If you’re on the hunt for a cookie that’s both indulgently chocolatey and bursting with a fresh strawberry punch, then you’re going to want to stick around for this one. I absolutely adore this Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe because it combines rich cocoa, the tang of freeze-dried strawberries, and a luscious chocolate coating that takes every bite to the next level. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked — they’re my family’s new favorite treat, and I’m betting they’ll be yours too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The cocoa and freeze-dried strawberries create a delightful sweet-tart harmony.
- Textural Delight: You’ll get that soft, chewy cookie with a crisp chocolate-coated bottom for a satisfying bite.
- Impressive Yet Easy: They look fancy and taste gourmet but come together with straightforward steps.
- Versatile and Shareable: These cookies are perfect for gifting, parties, or just treating yourself to something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
When I make these, I find that the ingredients play off each other like a dream. The freeze-dried strawberries keep their tang without making the dough soggy, while the Dutch-processed cocoa adds deep chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with the semisweet chips.
- Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter helps create a smooth, creamy dough and better texture in the cookies.
- Light brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note that complements the chocolate perfectly.
- Egg: Brings everything together and adds richness; room temperature eggs mix more evenly in the dough.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet flavors without overpowering the strawberries or chocolate.
- All-purpose flour: The base that holds the cookie structure; measuring accurately helps avoid dry or dense cookies.
- Dutch-processed cocoa powder: This gives the cookies an intense chocolate flavor with a smooth finish.
- Baking soda and baking powder: Help the cookies puff up to just the right soft and chewy texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes.
- Freeze-dried strawberries: These boost the strawberry flavor while keeping the cookie dough from getting watery or messy.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Mixed inside for melty chocolate pockets and also used for the delicious chocolate coating.
- Coconut oil: Added to the melted chocolate coating for a shiny finish and smooth texture that hardens beautifully.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe, and I encourage you to get creative too! It’s easy to tweak things and still get a knockout cookie, so let your taste buds lead the way.
- Use white chocolate chips: I swapped semisweet for white chocolate once, and it gave the cookies a lovely creamy sweetness that paired beautifully with the tangy strawberries.
- Add chopped nuts: A handful of toasted almonds or pecans adds a fantastic crunch if you’re wanting some texture contrast.
- Go vegan: Try using vegan butter and a flax egg to make this dairy and egg-free; I’ve had success with that substitution without the dough losing its magic.
- Double the strawberry punch: Toss in some freeze-dried strawberry powder along with the chunks for an even bolder berry flavor.
How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper—this ensures your cookies won’t stick and makes cleanup so much easier. Then, in your stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the room temperature unsalted butter and light brown sugar on medium-high for about 2 minutes. You’ll want the mixture to become light and fluffy—that’s the key to soft, tender cookies. I learned the hard way that if you don’t cream the butter long enough, the texture changes and they end up flatter and tougher.
Step 2: Mix in Egg and Vanilla
Scrape down the bowl sides with a silicone spatula, then add your egg and vanilla extract. Beat again on medium-high speed until the mixture looks pale and airy, about 2 minutes. This step adds extra lift and richness, so don’t rush it. If your egg is cold, it can slow the process—in that case, warm it by placing it in a cup of warm water for 10 minutes.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Fold in Strawberries and Chips
Switch your mixer to low and gradually combine the all-purpose flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Beat just until there are no flour streaks—overmixing can make your cookies tough, so stop here. Then gently fold in the freeze-dried strawberries and semisweet chocolate chips with your spatula. Freeze-dried strawberries are my secret weapon here—they give fantastic flavor without adding moisture that could spoil the cookie texture.
Step 4: Scoop and Bake
Using a 1 ½ ounce cookie scoop or a large spoon, portion out your dough onto the prepared sheets, spacing the balls about 2 inches apart. These cookies spread a bit but it’s best to keep space just in case. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cookies puff up, edges are set and firm, but the centers remain soft and gooey. I watch mine around 10 minutes—the texture when fresh out of the oven is heavenly. Let them cool for about 15 minutes on the sheets before moving on.
Step 5: Dip and Drizzle with Melted Chocolate
While the cookies cool, melt the chocolate for the coating by combining semisweet chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until silky smooth. This coconut oil addition is a trick I discovered that makes the chocolate shine and crisp up perfectly on the cookie bottom. Dip each cookie bottom into the chocolate, scrape off the excess, and place cookies back on parchment paper. If you’re feeling fancy, use the leftover chocolate to drizzle over the tops. Let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes until the coating hardens fully before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe
- Don’t Skip Room Temp Ingredients: Butter and eggs at room temperature blend more easily, giving you a smoother dough that bakes evenly.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries Are Key: They provide intense flavor without extra moisture, so your cookies stay soft rather than soggy.
- Watch Your Bake Time: Pull the cookies out when edges are firm but centers look a bit soft to keep that perfect gooey texture.
- Chocolate Coating Trick: Adding coconut oil to the melted chocolate helps it harden with a glossy finish and prevents cracking.
How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt over the chocolate once it’s set—it brings an amazing depth to the sweetness. Sometimes, if I’m feeling extra festive, a few dried strawberry bits on top add a fun texture and pop of color. Simple powdered sugar dusting also looks charming if you’re presenting these for guests.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a tall glass of cold milk (because, of course!). I’ve also enjoyed them alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even with a cup of your favorite black coffee or tea for dessert or afternoon indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I arranged these on a tiered dessert stand alongside fresh strawberries and small bowls of mixed chocolates—everyone loved it! Wrapping a few in cellophane with a pretty ribbon also makes them perfect for gifting from the kitchen.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, with parchment paper layered between them to keep the chocolate from sticking. They stay fresh and soft for about 3 days—and honestly, that’s as long as they last in my house!
Freezing
I’ve had great success freezing the baked cookies after they’re fully cooled and chocolate set. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and pop them in a freezer bag. When you want a treat later, thaw them at room temperature for about an hour—super convenient for last-minute cravings.
Reheating
If you like your cookies warm, I lightly microwave a single cookie for 10-15 seconds. This melts the chocolate just a bit and brings out the softness without making it greasy or tough. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overheating.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried in this recipe?
Fresh strawberries have too much moisture and will make the cookie dough soggy, and the cookies may spread too much or bake unevenly. Freeze-dried strawberries provide concentrated flavor and a crisp texture, which is why they’re the best choice here.
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What if I don’t have Dutch-processed cocoa powder?
You can substitute natural unsweetened cocoa powder, but it may slightly change the flavor profile (it’ll be a bit more acidic). I recommend using Dutch-processed if you can, but natural cocoa works fine in a pinch.
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How do I know when the cookies are done baking?
Look for puffed-up cookies with edges that are set and firm while the center still looks soft and a little gooey. This ensures they stay chewy and moist after cooling.
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Can I skip the chocolate coating?
You absolutely can! The cookies are delicious on their own, but the chocolate coating adds that decadent finish and contrast in texture that really takes them over the top.
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How long do these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, they stay fresh for about 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option and doesn’t affect taste or texture when thawed properly.
Final Thoughts
I have to say, this Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those surprisingly easy recipes that feels fancy yet cozy at the same time. Every time I make these, the kitchen smells heavenly, and my family goes crazy for the combination of chocolate and strawberry—it’s a total crowd-pleaser. I’m confident that when you give them a try, you’ll see why I keep coming back to these cookies for celebrations or just because. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to something truly delicious!
Print
Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in the rich and fruity combination of Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies, featuring cocoa-infused dough studded with freeze-dried strawberries and chocolate chips, finished with a smooth semisweet chocolate coating for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheets: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Set these aside for later use.
- Cream butter and brown sugar: In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter and light brown sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, approximately 2 minutes.
- Add egg and vanilla: Scrape down the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl with a silicone spatula, then add the egg and vanilla extract. Continue beating on medium-high speed until the mixture turns light and pale, about 2 minutes, scraping the bowl as necessary.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl or measuring setup, combine the all-purpose flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix dry ingredients with wet: Add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer and beat on low speed just until no streaks of flour remain, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in strawberries and chocolate chips: Gently fold in the freeze-dried strawberries and semisweet chocolate chips using a spatula to evenly distribute without crushing the strawberries.
- Portion the dough: Use a 1 ½ ounce cookie scoop or a large spoon to portion dough balls of about 3 tablespoons each, placing them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake the cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cookies puff up, feel set and firm around the edges but remain slightly gooey in the center.
- Cool the cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for about 15 minutes.
- Melt chocolate coating: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips and 1 teaspoon coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring with a silicone spatula between each session until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
- Dip and drizzle chocolate: Dip the bottom of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate, scraping off any excess, and place back onto the parchment paper. Use remaining chocolate to drizzle over the tops of the cookies if desired.
- Set the chocolate: Allow the chocolate-coated cookies to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set before serving.
Notes
- Freeze-dried strawberries provide a concentrated strawberry flavor without adding moisture to the dough.
- Do not overbake; cookies should stay slightly gooey in the center for optimal texture.
- Use room temperature butter and eggs to achieve the best cookie texture.
- For a glossy and smooth chocolate coating, melt chocolate in short increments and stir frequently.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
