Introduction
Indulge in a delightful treat with these Strawberry White Chocolate Cookies. The combination of soft, buttery cookie dough infused with strawberry extract, complemented by sweet white chocolate chips and crunchy freeze-dried strawberries, creates a cookie that’s truly irresistible. Perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, these cookies offer a sweet taste of summer any time of the year.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour (preferably unbleached)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon finely ground sea salt
¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
1 egg
1 teaspoon strawberry extract
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup white chocolate chips
½ cup freeze-dried strawberries
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Total Time: 18-20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 24 cookies
Enjoy preparing and savoring these delicious Strawberry White Chocolate Cookies!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the cookies from sticking.
Step 2: Cream the Sugars and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream the mixture until smooth and well-combined.
Step 3: Add Egg and Strawberry Extract
Crack the egg into the creamed butter and sugars mixture. Pour in the strawberry extract. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated and uniform in texture.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and finely ground sea salt until evenly blended.
Step 5: Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, ensuring there are no dry streaks visible.
Step 6: Fold in Add-Ins
Carefully fold in the white chocolate chips and freeze-dried strawberries. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Step 7: Portion the Dough
Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion out balls of dough measuring approximately 1.5 inches in diameter. Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each one.
Step 8: Bake the Cookies
Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, while the centers will appear light and fluffy.
Step 9: Cool the Cookies
Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. After that, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
Note 1: Handling Sticky Dough
If the cookie dough is too sticky to work with, refrigerate it for about 10 minutes before scooping to make it easier to handle.
Note 2: Storage Instructions
These cookies can be stored in a sealed bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Cook Techniques
Creaming Butter and Sugar
Creaming butter and sugar together is an essential technique for achieving a light and airy cookie texture. Start with softened unsalted butter, which blends more easily with the sugars, creating a smooth and fluffy mixture.
Whisking Dry Ingredients
Whisking together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and sea salt ensures that these dry ingredients are evenly distributed. This step helps to prevent clumps and ensures even rising and flavor throughout the cookies.
Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
When combining the wet and dry mixtures, it’s important to mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough cookies. Stop as soon as no dry flour is visible to maintain the tender texture.
Folding in Add-ins
Folding in the white chocolate chips and freeze-dried strawberries should be done gently. This technique prevents the dough from becoming overworked and encourages a more tender cookie.
Portioning Dough
Using a cookie scoop or spoon to portion out the dough ensures that all cookies are of uniform size. This helps them bake evenly and ensures that they all have the same delicious texture and taste.
Baking Timing and Temperature
Baking the cookies at 350°F for 8-10 minutes is crucial. Keep an eye on them; they should be golden brown at the edges while remaining light and fluffy in the center for the perfect cookie texture.
Cooling Process
Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack helps them set properly. This prevents them from breaking apart while they are still warm.
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Using salted butter will alter the overall saltiness of your cookies. It’s best to stick with unsalted butter for more control over the final flavor.
What can I substitute for freeze-dried strawberries?
You can substitute freeze-dried strawberries with fresh strawberries, but be mindful that they will add moisture to the dough. Another option is to use dried strawberries, but cut them into smaller pieces.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use other types of flour, but it might change the texture. For example, whole wheat flour can create denser cookies, while gluten-free flour blends can work well but may require adjustments.
How do I store the cookies?
Store the cookies in a sealed bag or airtight container at room temperature. They should stay fresh for about three days.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky?
If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This will firm up the dough and make it easier to scoop and shape.
Conclusion
These strawberry white chocolate cookies are a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness and fruity flavor. The combination of freeze-dried strawberries and white chocolate creates a unique texture and taste that will satisfy any cookie lover. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or stored for later, these cookies are sure to bring joy to your snack time.
Chocolate Chip and Strawberry Cookies
Replace white chocolate chips with semi-sweet chocolate chips and incorporate fresh strawberries for a classic combination that everyone loves.
Lemon Strawberry Cookies
Add the zest of one lemon and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist that complements the strawberry flavor.
Nutty Strawberry Cookies
Incorporate chopped walnuts or almonds into the dough for added crunch and a rich nutty flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the strawberries.
Coconut Strawberry Cookies
Mix in shredded coconut along with the white chocolate chips for a tropical flair that enhances the cookie’s texture and flavor.
Oatmeal Strawberry Cookies
Substitute a portion of the all-purpose flour with rolled oats to create a chewy oatmeal cookie loaded with strawberries and white chocolate.
