage

While strawberry shortcake cookies pair wonderfully with a variety of beverages, they are naturally sweet and delightful on their own. Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days, ensuring they maintain their freshness. For longer storage, consider freezing the cookies; they can last for about three months in the freezer.

When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the cookies at room temperature. If you prefer a warm cookie, pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until just warmed through. Enjoy each bite of your scrumptious strawberry shortcake cookies, celebrating the joy of baking and sharing them with loved ones.