Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies are a delightful treat that combines buttery cookies with a sweet cream cheese filling, enhanced by the fresh and tangy taste of strawberries. These cookies not only look appealing with their bright colors, but they also bring a burst of flavor with each bite. A perfect dessert for summer gatherings, tea parties, or just a sweet snack at home, they capture the essence of a classic strawberry shortcake in a hand-held version. The cream cheese filling introduces a lovely richness, while the strawberries add a vibrant flavor that shines through. Whether enjoyed alone or shared with friends, these cookies are sure to impress anyone who tries them.

These cookies are not just delicious; they’re also fun to make! Kids and adults alike will enjoy the process of combining ingredients, preparing the filling, and creating the cookies. With a simple step-by-step process, you can create these delightful treats that everyone will love. So, let’s dive into the wonderful world of Strawberry Shortcake Cookies, exploring the ingredients, the preparation steps, and ways to enhance your cookie experience.

Ingredients about Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

List of ingredients with measurements

To make these tasty Strawberry Shortcake Cookies, you will need:

• 4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
• 3 tablespoons confectioners sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Cooking spray
• 3/4 cup chopped strawberries
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon sparkling sugar (optional)

Optional ingredient substitutions

If you’re unable to find some ingredients, here are a few substitutions you can use:

• Instead of cream cheese, you can use mascarpone cheese for a slightly sweeter flavor.
• Any sugar can be replaced with a sugar alternative such as stevia or erythritol for a lower-calorie option.
• If strawberries are out of season, you can use frozen strawberries after thawing them and draining excess water.
• For a dairy-free option, you can substitute the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative and use a dairy-free cream cheese.

How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the cream cheese filling

Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, confectioners sugar, and the zest of one lemon. Mix these ingredients until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Once done, scoop out the mixture and form 12 small balls, placing them on the lined baking sheet. Pop the sheet into the freezer and let the cream cheese balls chill for about 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and keep their shape inside the cookies.

Step 2: Preheat the oven and prepare the strawberries

While the cream cheese filling is chilling, you can preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line additional baking sheets with parchment paper and lightly spray them with cooking spray. In another bowl, take the chopped strawberries and add the fresh lemon juice and a tablespoon of granulated sugar. Stir the mixture gently and let it sit for 10 minutes so the strawberries can macerate and release some of their juices. Afterward, drain the strawberries to remove any excess liquid, as too much moisture can affect the cookie dough.

Step 3: Make the cookie dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. In a separate large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter, light brown sugar, and the remaining granulated sugar together until it becomes fluffy and light in texture. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. After this, add in the egg and pure vanilla extract and mix well. Once these ingredients are well combined, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Gently fold in the prepared strawberries to the dough, making sure they are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Assemble and bake the cookies

Now it’s time to assemble your cookies! Scoop a generous amount of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, making sure to leave space between each scoop for spreading. Flatten each scoop slightly. Then, take the frozen cream cheese balls and place one on top of each flattened cookie dough. Cover the cream cheese balls with a bit more dough, ensuring that they are completely sealed inside. Roll the cookies into balls if you prefer a round shape. If desired, sprinkle a bit of sparkling sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness and sparkle. Once the cookies are ready, pop them back into the freezer for another 30 minutes to firm up. Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes, or until they are set and golden around the edges. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack before serving.

How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Best ways to serve Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies are incredibly versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. They are best enjoyed slightly warm, allowing the cream cheese filling to be soft and gooey. However, they can also be served at room temperature or even chilled, making them great for outdoor picnics or summer parties. For an extra indulgent treat, consider drizzling some chocolate or adding whipped cream on top before serving.

Serving suggestions or pairings

To enhance your cookie experience, serve them with a side of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Fresh mint leaves can also be a beautiful garnish, bringing an aromatic contrast to the sweet cookies. Pair these cookies with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat. For a fun twist, you could also consider serving them with some fresh fruit salad for a refreshing treat that complements the flavors in the cookies.

How to Store Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Proper storage methods

Proper storage is key to ensuring your Strawberry Shortcake Cookies stay delicious. Once they have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container. These cookies can last at room temperature for about three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them. Just make sure to keep them in an airtight container to avoid drying out.

Tips for reheating or freezing

If you decide to refrigerate the cookies, you can always warm them up slightly in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving. This will bring back some of that lovely softness and gooeyness from the cream cheese filling. For longer storage, you can freeze the cookies. To do this, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet in the freezer until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, let them thaw at room temperature or reheat directly from the freezer in the oven for a few minutes to refresh them.

Tips to Make Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Common mistakes to avoid

Making cookies can sometimes be tricky. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Strawberry Shortcake Cookies:

• Do not skip chilling the cream cheese filling or the assembled cookies, as it helps the cookies maintain their shape while baking.
• Ensure your butter is softened properly to avoid clumpy dough. It should be soft enough to easily press with your finger but not melted.
• Overmixing the dough after adding flour can lead to tough cookies. Mix until just combined to keep them light and tender.

Helpful tips for better results

To achieve the best results, consider the following tips:

• Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor, but if they’re out of season, frozen ones can work too—just make sure to drain them well.
• Experiment with the amount of lemon zest; it adds a delightful fresh flavor that’s key to enhancing the taste of the cookies.
• Don’t hesitate to play around with the addition of other flavorings, such as a splash of almond extract for a unique twist.

Variation of Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Suggested variations or twists on the recipe

If you want to switch things up, here are some variations you can try with your Strawberry Shortcake Cookies:

• Add some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for added crunch and flavor.
• Incorporate layers of different fruits by mixing in blueberries or raspberries alongside the strawberries for a mixed berry cookie.
• For chocolate lovers, consider adding mini chocolate chips or drizzling melted chocolate over the cookies for extra decadence.

Adjustments for dietary preferences

To accommodate different dietary needs, consider these adjustments:

• For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends available in stores.
• Vegan versions can be created by using plant-based butter, a flax egg in place of the egg, and dairy-free cream cheese.
• Low-carb diets can benefit from sugar alternatives like almond flour and stevia, providing a more keto-friendly cookie.

FAQs

What can I do if the dish isn’t turning out right?

If your cookies are flat or too dry, it might be due to measuring errors or not chilling the dough enough. Make sure to use proper techniques for measuring flour, such as spooning it into the measuring cup instead of scooping directly from the bag. If they are overbaked, try reducing the baking time slightly for softer cookies.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the cookie dough and freeze it before baking. Simply shape the cookies and freeze them raw. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adjusting the baking time by a few minutes longer if necessary.

What can I substitute for ingredients?

If you don’t have specific ingredients on hand, there are plenty of substitutions you can use. For instance, replace granulated sugar with brown sugar or honey for a different sweetness. If you don’t have baking powder, you can use baking soda with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to help the cookies rise. Don’t let a lack of one ingredient stop you from baking these delicious cookies; experiment with what you have!

With this step-by-step guide and helpful tips, making strawberry shortcake cookies becomes an enjoyable and rewarding experience. They are a perfect treat for any occasion, and whether served at parties, given as gifts, or enjoyed with a good book and a cup of tea, these cookies will surely delight everyone. Happy baking!

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