Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
If you’re craving a cookie that perfectly blends fruity freshness with a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate surprise, you’re going to adore this Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe. These delightful treats bring together the tender chew of strawberry-infused sugar cookies with a luscious, gooey chocolate center that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten your day, these cookies are a true game-changer in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating these irresistible cookies. Each component plays a special role, from adding sweetness and texture to delivering that signature strawberry flavor and irresistible chocolate center.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Provides the sturdy foundation for your dough’s perfect texture.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise to just the right fluffiness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter, softened (3/4 cup): Adds richness and moisture, making each bite tender.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the dough and ensures a nice crunch on the outside.
- Light brown sugar, packed (1/4 cup): Brings a subtle caramel undertone that deepens the flavor.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds moisture to the dough.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Gives a warm aroma that complements strawberry and chocolate perfectly.
- Strawberry extract or freeze-dried strawberry powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses authentic strawberry flavor that’s vibrant and natural.
- Red or pink food coloring (optional): Brings a festive, eye-catching hue to your cookies.
- Finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries (1/2 cup): Adds bursts of intense strawberry flavor and lovely texture.
- Chocolate squares or chips (20–24 pieces): The star surprise hidden inside each cookie.
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling: Coats the cookies in a sweet, sparkling finish.
How to Make Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Equipment
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, giving you perfect results every time.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together your flour, baking soda, and salt. Mixing these dry ingredients separately prevents lumps and helps distribute the leavening agent evenly.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key to giving your cookies their tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients and Flavorings
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract for a bright, fruity aroma. If you want those pretty pink or red tones that mirror the strawberry flavor, now’s the time to add a few drops of food coloring. Mix just until combined to keep the dough soft and pliable.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Freeze-Dried Strawberries
Gradually add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough just comes together. Fold in the finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries to spread juicy bursts of flavor throughout each cookie.
Step 6: Stuff and Shape the Cookies
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it slightly on your palm. Nestle a chocolate square or a handful of chips in the center, then fold the dough all around to seal the chocolate tightly inside. Roll the dough into a smooth ball to hide the surprise.
Step 7: Sugar Coat and Bake
Roll each dough ball in granulated sugar to give your cookies a lovely sparkle and a sweet bite on the outside. Place them on your prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until edges are set but centers still look just a little soft — this is what keeps the chocolate delightfully gooey.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This short cool-down lets the cookies firm up just a bit but keeps that luscious chocolate at the center warm.
How to Serve Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While these cookies shine on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate can make them look extra special. You can also sprinkle a few freeze-dried strawberry pieces on top right after baking for an added pop of color and texture.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a chilled glass of milk or a warm cup of herbal tea to balance the sweetness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh strawberries on the side can elevate your dessert experience even more.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a pretty platter with fresh strawberry slices and chocolate curls for a stunning display. You can even package them in a decorative tin or cellophane bags tied with a ribbon — perfect for gifting or party favors that will wow everyone.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This preserves their softness and ensures every bite stays as delightful as when freshly baked.
Freezing
These cookies freeze beautifully. Simply arrange the unbaked dough balls on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time for freshly baked goodness whenever you want.
Reheating
To enjoy your cookies warm again, pop them in the microwave for about 10 to 15 seconds. This melts the chocolate center back to its ooey-gooey perfection and softens the cookie slightly — just like fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh strawberries for freeze-dried strawberries?
Fresh strawberries contain a lot of moisture, which can affect the cookie dough’s consistency, making it too wet and sticky. Freeze-dried strawberries are recommended because they deliver concentrated flavor and maintain the right texture without adding extra moisture.
What type of chocolate works best inside these cookies?
Semi-sweet or milk chocolate squares or chips work beautifully, offering a balanced sweetness that complements the strawberry flavor. You can experiment with dark chocolate if you prefer a richer, slightly bittersweet contrast.
Is it necessary to use strawberry extract if I have freeze-dried strawberries?
While freeze-dried strawberries add plenty of natural strawberry flavor, a small amount of strawberry extract enhances and deepens that flavor, making it more pronounced and delicious. However, you can omit it if you want a more subtle taste.
How do I prevent the chocolate from leaking out during baking?
The key is to enclose the chocolate completely within the dough, sealing the edges tightly before rolling into a ball. Chilling the dough briefly before baking can also help prevent leakage, but with careful shaping, it’s usually not necessary.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and replace the egg with a flax or chia egg. Use dairy-free chocolate for stuffing. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe is truly a heartwarming treat that’s just waiting to become part of your baking rotation. The juicy strawberry flavor combined with molten chocolate inside creates a cookie experience that’s both nostalgic and exciting. Don’t hesitate to give these a try for your next baking adventure — trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 20–24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies, featuring a tender, buttery base infused with strawberry flavor and a luscious melted chocolate center. These cookies combine the sweetness of sugar and the tartness of freeze-dried strawberries for a perfect treat that’s ideal for Valentine’s Day or any occasion craving a burst of fruity and chocolate goodness.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract or freeze-dried strawberry powder
- Red or pink food coloring (optional)
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries
- 20–24 chocolate squares or chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk)
- Extra granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed in the dough.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cookies.
- Add Wet Flavorings: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract (or freeze-dried strawberry powder). If desired, add a few drops of red or pink food coloring to enhance the strawberry theme.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until a cohesive dough forms. Then fold in the finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries for extra flavor and texture.
- Shape Cookies with Chocolate Center: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough and flatten slightly in your palm. Place a chocolate square or several chocolate chips in the center, then fold the dough around the chocolate and shape it into a smooth ball. Repeat this process with all dough portions.
- Coat with Sugar and Arrange: Roll each dough ball in extra granulated sugar, then place them on the prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes until the edges are set and the centers appear slightly underbaked, which keeps the chocolate melty inside.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely or serve slightly warm for a gooey chocolate center experience.
Notes
- Freeze-dried strawberries provide the best flavor and color, but strawberry extract can be used as a substitute if needed.
- These cookies taste best when served slightly warm so the chocolate centers remain gooey and delicious.
- Ensure not to overbake; the centers should look just set but soft to maintain the melty chocolate inside.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
