Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of spring and summer. These cookies boast a rich strawberry flavor, thanks to the freeze-dried strawberries and strawberry emulsion. Their large size and soft, cake-like center make them an ideal dessert for gatherings, picnics, or simply enjoying at home. Whether you serve them warm or let them cool, these cookies are sure to impress with their unique blend of flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of freeze-dried strawberries and white chocolate creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, anyone can whip up these cookies in no time, making them perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, picnic, or just a sweet treat at home, these cookies fit right in.
• Soft and Chewy Texture: These Strawberry Shortcake Cookies have a soft, cake-y center that will keep you coming back for more.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily substitute or add ingredients based on what you have available or your personal preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Strawberry Shortcake Cookies requires just a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Stand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone mat

Importance of Each Tool

• Stand mixer: This tool makes creaming butter and sugars effortless, ensuring a light and fluffy texture for your cookies.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes helps keep your ingredients organized while mixing dry and wet components separately.
• Baking sheet: A good quality baking sheet ensures even baking, preventing burnt bottoms on your delicious cookies.

Ingredients

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies are filled with strawberry flavor thanks to the freeze dried strawberries and strawberry emulsion! These cookies are huge, have a soft, cake-y center and are perfect for Spring and Summer!

Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 3/4 cup Cake flour
• 1 tsp. cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Wet Ingredients

• 8 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cold, cubed (1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed (dark or light)
• 1/4 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk (no white)
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Mix-Ins

• 15 Golden Oreos, roughly chopped
• 1.2 oz. freeze dried strawberries (34 grams)
• 3/4 cup white chocolate chips
• 2 tsp. strawberry emulsion

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your cookies start baking at the right temperature for the best texture.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl:
1. Whisk together the following dry ingredients:
All-Purpose flour
Cake flour
Corn starch
Baking soda
Baking powder
Salt
Set this mixture aside for later use.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment:
1. Cream together the cold cubed butter with both sugars (white sugar and brown sugar).
2. Beat this mixture for up to 4 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Next:
1. Add in one large egg along with one egg yolk (discarding the white).
2. Pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
3. Mix until everything is well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually:
1. Add in the dry ingredient mixture from Step 2.
2. Once combined, fold in:
– The chopped Golden Oreo cookies
– Freeze-dried strawberries
– White chocolate chips
– Strawberry emulsion
Mix just until all ingredients are incorporated.

Step 6: Shape Cookies

Using your hands:
1. Shape the dough into 6 large cookies.
2. Place them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or use a silicone baking mat if preferred.

Step 7: Bake

Bake the cookies in your preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes.
After baking:
– Let them cool on the cookie sheet for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.

Enjoy your delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cookies!

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to showcase their flavor or pair them with complementary items, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience.

With Fresh Strawberries

• Serve the cookies alongside fresh strawberries for an extra burst of berry flavor. This pairing brings out the cookie’s strawberry notes beautifully.

A Scoop of Ice Cream

• Add a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream on top of a warm cookie for a delectable dessert. The cold ice cream perfectly balances the soft, warm cookie.

Drizzled with Strawberry Sauce

• Top your cookies with homemade or store-bought strawberry sauce for an added sweetness. This makes for an elegant presentation and enhances the strawberry taste.

With Whipped Cream

• Serve your cookies with a dollop of whipped cream on the side. This adds lightness and creaminess that complements the cookies’ texture.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Arrange the cookies on a dessert platter with other treats like cupcakes or brownies. This makes for a visually appealing display that’s perfect for gatherings.

With Tea or Coffee

• Pair these cookies with your favorite tea or coffee. The flavors meld beautifully, making each bite even more enjoyable.

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How to Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

To ensure your Strawberry Shortcake Cookies turn out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips that will elevate your baking skills.

• Use cold ingredients: Keeping butter and eggs cold helps create a fluffy texture in the cookies.
• Don’t overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies. Overmixing can lead to dense results.
• Chill the dough: For thicker cookies, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking.
• Measure flour correctly: Spoon flour into measuring cups and level off with a knife to avoid using too much, which can make cookies dry.
• Bake on parchment paper: Using parchment paper helps prevent sticking and allows for even baking.
• Watch baking time closely: Start checking on your cookies at 10 minutes to ensure they don’t overbake.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

These Strawberry Shortcake Cookies can be complemented with several delightful side dishes. Here are some great options to serve alongside them:

1. Fruit Salad: A refreshing medley of seasonal fruits that adds brightness to your dessert table.
2. Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses can balance the sweetness of the cookies and offer a savory contrast.
3. Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These indulgent treats echo the strawberry theme while adding richness.
4. Mini Cheesecakes: Bite-sized cheesecakes provide creaminess that pairs well with the cookie’s texture.
5. Pavlova: Light and airy meringue topped with fruit and cream complements the flavors of Strawberry Shortcake Cookies.
6. Meringue Kisses: Light, crispy meringues bring sweetness without heaviness, creating an excellent contrast.
7. Frozen Yogurt Parfaits: Layer yogurt, granola, and fresh berries for a healthy yet delicious side dish.
8. Lemon Bars: The tartness from lemon bars offers a zesty counterpoint to sweet strawberry cookies.

These side dishes not only enhance your overall dessert experience but also delight your guests!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Shortcake Cookies, it’s easy to make simple mistakes that can affect the final outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using warm butter: This can lead to cookies that spread too much. Ensure your butter is cold and cubed before mixing.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much or too little flour can result in a dense cookie. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level your flour for accuracy.
• Overmixing the dough: Mixing too long can make cookies tough. Mix until just combined for a soft, cake-y texture.
• Skipping chilling time: Chilling the dough helps cookies maintain their shape. If you have time, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before baking.
• Ignoring oven temperature: An inaccurate oven temperature can ruin your cookies. Use an oven thermometer to ensure perfect baking conditions.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cookies in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

• Place cooled cookies in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cookies for about 5-7 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds for a soft texture.
• Stovetop: Place a cookie in a skillet over low heat for about 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Strawberry Shortcake Cookies.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

Fresh strawberries contain moisture, which may alter the dough consistency. Stick with freeze-dried strawberries for best results.

How do I customize my Strawberry Shortcake Cookies?

Feel free to add different types of chocolate chips or nuts. You can also experiment with flavored extracts like almond or lemon!

How long do Strawberry Shortcake Cookies last?

These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but will stay good in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature.

What is the best way to store Strawberry Shortcake Cookies?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or refrigerate them if you want them to last longer.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. They bring a burst of strawberry flavor that’s perfect for any spring or summer gathering. Experiment with different mix-ins and enjoy these delightful treats with family and friends!