Strawberry Crunch Cookies

There’s something truly special about the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafting through a home. It’s like a warm hug, wrapping around you with comfort and nostalgia. Today, I’m inviting you into my cozy kitchen to share a recipe that’s near and dear to my heart — Strawberry Crunch Cookies. These delightful treats are a sweet nod to childhood memories, family gatherings, and those simple moments that make life beautiful. Imagine the delightful crunch of a cookie that’s bursting with strawberry flavor, each bite taking you back to sunlit afternoons and joyful, carefree days. With their vibrant hue and enticing texture, these cookies are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a delightful visual treat.

As we embark on this culinary journey together, let’s celebrate a few friendly benefits of this recipe. Firstly, these cookies are incredibly easy to make, ensuring you spend more time enjoying and less time worrying in the kitchen. Secondly, the ingredients are simple and likely already in your pantry, making it a breeze to whip up a batch anytime the craving strikes. Thirdly, these cookies are a wonderful way to involve the little ones in baking, creating cherished family moments around the kitchen counter. Lastly, they make for a delightful gift, wrapped in a cozy package for friends and loved ones, spreading warmth and joy far and wide.

Why This Recipe Should Be on Your Table

Strawberry Crunch Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a gateway to cherished memories and new traditions. Imagine serving these at a family gathering and watching as everyone reaches for seconds, or enjoying them with a cup of tea on a quiet afternoon, savoring each bite. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday celebration, a potluck, or simply a weekend indulgence. Their deliciously sweet and crunchy texture is a crowd-pleaser, and their bright strawberry flavor is sure to bring smiles to faces young and old. Just like a favorite family recipe passed down through generations, these cookies have the power to create warm, loving memories.

Their versatility makes them a hit at any event. From birthday parties to casual get-togethers, these cookies add a touch of homemade happiness to any occasion. They are also a fantastic conversation starter, as the unique strawberry crunch is not something you find in everyday cookie selections. Each bite is a delightful surprise, making them an unforgettable addition to your baking repertoire.

Kitchen Tools to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

Creating these Strawberry Crunch Cookies is a joy when you have the right tools on hand. Here’s a list of essentials to make your baking experience as smooth and delightful as possible:

• Mixing Bowls: A set of mixing bowls for combining wet and dry ingredients effortlessly. Opt for bowls with non-slip bases to prevent spills and splatters.
• Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer to cream the butter and sugars to perfection. A stand mixer with a paddle attachment will make the process even easier, especially if you’re making multiple batches.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key, so have your trusty measuring tools ready. Consider investing in a digital scale for even more accurate measurements.
• Baking Sheets: A couple of large baking sheets lined with parchment paper to ensure even baking. The parchment paper helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Cooling Rack: A wire cooling rack to help your cookies cool down evenly and maintain their delightful crunch. This step is crucial to prevent the cookies from becoming soggy underneath.
• Scooper: A cookie scooper or tablespoon to create uniform cookie dough balls for even baking. A consistent size ensures that all cookies bake evenly, avoiding burnt edges or raw centers.

How to Make This Recipe Easy Peasy

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup (240 ml) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (150 g) freeze-dried strawberries
• 1 cup (150 g) strawberry cake mix

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven reaches the right temperature for consistent baking.
2. Cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy. This step is essential for incorporating air into the mixture, resulting in lighter cookies.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This helps to emulsify the mixture and prevent curdling.
4. Stir in a splash of vanilla extract for added flavor. The vanilla enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the strawberry flavor.
5. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl until combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent and salt.
6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies, so mix until you no longer see dry flour.
7. Fold in crushed freeze-dried strawberries and strawberry cake mix evenly. These add both flavor and texture, so distribute them well throughout the dough.
8. Scoop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. This spacing prevents the cookies from spreading into each other as they bake.
9. Optionally, sprinkle extra crushed strawberries on top of each scoop for added visual appeal and flavor.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are set. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
11. Cool cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This allows them to firm up slightly, making them easier to move.
12. Mix crushed freeze-dried strawberries, crushed graham crackers, and melted butter for the topping. This crunch topping adds an extra layer of texture and flavor.
13. Press the crunch topping onto each cooled cookie for added texture. Make sure the cookies are cool to prevent the topping from melting.
14. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. This keeps them fresh and maintains their crunch.

Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: American • Preparation Time: 15 minutes • Cooking Time: 12 minutes • Total Time: 27 minutes • Calories: 150 per cookie • Servings: 24

Note: To enhance the strawberry flavor, consider adding a few drops of natural strawberry extract. This can intensify the strawberry essence without altering the texture.

Health and Flavor Benefits of Ingredients

The beauty of these cookies lies not only in their taste but also in their thoughtful ingredients. The freeze-dried strawberries are a wonderful source of vitamins and antioxidants, bringing a burst of natural sweetness without the added moisture. This ensures your cookies maintain their delightful crunch. The strawberry cake mix not only intensifies the flavor but also adds a lovely, nostalgic pink hue, making these cookies visually appealing and joyful. Butter and brown sugar contribute to the cookie’s rich, buttery texture and depth of flavor, while the vanilla extract enhances the sweetness, creating a harmonious blend of tastes that’s utterly comforting.

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect cookie. The combination of granulated and brown sugar results in a chewy texture with a subtle caramel note. The flour provides structure, while the baking soda acts as a leavening agent, giving the cookies their rise. Salt balances the sweetness and highlights the strawberry flavor, making each bite a delightful experience.

Tasty Pairings to Serve with This Easy Peasy Dish

Strawberry Crunch Cookies are a delight on their own, but pairing them with complementary flavors can elevate your treat to new heights. Consider serving these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination. The creaminess of the ice cream complements the crunchy texture of the cookies, creating a delectable contrast.

Alternatively, a light, refreshing glass of homemade lemonade or a warm cup of chamomile tea would pair beautifully, balancing the cookies’ sweetness with a gentle, soothing flavor. These cookies also make a delightful companion to a fruit platter, bringing out the natural sweetness of berries, melons, and grapes.

For a more indulgent experience, try pairing the cookies with a rich, creamy milkshake or a hot chocolate topped with whipped cream. The possibilities are endless, and each pairing brings out a unique aspect of the cookie’s flavor profile.

Storage Tips and How to Enjoy Leftovers the Easy Peasy Way

To keep your Strawberry Crunch Cookies fresh and delicious, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightful for up to a week, maintaining their texture and flavor. If you find yourself with a few extra cookies, consider crushing them over a bowl of yogurt or ice cream for a fun twist on your dessert. The cookie crumbles add a delightful crunch and burst of flavor.

Alternatively, you can crumble them into a homemade parfait, layered with whipped cream and fresh strawberries, for a quick and delightful treat. This transforms leftover cookies into a sophisticated dessert that looks as good as it tastes.

Baking is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating moments of joy and connection. These Strawberry Crunch Cookies are a testament to the love and warmth that homemade treats bring into our lives. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or indulging in a quiet moment of self-care, these cookies are sure to become a beloved staple in your collection of Easy Peasy Recipes.

Strawberry Crunch Cookies

Enjoy a delightful twist to your cookie cravings with these Strawberry Crunch Cookies, combining the tartness of strawberries with a crunchy texture.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Cooling Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 32 minutes mins

Servings: 24 cookies

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cookies

• 1 cup unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries crushed
• 1 cup strawberry cake mix

Equipment

• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cream softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Stir in a splash of vanilla extract for added flavor.
5. Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl until combined.
6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
7. Fold in crushed freeze-dried strawberries and strawberry cake mix evenly.
8. Scoop rounded balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
9. Optionally, sprinkle extra crushed strawberries on top of each scoop.
10. Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are golden and centers are set.
11. Cool cookies on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
12. Mix crushed freeze-dried strawberries, crushed graham crackers, and melted butter for the topping.
13. Press the crunch topping onto each cooled cookie for added texture.
14. Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.

Notes

These cookies bring a unique texture and flavor with the use of freeze-dried strawberries and the addition of strawberry cake mix. They are perfect for a sweet treat or a special occasion.