Name: Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 32 min
Yield: 24 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup shredded coconut; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries; 1 tablespoon lime zest; 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

Strawberry Shortcake Cookies are more than just a treat; they’re a burst of sunshine in every bite, capturing the essence of summer’s favorite dessert in a perfectly portable, delightfully chewy form. We all adore classic strawberry shortcake for its dreamy combination of fluffy biscuits, sweet strawberries, and creamy whipped topping, but the reality is, sometimes you crave that flavor experience without the fuss of slicing and assembly. That’s precisely where these Strawberry Shortcake Cookies shine. They encapsulate all the beloved notes – the subtle sweetness of vanilla, the bright tang of strawberries, and a tender, cookie-like texture that simply melts in your mouth. What makes them truly special is their ability to deliver that iconic strawberry shortcake flavor profile in a compact, easy-to-share format, making them ideal for picnics, potlucks, or simply an afternoon indulgence that feels both nostalgic and incredibly satisfying.

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 large egg
1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries
1 tablespoon lime zest
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

Preparing the Dough

Step 1: Combine Dry Ingredients

Begin extract by whisking together the dry ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. This includes the all-purpose flour, shredded coconut, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Giving these ingredients a good whisk ensures that the leavening agent (baking powder) and salt are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. This even distribution is crucial for consistent rise and flavor in your Strawberry Shortcake Cookies. The shredded coconut will add a delightful chegrape juicess and tropical aroma that pairs beautifully with the other flavors. Set this bowl aside.

Step 2: Cream Butter, Oil, and Sugar Mixture

In a separate, larger mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, melted coconut oil, and granulated sugar. You can use an electric mixer on medium speed, or a sturdy whisk and some elbow grease. The goal here is to create a light and fluffy mixture. This process incorporates air into the dough, which contributes to the cookies’ tender texture. Continue mixing until the mixture is pnon-alcoholic ale yellow and has a creamy consistency, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is foundational for achieving that melt-in-your-mouth quality.

Step 3: Incorporate Egg and Lime Flavors

Add the large egg to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat until just combined. Next, add the lime zest and lime juice. The lime zest, made from the outer peel of the lime, is where most of the aromatic oils reside, providing an intense citrus fragrance and flavor. The lime juice adds a bright, tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the cookies. Mix these in thoroughly until the batter is smooth and uniform. The aroma at this stage should already be wonderfully inviting, hinting at the deliciousness to come.

Incorporating the Stars: Strawberries

Step 4: Add Wet to Dry and Fold in Strawberries

Now it’s time to combine the wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture (from Step 1) to the wet ingredient mixture (from Step 3). Mix on low speed or stir with a spatula until just combined. It’s important not to overmix at this stage, as overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in tougher cookies. Once the dough starts to come together, gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries. Be careful not to mash them completely; you want to see distinct pieces of strawberry throughout the cookies. The vibrant red of the strawberriesnon-alcoholic aleainst the pale dough will be visually appealing, and their juicy bursts will be a highlight in every bite.

Baking Your Strawberry Shortcake Cookies

Step 5: Chilling and Baking the Cookies

This is a crucial step for texture and flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Chilling the dough allows the fats to firm up, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Once chilled, drop rounded tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set. They might look slightly underbaked in the very center, which is perfectly fine as they will continue to cook slightly on the hot baking sheet after you remove them from the oven. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking. Enjoy these delightful Strawberry Shortcake Cookies warm or at room temperature!

Conclusion:

And there you have it – the perfect recipe for delicious Strawberry Shortcake Cookies! We’ve walked through creating these delightful treats from scratch, capturing that classic strawberry shortcake flavor in a portable, shareable cookie form. These cookies are a wonderful balance of sweet, slightly tart strawberries and a tender, buttery cookie base, all with a hint of vanilla that makes them utterly irresistible. They truly are a fantastic way to enjoy the essence of summer any time of year. I encourage you to give these Strawberry Shortcake Cookies a try; they’re surprisingly easy to make and the results are incredibly rewarding. They make a wonderful addition to any cookie platter, a sweet treat for a picnic, or a delightful homemade gift.

For serving, these cookies are absolutely divine on their own, but you can elevate them further by serving them with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. They also pair beautifully with a glass of cold milk or a light herbal tea.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try variations such as adding a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry powder to the dough for an extra burst of flavor and color, or swapping out the fresh strawberries for a different berry like raspberries for a delightful twist.

FAQs:

What is the best way to store Strawberry Shortcake Cookies?

To keep your Strawberry Shortcake Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you live in a warm climate, you might consider refrigerating them, though this can slightly alter their texture. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best texture and flavor in Strawberry Shortcake Cookies, you can use frozen strawberries in a pinch. Ensure you thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before chopping and adding them to the dough. Be aware that using frozen strawberries might result in a slightly softer cookie.

How can I make my Strawberry Shortcake Cookies more cake-like?

To achieve a more cake-like texture in your Strawberry Shortcake Cookies, you can slightly increase the amount of flour in the recipe, or reduce the amount of butter. Additionally, overmixing the dough after adding the flour can contribute to a tougher cookie, so be sure to mix just until combined. A slightly longer baking time at a slightly lower temperature can also help achieve a softer, cake-like interior.