The combination of crushed freeze-dried strawberries and creamy white chocolate chips gives these cookies a rich yet refreshing burst of flavor in every bite. The soft and chewy texture makes them irresistibly satisfying, while their vibrant pink hue adds a playful touch to your dessert spread.
Perfect for summer picnics, bake sales, or a sweet afternoon treat, these cookies are both nostalgic and unique. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re baking with kids or whipping up a quick batch to impress guests, these strawberry cookies will quickly become a household favorite.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
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1/2 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1 large egg
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
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2/3 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
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1 cup white chocolate chips
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Beat until fully combined.
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Gradually mix in the flour mixture until just combined.
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Gently fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries and white chocolate chips.
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Scoop 1.5-tablespoon-sized balls of dough and place them 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
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Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and centers are set.
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Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 27 minutes
Kcal: 185 kcal | Servings: 24 cookies
A Sweet and Chewy Strawberry Delight
Strawberry White Chocolate Cookies are the perfect blend of fruity brightness and indulgent sweetness. They stand out among cookie varieties thanks to their unique flavor combination—crushed freeze-dried strawberries deliver concentrated fruitiness, while white chocolate chips offer a velvety richness. These cookies strike a beautiful balance between soft and chewy, making them ideal for anyone who loves a bakery-style cookie that’s bursting with flavor and color.
What Makes These Cookies So Special
Unlike traditional chocolate chip cookies, these strawberry cookies use freeze-dried strawberries. This ensures that the fruit flavor is intense, evenly distributed throughout the dough, and doesn’t introduce excess moisture. It’s a smart, shelf-stable solution that gives the cookies a vibrant natural pink hue and a subtle crunch. Combined with creamy white chocolate, the strawberries create a flavor profile that is sweet, tart, and rich all at once—like a dessert version of strawberries and cream.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s Valentine’s Day, a spring brunch, a bake sale, or a cozy weekend baking session, these cookies always fit the occasion. Their cheerful color and sweet aroma make them festive enough for special events, yet simple enough to enjoy with a cup of tea on a quiet afternoon. Kids love them for their sweetness and color, and adults appreciate the nostalgic yet elevated flavor. They’re also ideal for gifting—just wrap a batch in parchment and ribbon for an effortlessly thoughtful present.
Why Use Freeze-Dried Strawberries
Many fruit-based baked goods fall short because fresh fruit can make dough soggy or create uneven pockets of flavor. Freeze-dried strawberries solve both issues. They retain the full, ripe flavor of strawberries but are completely dry, so they blend into the cookie dough without compromising texture. Plus, they have a beautiful speckled appearance when baked, adding visual interest to the final cookie.
The Role of White Chocolate
White chocolate is a perfect complement to the tartness of strawberries. Its mellow, buttery profile smooths out the fruity acidity, bringing everything together in a creamy, sweet finish. Unlike milk or dark chocolate, white chocolate doesn’t overpower; it enhances and rounds out the overall taste. The small bursts of melted white chocolate throughout each bite add decadence and contrast against the chewy cookie base.
Texture Matters: Soft and Chewy Goodness
If you love cookies that are soft on the inside with just a touch of crisp around the edges, this recipe delivers. Creaming the butter and sugars together introduces air and gives the cookies their lift, while just the right balance of flour ensures a thick, bakery-style result. These are not flat, greasy cookies—they hold their shape well and offer a satisfyingly chewy bite every time.
Tips for Best Results
To make sure your cookies turn out perfect every time, always use room temperature butter. It creams better with sugar and helps create a fluffy dough. Chill the dough if it feels too soft before baking—this keeps the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. And don’t overbake: pull them out when the edges are just starting to turn golden and the centers still look soft. They’ll firm up as they cool, giving you that perfect chewy texture.
Flavor Variations to Explore
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, it’s easy to get creative. Try mixing in dark chocolate chips instead of white for a deeper contrast. Add chopped pistachios or macadamia nuts for crunch. For a more decadent twist, drizzle the cooled cookies with melted white chocolate or a simple strawberry glaze. You can even sandwich two cookies together with vanilla buttercream for a “strawberries and cream” cookie sandwich.
How to Store and Freeze
Strawberry White Chocolate Cookies store beautifully. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the baked cookies for up to 2 months—just let them thaw at room temperature before serving. The dough also freezes well. Scoop it into balls and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. When you’re ready to bake, pop them into the oven directly from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
A Fun Baking Project for Kids
Because these cookies are so colorful and simple to prepare, they make an ideal baking activity for children. Kids love crushing the strawberries, scooping the dough, and of course—taste testing. It’s a great opportunity to teach basic baking skills and explore new flavors together in a fun, low-pressure environment.
Nutritional Profile and Portioning
While these cookies are indulgent, they’re not overwhelmingly sweet or heavy. Each cookie has around 185 calories, making it a satisfying treat without being overly decadent. The recipe makes about two dozen cookies, so it’s easy to scale up for parties or special events. You can also make smaller cookies for bite-sized portions, or larger ones for bakery-style presentation.
The Visual Appeal
One of the standout features of these cookies is their beautiful appearance. The pink strawberry specks paired with creamy white chips create a soft, pastel palette that looks gorgeous on a dessert table. Their bakery-style thickness, slightly crisp edges, and gooey centers make them just as pleasing to the eye as they are to the tastebuds.
Great for Gifting and Celebrations
These cookies make excellent gifts for birthdays, Mother’s Day, or holiday cookie boxes. Because they hold up well at room temperature and have eye-catching looks, they’re ideal for wrapping and sharing. Add a cute tag, tie them with baker’s twine, and you’ve got a thoughtful, handmade gift that stands out from the crowd.
Conclusion
Strawberry White Chocolate Cookies are more than just another cookie recipe—they’re a flavorful, colorful, and delightful experience. Whether you’re baking for a party, your family, or yourself, they bring a fresh twist to traditional baking with their blend of tart fruit and creamy sweetness. With a texture that’s soft and chewy and a taste that’s both nostalgic and new, these cookies are sure to become a recurring favorite in your kitchen. And once you try them, don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for freeze-dried strawberries every time cookie cravings strike.