Strawberry Crunch Cookies

Strawberry Crunch Cookies are soft, buttery cookies infused with real strawberry flavor and topped with a delicious crunchy strawberry crumble. Inspired by the nostalgic strawberry shortcake ice cream bars, these cookies have the perfect balance of sweet, fruity, and creamy flavors—a must-try for strawberry lovers!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Soft & Chewy Texture: Buttery cookies with a melt-in-your-mouth bite.
  • Strawberry Crunch Topping: A crispy, flavorful topping just like the classic ice cream bars.
  • Easy to Make: No complicated steps—just mix, bake, and enjoy.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for birthdays, holidays, or a fun baking project.
  • Customizable: Add white chocolate chips, drizzle with glaze, or make into cookie sandwiches!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cookies:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Unsalted butter (softened)
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract
  • Strawberry extract (or freeze-dried strawberry powder)
  • Pink or red food coloring (optional)

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

  • Golden Oreos (crushed)
  • Freeze-dried strawberries (crushed)
  • Unsalted butter (melted)

Optional Add-Ins:

  • White chocolate chips
  • Cream cheese frosting drizzle

Directions

Step 1: Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping

  1. Crush the Ingredients:
    • Place Golden Oreos and freeze-dried strawberries in a ziplock bag and crush into small crumbs.
  2. Mix with Butter:
    • In a bowl, mix the crushed cookies and strawberries with melted butter until combined.
    • Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cookie Dough

  1. Preheat Oven:
    • Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Whisk Dry Ingredients:
    • In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cream Butter & Sugar:
    • In a separate bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients:
    • Mix in egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract. Add food coloring if using.
  5. Combine Everything:
    • Gradually mix in dry ingredients until a smooth dough forms.

Step 3: Shape & Bake

  1. Form Cookie Dough Balls:
    • Scoop dough into tablespoon-sized balls and place on the baking sheet.
  2. Bake for 10-12 Minutes:
    • Until edges are set but centers are slightly soft.

Step 4: Add the Strawberry Crunch

  1. Press Crunch Topping on Warm Cookies:
    • While cookies are still warm, gently press the strawberry crunch topping onto each cookie.
  2. Cool Completely:
    • Let the cookies cool before serving.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  • Enjoy as-is or drizzle with melted white chocolate for extra decadence!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 18-20 cookies
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

  • Extra Crunchy: Sprinkle more topping after baking.
  • Stuffed Cookies: Add a small piece of cream cheese inside before baking.
  • Chocolate Twist: Add white or dark chocolate chips.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and Oreos.
  • Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and egg substitute.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes.
  • Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

No, fresh strawberries add too much moisture. Stick to freeze-dried for the best texture.

How do I keep the cookies soft?

Store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread to keep them moist.

What’s the best way to crush the Oreos?

Use a food processor or place them in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin.

Can I make these without strawberry extract?

Yes! Use extra freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry jam for natural flavor.

Do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Not necessary, but chilling for 30 minutes can enhance the flavor and texture.

Can I make these into cookie sandwiches?

Yes! Fill with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream for a delicious twist.

What if I don’t have Golden Oreos?

Use vanilla wafers or graham crackers instead.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes! Use plant-based butter and dairy-free white chocolate.

How do I get a bright red color?

Use gel food coloring for a more vibrant hue.

Can I use this recipe to make bars instead of cookies?

Yes! Press the dough into a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 18-20 minutes.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Crunch Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with strawberry flavor, topped with a crispy, nostalgic crunch. Whether for a special occasion or just because, they’re an irresistible treat that everyone will love. Try them today and enjoy a bakery-style cookie right at home!

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Strawberry Crunch Cookies

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Makes 1618 cookies 1x
  • Category: Dessert, Cookies
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Strawberry Crunch Cookies are soft, chewy, and bursting with strawberry flavor, topped with a crunchy, buttery strawberry crumble inspired by the classic Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars! Perfect for strawberry lovers and a fun, colorful treat for any occasion.


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Cookies:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp strawberry extract (optional, for stronger strawberry flavor)
  • 2 tbsp strawberry Jell-O powder (for color & flavor)
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional but delicious!)

For the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

  • 1/2 cup Golden Oreos, crushed (about 6 cookies)
  • 2 tbsp strawberry Jell-O powder
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted



Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare Dough:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt.

2. Make the Cookie Dough:

  • In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until creamy (about 2 minutes).
  • Mix in egg, vanilla, and strawberry extract.
  • Add strawberry Jell-O powder and mix until fully incorporated.
  • Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until just combined.
  • Fold in white chocolate chips (if using).

3. Form & Bake Cookies:

  • Scoop 1.5 tbsp-sized dough balls onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
  • Bake for 9-11 minutes, until edges are set but centers are slightly soft.
  • Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

4. Make the Strawberry Crunch Topping:

  • In a small bowl, mix crushed Golden Oreos, Jell-O powder, and melted butter until crumbly.

5. Coat the Cookies:

  • While cookies are slightly warm, sprinkle or press the strawberry crunch topping onto each cookie.
  • Let cool completely before serving.

Notes

  • Want extra crunch? Double the topping and coat cookies completely!
  • No Golden Oreos? Use vanilla wafers or graham crackers instead.
  • Make ahead: Store cookies in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

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