If you love strawberries, these Soft & Chewy Strawberry Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat! They’re sweet, buttery, and packed with real strawberry flavor in every bite. With a beautiful pink hue and a slightly crispy edge, these cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day, spring gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a fruity dessert.
The best part? They come together quickly with simple ingredients and can be made with fresh strawberries, freeze-dried strawberries, or even strawberry cake mix for an easy shortcut. Let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Cookies
- Soft & Chewy – Perfectly tender on the inside with slightly crisp edges.
- Packed with Strawberry Flavor – Made with real strawberries or freeze-dried berries.
- Easy to Make – No chilling required, and ready in under 30 minutes!
- Beautiful Pink Color – Naturally pretty and perfect for special occasions.
- Customizable – Add white chocolate chips, drizzle with glaze, or make them extra thick!
What Do Strawberry Cookies Taste Like?
These cookies are light, buttery, and bursting with strawberry flavor! They have the sweetness of ripe strawberries, a touch of vanilla, and a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. If you love strawberry shortcake or strawberry ice cream, you’ll adore these cookies!
Ingredients for Strawberry Cookies
For the Cookies:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed (or ⅓ cup fresh strawberries, finely diced)
- 2 tablespoons milk (if needed for moisture)
Optional Add-ins:
- ½ cup white chocolate chips – for a creamy, sweet contrast
- Powdered sugar – for dusting after baking
- Strawberry glaze – for an extra punch of berry flavor
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cooling rack
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
- Fresh Strawberries – If using fresh strawberries, chop them finely and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
- Strawberry Cake Mix – For an easier version, replace flour, sugar, and baking powder with 1 box of strawberry cake mix and follow the rest of the recipe!
- Gluten-Free – Use 1:1 gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Chocolate Chips – White, dark, or milk chocolate chips add a delicious contrast.
How to Make Strawberry Cookies
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until combined.
4. Add the Strawberry Flavor
Fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries (or finely chopped fresh strawberries). If the dough seems too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk until it reaches the right consistency.
5. Scoop & Shape
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop tablespoon-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Gently press each dough ball slightly to flatten.
6. Bake the Cookies
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are set and slightly golden. The cookies should still be soft in the center—they will firm up as they cool.
7. Cool & Serve
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
💡 Serving Tip: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple strawberry glaze for extra flavor!
Expert Tips for the Best Strawberry Cookies
- Use Freeze-Dried Strawberries – They pack the most concentrated strawberry flavor without adding moisture.
- Don’t Overbake! – The cookies should be slightly soft when removed from the oven; they will continue to set as they cool.
- For Extra Flavor – Add ½ teaspoon of strawberry extract for an even stronger strawberry taste.
- Make Them Thicker – Chill the dough for 30 minutes before baking if you want thicker cookies.
How to Store Strawberry Cookies
- At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days for maximum freshness.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls for up to 3 months—just bake straight from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Yes! Just make sure to chop them finely and remove excess moisture by patting them dry with a paper towel.
2. Why did my cookies turn out too soft?
If your cookies are too soft, they may have too much moisture from fresh strawberries. Use freeze-dried strawberries for a firmer texture.
3. Can I add chocolate chips?
Absolutely! White chocolate chips pair perfectly with the strawberry flavor.
4. How do I make a strawberry glaze?
Mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of strawberry puree or milk, and drizzle over cooled cookies for extra flavor.
5. Can I make these cookies dairy-free?
Yes! Replace butter with vegan butter and milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
Final Thoughts
These Soft & Chewy Strawberry Cookies are a must-try for any strawberry lover! They’re easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them on their own or dress them up with a glaze, these cookies are guaranteed to be a hit.
Give this recipe a try and let me know how it turned out! Share your baking creations on Pinterest and leave a review below—I’d love to hear from you!
More Delicious Recipes to Try
- Strawberry Buttermilk Pound Cake – A Moist & Flavorful Delight – Soft, buttery, and bursting with strawberry flavor!
- Peach Cobbler Pound Cake – A rich, fruit-filled cake with a cinnamon-sugar crust.
- Chocolate Ooey Gooey Cake – A fudgy, irresistible chocolate treat!
Happy baking!