Strawberry Crunch Cookies are here to steal the spotlight! This easy recipe combines soft-baked cookies with the irresistible strawberry crunch topping we all love.
For me, food isn’t just fuel; it’s a hug, a memory, a way to say “I love you.” This easy strawberry crunch cookie recipe embodies all of that: simple ingredients, joyful flavors, and a guaranteed smile. These homemade strawberry crunch cookies are now a staple in our home, a perfect blend of nostalgic flavor and simple baking joy.
Table of Contents
strawberry crunch cookies
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 36 cookies 1x
Description
These easy strawberry crunch cookies are inspired by the beloved strawberry shortcake crunch. Featuring a soft, chewy sugar cookie base bursting with strawberry flavor, they are rolled in an irresistible crunchy topping made from Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries. These homemade cookies bring back sweet memories and offer a delightful blend of nostalgic flavor and simple baking joy, perfect for a joyful treat.
Ingredients
2 ½ cups All-Purpose Flour
1 tsp Baking Powder
½ tsp Salt
1 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
1 ½ cups Granulated Sugar
2 Large Eggs
2 tsp Vanilla Extract
1 tsp Strawberry Extract (optional)
A few drops Red or Pink Food Coloring (optional)
15–20 cookies Crushed Golden Oreos
½ cup Crushed Freeze-Dried Strawberries
2 tbsp Melted Butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper
- Prepare the crunch topping: In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreos, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter. Mix well. Set aside
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and strawberry extract (if using). Add a few drops of food coloring for a vibrant pink dough
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix the dough
- Scoop dough into 1.5-inch balls. Roll each cookie dough ball generously in the prepared strawberry crunch topping
- Place the coated cookie dough balls two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set
- Remove the strawberry crunch cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade strawberry crunch cookies!
Notes
**Pro Tips:** Always use softened, not melted, butter for perfect cookie dough texture to prevent flat cookies. Avoid overmixing the dough once dry ingredients are added to prevent tough cookies.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 100mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: strawberry crunch cookies, sugar cookies, strawberry shortcake, easy cookies, homemade dessert, crunchy cookies, pink cookies, sweet treat
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THESE STRAWBERRY CRUNCH COOKIES
You’ll absolutely adore these strawberry crunch cookies! First, they are incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy parents like me. This recipe delivers a soft, chewy sugar cookie base bursting with strawberry flavor, then rolled in an irresistible crunchy topping.
Imagine the smiles when you present these beautiful pink and golden crunch cookies! Furthermore, they offer that amazing sweet and tangy strawberry crunch flavor we all cherish from ice cream treats, but in a convenient cookie form. These perfect strawberry crunch cookies quickly become a family favorite, and you’ll find yourself making them again and again.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | 2 ½ cups |
| Baking Powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Unsalted Butter (softened) | 1 cup (2 sticks) |
| Granulated Sugar | 1 ½ cups |
| Large Eggs | 2 |
| Vanilla Extract | 2 tsp |
| Strawberry Extract (optional) | 1 tsp |
| Red or Pink Food Coloring (optional) | A few drops |
| Golden Oreos (crushed) | 15-20 cookies |
| Freeze-Dried Strawberries (crushed) | ½ cup |
| Melted Butter | 2 tbsp |
SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS
You can easily customize these strawberry crunch cookies! For the crunch topping, try substituting vanilla wafers for Golden Oreos if you prefer a different texture. Don’t have freeze-dried strawberries?
A tablespoon of strawberry gelatin powder mixed with the crushed Oreos and melted butter will give a similar flavor and pink hue, though the texture will be slightly different for your crunch cookies. For an extra creamy kick, you can drizzle a simple cream cheese glaze over your baked strawberry crunch cookies. Feeling adventurous?
Add white chocolate chips to the cookie dough for even more sweetness! These variations ensure your homemade strawberry crunch cookies always fit your preferences.
After exploring how to customize the delicious crunch topping for these cookies, you might be inspired to apply that same delightful texture to other desserts. Imagine elevating a classic with that unique strawberry crunch, much like you would a decadent Strawberry Crunch Cake.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
Let’s get baking these delicious strawberry crunch cookies!
- First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Next, prepare the crunch topping: In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed Golden Oreos, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and melted butter. Mix well. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Then, in a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract and strawberry extract (if using). Add a few drops of food coloring for a vibrant pink dough.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix the dough for your strawberry crunch cookies.
- Scoop dough into 1.5-inch balls. Roll each cookie dough ball generously in the prepared strawberry crunch topping.
- Place the coated cookie dough balls two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers are set.
- Finally, remove the strawberry crunch cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your homemade strawberry crunch cookies!
PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS
Achieving strawberry crunch cookie perfection is simple with a few tricks.
Always use softened butter, not melted, for that perfect cookie dough texture; this prevents overly flat strawberry crunch cookies. Avoid overmixing the dough once you add the dry ingredients, as this can make your cookies tough.
For the best “crunch,” make sure your freeze-dried strawberries are finely crushed – a food processor works wonders for this. Don’t skip chilling the dough if it feels too sticky; even 15-20 minutes in the fridge makes rolling easier and helps prevent spreading. When baking, watch for those lightly golden edges; slightly underbaked centers yield perfectly chewy strawberry crunch cookies. My family simply adores these best strawberry crunch cookies.
Mastering the delicate balance of flavors and textures, like the strawberry notes in these cookies, is key to any great treat. For another refreshing way to enjoy the vibrant taste of strawberries, consider mixing up a light and zesty Strawberry Lemon Drop.
STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS
You can store your strawberry crunch cookies easily. Place leftover strawberry crunch cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked crunch cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
Thaw frozen strawberry crunch cookies at room temperature. If you want to refresh a slightly stale cookie, microwave it for 5-10 seconds, and it will taste almost freshly baked again.
WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE
These strawberry crunch cookies are a treat all on their own!
However, a cold glass of milk makes the perfect accompaniment to your strawberry crunch cookies. For a more indulgent dessert, serve them alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a deconstructed strawberry crunch sundae. A simple cup of coffee or herbal tea also pairs beautifully with the sweet and fruity flavors of these wonderful strawberry crunch cookies.
While these strawberry crunch cookies are perfect on their own or with a simple glass of milk, sometimes you crave an extra special strawberry-infused delight. When you’re ready to elevate your refreshment game, exploring a Strawberry Margarita Mix can be an exciting next step.
FAQS
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough for these strawberry crunch cookies and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just bring it to room temperature slightly before scooping and rolling in the crunch topping.
Why are my strawberry crunch cookies spreading too much?
Several factors can cause spreading. Ensure your butter is softened, not melted, and measure your flour accurately. Also, make sure your baking sheets are cool before placing new dough balls, and avoid over-greasing them. Chilling the dough for 15-30 minutes can also help prevent your strawberry crunch cookies from spreading.
How do I get a really vibrant pink color for my strawberry crunch cookies?
Use a few drops of red or pink gel food coloring. Gel coloring provides a more intense color without altering the dough’s consistency, ensuring your strawberry crunch cookies look as good as they taste.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Unfortunately, fresh strawberries add too much moisture to the crunch topping and would make it soggy. Freeze-dried strawberries are essential for achieving the perfect crunch and intense strawberry flavor in these strawberry crunch cookies.
Strawberry crunch cookies, with their vibrant pink hue and irresistible crunchy topping, are a delightful nod to a beloved dessert. These cookies often draw inspiration from the classic ice cream bar topping or the iconic Strawberry Shortcake, known for its sweet fruit and crumbly texture. They capture that nostalgic charm in a convenient, handheld treat, making them a popular choice for any occasion.
NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)
This is an estimated nutrition breakdown for one of these delightful strawberry crunch cookies.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Total Fat | 11g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 40mg |
| Sodium | 100mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 27g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g |
| Total Sugars | 17g |
| Protein | 2g |