If you have a soft spot for fruity, melt-in-your-mouth treats, you’re going to absolutely adore this Strawberry Crinkle Cookies Recipe. These cookies bring together the sweet, fresh burst of real strawberries with a tender, cakey texture and a delightful crackled powdered sugar coating. Each bite offers a perfect balance of vibrant color and gentle sweetness that feels like a cozy hug on a plate. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a homemade snack, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make yet full of charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready for this Strawberry Crinkle Cookies Recipe is refreshingly straightforward. The magic lies in how each component contributes to the cookie’s softness, flavor, and signature crinkly look.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect foundation for a tender, fluffy cookie.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps create a light, airy texture when creamed with butter.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar: Essential for that iconic crinkle coating that adds a delicate sweetness with every bite.
- 2 tsp baking powder: Gives the cookies a lovely rise and helps maintain their soft crumb.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture, vital for the perfect texture.
- 2 large eggs, room temperature: Bind the ingredients together and lend a tender crumb.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped: The star ingredient that brings juicy bursts of flavor and a beautiful pink hue.
How to Make Strawberry Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This step ensures your cookies bake evenly and come off easily without sticking—a simple prep move that sets you up for cookie perfection.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This dry mix forms the backbone of your cookie dough and evenly distributes the leavening agents for a consistent rise.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This aeration is key to giving the cookies their tender texture and slight lift.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Strawberries
Add the eggs one at a time to your butter mixture, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries—this careful folding keeps those juicy pieces intact for delightful strawberry bursts throughout every cookie.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can toughen your cookies, so keep it light and gentle to maintain that soft, cakey texture.
Step 6: Shape and Coat
Roll tablespoon-sized balls of dough in the powdered sugar, coating each thoroughly. Place them spaced about two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. The powdered sugar coating will create those signature crinkles as the cookies bake.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are just turning golden. Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before serving. This cooling step ensures they set with the perfect soft center and crinkly exterior.
How to Serve Strawberry Crinkle Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Though these cookies shine all on their own, you can elevate the presentation by lightly dusting extra powdered sugar right before serving for an elegant, frosted look. Fresh strawberry slices or a sprinkle of finely chopped mint leaves also brighten things up and add a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair your Strawberry Crinkle Cookies with a cool glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a cup of herbal tea like chamomile or mint for a cozy yet refreshing treat. These pairings enhance the fruitiness and make each bite feel like a special dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies on a pretty platter with fresh strawberries arranged around them to complement the theme. You can also stack them in a clear jar or wrap them up in cellophane tied with a ribbon for delightful homemade gifts that friends and family will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Strawberry Crinkle Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. This prevents them from drying out and maintains their soft texture, so you can enjoy their fresh-baked goodness even days later.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen cookies will keep beautifully for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature when you’re ready for a treat.
Reheating
If you want to revive that just-baked warmth, gently warm the cookies in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes or pop them briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This brings back the softness and delightful aroma, like you just pulled them from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Crinkle Cookies Recipe?
While fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor, you can substitute frozen strawberries if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture making the dough too wet.
How do I make sure my cookies have a perfect crinkle effect?
Rolling the cookie dough balls thoroughly in powdered sugar before baking is the secret. This coating cracks as the dough spreads and rises, creating that beautiful crinkled surface.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is key for flavor and texture in this recipe. Margarine or oil won’t provide the same richness or structure, which may result in flatter, less flavorful cookies.
Is it necessary to use room temperature eggs?
Room temperature eggs blend more easily into the butter and sugar mixture, helping create a smooth dough. If your eggs are cold, your dough may be uneven or curdled, affecting texture.
Can I add other flavors to this Strawberry Crinkle Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! A teaspoon of vanilla extract or a touch of lemon zest can enhance the flavor beautifully. Just be careful not to overpower the fresh strawberry taste that makes these cookies so special.
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t recommend this Strawberry Crinkle Cookies Recipe enough if you want to bring a burst of berry sweetness and a tender, crinkly delight to your kitchen. It’s a joy to bake, easy to share, and absolutely irresistible once you take that first bite. Give it a whirl and see how these cookies become one of your new favorite homemade treats—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them!
Print
Strawberry Crinkle Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delightfully soft and chewy Strawberry Crinkle Cookies feature a burst of fresh strawberries folded into a tender cookie dough, coated in a sweet powdered sugar crinkle exterior. These charming cookies are perfect for springtime treats or any berry lover’s craving, combining fruity freshness with classic cookie comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
Coating
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for coating)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt until well combined and aerated.
- Cream butter and sugar: In another large bowl, use a mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture becomes fluffy and light in color, indicating good incorporation.
- Add eggs and strawberries: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Then gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries to evenly distribute without breaking them down too much.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which could toughen the cookies.
- Shape and coat dough balls: Using a tablespoon, scoop portions of dough and roll them into balls. Then roll each ball generously in powdered sugar to create the signature crinkle effect when baked. Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets spaced about two inches apart to allow spreading.
- Bake and cool: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges turn slightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely for best texture.
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better incorporation and fluffier texture.
- Handle the dough gently after adding strawberries to maintain small chunks and avoid bleeding color.
- Chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking can reduce spreading if desired.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, consider using freeze-dried strawberry powder mixed into the dough.
