If you’re craving a cookie that’s both rich and vibrant, I have just the thing for you! This Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe perfectly blends deep chocolate flavors with the sweet, tangy pop of strawberry. I absolutely love how these cookies come out tender and fudgy, with a luscious strawberry buttercream and ganache that make every bite feel like a special treat. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, a party, or just because, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic, and I can’t wait to share all my tips with you to nail it right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Flavor Balance: The rich cocoa and tart strawberry combine to make every bite unforgettable.
- Tender, Fudgy Texture: These cookies are soft, chewy, and perfectly moist — not dry or crumbly.
- Fun & Elegant Presentation: The strawberry buttercream and chocolate ganache make these cookies look as good as they taste.
- Great for Gifting: Whether boxed up or served at a gathering, these cookies always get compliments.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To get this Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe just right, you’ll want ingredients that bring out the best in both flavors. The cake flour helps keep the cookies tender, and freeze-dried strawberry powder is the secret to that bright, concentrated strawberry taste.
- Unsalted butter: Using softened butter gives you the perfect creamy base for the dough and the buttercream.
- Light brown sugar: Adds a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the chocolate notes.
- Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with texture.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs blend better and improve cookie texture.
- Neutral cooking oil: I like avocado oil for its light flavor and moistening properties.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering it.
- Cake flour: Essential for that tender crumb, lighter than all-purpose flour.
- Dutch cocoa powder: Provides rich chocolate flavor and a dark color.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents give a slight lift and chewiness.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies the chocolate flavor.
- Freeze-dried strawberry powder: Don’t skip this—it’s what gives the strawberry buttercream that bright pop.
- Powdered sugar: For a silky smooth buttercream.
- Semi-sweet or couverture chocolate: Used to make the decadently fudgy ganache topping.
- Heavy cream: Makes the ganache creamy and smooth.
Variations
I love that this Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe feels super special, but it’s also really customizable. You can tweak it just how you like, which is perfect if you want to add a personal touch or accommodate dietary needs.
- Vegan Variation: Swap butter for vegan butter and use flax eggs to make this recipe plant-based; I tried this once and the texture was surprisingly close to the original!
- Freeze-Dried Raspberry: For a twist, replace the strawberry powder with raspberry powder for a different berry flavor that still pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne to the dough for a subtle warmth that contrasts nicely with the sweetness.
- Nutty Addition: Fold in chopped toasted almonds or pistachios for extra crunch and flavor; my family loves this combo.
How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream Butter, Sugars, and Oil
Start by softening your unsalted butter—don’t melt it! Use room temperature so it creams nicely with the brown and granulated sugars along with the neutral oil. I like to beat this for a good 3-4 minutes; it helps get that fluffy texture you want in your cookie base. If you rush this step, your cookies might turn out dense, so take your time, friend!
Step 2: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Next, beat in your eggs one at a time followed by that fragrant vanilla extract. I always use room temperature eggs here—they blend better and give a smoother dough. If your eggs are chilled, I recommend warming them in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes first.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, Dutch cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until fully incorporated. This step helps evenly distribute everything so you won’t get pockets of baking soda or salt in your cookies—something I learned after my first few batches!
Step 4: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Slowly add the dry mix to the wet ingredients and fold until just combined. Don’t overmix here; you want to preserve that tender crumb and avoid tough cookies. It should look like a smooth, thick batter that’s ready to bake.
Step 5: Bake Cookies
Scoop dough onto lined baking sheets—about one tablespoon per cookie works well. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 12 minutes. You’re looking for set edges with a slightly soft center; they’ll continue firming as they cool. Pulling them out too late can dry them out, so keep an eye on them starting at 10 minutes if your oven runs hot.
Step 6: Make Strawberry Buttercream
While the cookies cool, whip your unsalted butter until creamy and then gradually beat in powdered sugar with freeze-dried strawberry powder and a pinch of salt. This is the magic layer that makes these cookies stand out! You’ll know it’s perfect when it’s smooth, light, and intensely strawberry-flavored without being watery.
Step 7: Prepare Chocolate Ganache
Gently heat heavy cream until just simmering, then pour over chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until glossy and smooth. Cool slightly before drizzling or dipping your assembled cookies. I learned this from a professional chocolatier — patience here really pays off with silky ganache!
Step 8: Assemble Cookies
Spread a generous amount of strawberry buttercream on one cookie, then sandwich it with another. Dip or drizzle the tops in your ganache and allow them to set. I like to place them on parchment paper in the fridge for about 20 minutes so everything firms up nicely before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe
- Use Cake Flour: I used all-purpose flour my first time and the texture was off—cake flour is what makes these cookies truly tender.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder Is Key: Fresh strawberries won’t give you the same intense flavor or texture in the buttercream as the powdered form.
- Don’t Overbake: These cookies stay soft when you take them out slightly underdone; they finish cooking on the tray.
- Chill Assembled Cookies: Cooling them before serving helps the ganache set perfectly and avoids messy drips.
How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a little extra freeze-dried strawberry powder on top of the ganache for a vibrant pop of color and flavor. Sometimes, I add white chocolate shavings or even tiny edible gold flakes when I want to impress company—so simple but fancy!
Side Dishes
To balance the richness, I like pairing these cookies with a light cup of green tea or even a refreshing glass of cold milk. If it’s breakfast time, these cookies go surprisingly well alongside a fruit salad for a sweet contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I arrange the cookies on a tiered dessert tray with fresh strawberries and mint leaves for a gorgeous display. Wrapping them individually in cellophane bags tied with a satin ribbon also makes a wonderful gift or party favor that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 4 days, and the buttercream keeps its lovely texture. Just make sure to separate layers with parchment paper so nothing sticks together.
Freezing
If I have extra time, I freeze the cookies un-iced, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag. This way, I can bake ahead and frost later. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling with buttercream and ganache.
Reheating
You don’t really need to reheat these cookies, but if you want the ganache a little softer, 10 seconds in the microwave works wonders without making the cookies hot or greasy.
FAQs
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Can I substitute all-purpose flour for cake flour in this recipe?
While you can use all-purpose flour, I recommend cake flour for this Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe because it produces a lighter, more tender cookie. If you only have all-purpose, you can try replacing 2 tablespoons of it per cup with cornstarch to mimic cake flour’s texture.
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Where can I find freeze-dried strawberry powder?
You can find freeze-dried strawberry powder online or at specialty grocery stores. It’s made by grinding freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder and is key for delivering concentrated strawberry flavor without adding moisture.
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Can I make the cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the cake flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup and includes xanthan gum. Keep in mind the texture may be slightly different but still delicious.
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How long do these cookies last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, the cookies stay fresh for about 4 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet to preserve flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe has become one of my go-to for impressing friends and family without complicated steps. I love how you can taste the fresh strawberry notes brightening up rich chocolate in every bite. If you’re looking to bake something that feels special but isn’t intimidating, give these cookies a try—you’ll enjoy every second of the process and every crumb of the result. Trust me, once you make them, they’ll be requested again and again!
Print
Chocolate Strawberry Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Total Time: 72 min
- Yield: 19 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the rich and tender Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies, featuring soft chocolate cake-like cookies enhanced with freeze-dried strawberry buttercream and finished with a fudgy chocolate ganache. These delightful cookies combine the deep flavors of Dutch cocoa with the bright, fruity notes of strawberry for a perfect Valentine’s Day treat.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup light brown sugar (firmly packed)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs (room temperature preferred)
- 2 Tablespoons neutral cooking oil (avocado, canola, or vegetable oil)
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3½ cups cake flour
- ⅔ cup Dutch cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon table salt
Strawberry Buttercream
- 8 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 Tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder
- ⅛ teaspoon table salt
- 1⅓ cups powdered sugar
Ganache
- 1 cup semi-sweet or couverture chocolate
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add the neutral cooking oil and vanilla extract, mixing until fully combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cake flour, Dutch cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and table salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the cookie dough and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up, which will make it easier to shape and enhance the texture.
- Preheat and Portion: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop or roll the chilled dough into approximately 1.5-inch balls and place them spaced apart on the prepared sheets.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Strawberry Buttercream: In a medium bowl, beat the 8 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, then mix in the freeze-dried strawberry powder and salt until well combined and fluffy.
- Prepare the Ganache: Place the semi-sweet or couverture chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream until just simmering and pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for a minute, then stir gently until smooth and glossy.
- Assemble the Cookies: Once the cookies are fully cooled, spread or pipe the strawberry buttercream on top of each cookie. Drizzle or dip the tops in the prepared chocolate ganache. Allow the ganache to set before serving.
Notes
- Freeze-dried strawberry powder can be found online or in specialty baking stores. It adds intense strawberry flavor without extra moisture.
- For best results, use high-quality Dutch-process cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor and darker color.
- These cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion that calls for a combination of chocolate and strawberry flavors.
- Recipe includes a how-to video for visual guidance on preparation and assembly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 413 kcal
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg