If you are searching for a unique twist on classic sweet treats, the Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe is an absolute must-try. These cookies bring together the tender crumb of strawberry-infused sugar cookies with a surprise melty chocolate center that creates a burst of flavor in every bite. Infused with natural strawberry powder and extracts, they balance fruity brightness with rich, creamy chocolate, resulting in a cookie experience that’s both nostalgic and delightfully unexpected. Whether for a festive occasion or a simple indulgence, this recipe is destined to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients ensures your cookies come together perfectly, with each component playing a vital role in flavor, texture, and color. From soft butter for a tender crumb to freeze-dried strawberries for intense natural color and taste, every item counts.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to your cookies.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and tenderness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the classic sugar cookie texture.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients and helps with moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- Strawberry extract: Intensifies the strawberry aroma making the cookies more vibrant.
- Freeze-dried strawberries (crushed into powder): Natural color and concentrated strawberry flavor without added moisture.
- Red or pink food coloring (optional): Give your cookies a festive or romantic hue.
- Milk or dark chocolate pieces: The star of the recipe creating a luscious, gooey center.
- Additional sugar for rolling: Adds a sweet, slightly crunchy coating for that extra sparkle.
How to Make Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and the crushed freeze-dried strawberry powder. This combination ensures that your cookies have that subtle strawberry essence baked right into every crumb.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. This step is crucial for getting that classic sugar cookie texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Incorporate Wet Ingredients and Strawberry Flavor
Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract to your creamed butter and sugar. This combination not only adds moisture but layers of flavor. If you want to give your cookies a fun pink or red shade, this is the perfect moment to add food coloring—just a few drops will do.
Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients into Dough
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—just stir until everything comes together. Your strawberry sugar cookie dough will be pliable and scented with a beautiful berry aroma.
Step 5: Shape and Stuff the Cookies
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough and flatten it slightly in your palm. Place a single piece of your chosen chocolate into the center. Wrap the dough completely around the chocolate, sealing the edges so none of it peeks out. Then gently roll the dough ball in granulated sugar to coat it, giving the cookies a sparkling finish once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Set each cookie about 2 inches apart on your parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges set but the centers remain soft—this way, the chocolate inside stays molten and irresistible. After baking, let the cookies cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
How to Serve Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, dust your cookies lightly with powdered sugar or sprinkle some finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries on top after baking. These simple garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also intensify the strawberry flavor in a subtle way.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert. For a lighter accompaniment, a fresh berry salad or chilled milk adds a refreshing balance to the rich chocolate center.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies on a pretty platter to create a colorful tower, or present them in gift boxes layered with parchment paper for sharing with friends. They also make adorable treats for Valentine’s Day, bridal showers, or any celebration where you want a cookie with a wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra cookies, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain their soft texture and gooey chocolate center. Avoid refrigerating as it can dry out the cookies.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked dough balls by placing them on a tray, freezing until firm, then transferring to a freezer bag. When ready, bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To revive the melty goodness of your Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe, warm them gently in a microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or briefly in a low-temperature oven. This brings the chocolate center back to its soft, luscious state, just like fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate for the filling?
Absolutely! Milk, dark, or even flavored chocolates like caramel or mint work wonderfully. Pick your favorite to customize the flavor profile of your cookies.
What if I don’t have freeze-dried strawberries?
If you can’t find freeze-dried strawberries, finely chopped dried strawberries can be used, but keep in mind they will add a bit of chewiness rather than powdery color and flavor.
Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
With some ingredient swaps like plant-based butter, egg replacer, and dairy-free chocolates, you can adapt this recipe. Just expect minor differences in texture and flavor.
How long do the cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, these cookies remain fresh and soft for up to 4 days, making them perfect for weekend treats or small gatherings.
Is the food coloring necessary?
The food coloring is optional and mainly for enhancing the festive look. The strawberry powder already provides a subtle blush, so feel free to skip it if you prefer natural color.
Final Thoughts
Every bite of the Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe is a delightful surprise filled with comforting sweetness and luscious chocolate. This recipe is easy to follow, rewarding you with cookies that look beautiful and taste unforgettable. I hope you enjoy creating and sharing these charming cookies as much as I do—they’re a guaranteed way to brighten any day with a little homemade magic.
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, perfect for any occasion. Featuring a buttery sugar cookie base infused with natural strawberry flavor and a surprise gooey chocolate center, these cookies combine the fruity freshness of freeze-dried strawberries with rich chocolate for a truly indulgent treat. Coated in sugar for a sparkling finish, they bake up soft at the center with a slight crisp around the edges, making them an irresistible dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into powder
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract
- Red or pink food coloring (optional)
Other
- 20–24 milk or dark chocolate pieces (such as chocolate chips, squares, or truffles)
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dry Mix: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and powdered freeze-dried strawberries to evenly distribute the strawberry flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a mixer or by hand until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2–3 minutes. This incorporates air to give the cookies a tender texture.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract to the creamed butter and sugar. If you want a more vibrant color, add a few drops of red or pink food coloring and mix until the color is even.
- Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined and a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain cookie tenderness.
- Shape and Fill Cookies: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of dough, flatten it slightly in your hand, then place one piece of chocolate in the center. Wrap the dough fully around the chocolate to seal it inside. Roll the dough into a smooth ball, then coat it evenly in granulated sugar.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading during baking.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and slightly underbaked for a gooey interior.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Choose any chocolate you prefer for the filling — dark, milk, or even flavored truffles work wonderfully.
- To intensify the strawberry flavor, increase the amount of strawberry extract or fold in finely chopped dried strawberries.
- Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
