Strawberry Crunch Cookies Recipe
Strawberry Crunch Cookies offer a nostalgic blend of textures and flavors, combining a crispy topping with a soft, chewy center. Infused with the vibrant taste of freeze-dried strawberries and strawberry cake mix, these cookies deliver a delightful burst of fruity sweetness that conjures memories of carefree childhood days. Perfect for sharing or gifting, they brighten any occasion with their cheerful appearance and rich, wholesome taste.
- Author: luca
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert, Cookies
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (100 g) melted butter (for topping)
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (150 g) freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- 1 cup (150 g) strawberry cake mix
- 1 cup (110 g) crushed graham crackers (for topping)
- Prepare the dough: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, cream together softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined.
- Add strawberry components: Fold in crushed freeze-dried strawberries and strawberry cake mix evenly into the dough, creating vibrant pockets of flavor.
- Scoop and bake: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoons, drop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart. Optionally sprinkle extra crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are lightly golden and centers set.
- Cool cookies: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely, allowing the soft chewy center to develop.
- Make the crunch topping: In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup crushed freeze-dried strawberries, 1 cup crushed graham crackers, and 1/2 cup melted butter until mixture resembles wet sand with visible strawberry pieces.
- Apply topping: Once cookies are fully cooled, gently press the crunch topping onto each cookie’s surface for added texture and flavor.
- Store properly: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature up to one week, or freeze in a single layer then transfer to freezer bags for longer storage.
Notes
- Use room temperature butter for optimal creaming.
- Do not overmix flour to maintain tender cookies.
- Chill dough for 30 minutes before baking to prevent spreading and enhance chewiness.
- Try substituting freeze-dried strawberries with raspberries for a tart variation.
- Add white chocolate chips or nuts for extra flavor and texture.
- Gluten-free options can be made using coconut flour with adjusted liquids.
- Store cooled cookies in airtight containers to preserve texture.
- For more vibrant color, add a few drops of red food coloring to the dough.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie (approx. 35g)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: Strawberry cookies, crunchy topping cookies, freeze-dried strawberry cookies, chewy strawberry cookies, nostalgic desserts, berry cookies