🍓 Strawberry Crunch Cookies 🍪

These Strawberry Crunch Cookies are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, combining the sweetness of fresh strawberries with a buttery, crumbly texture and a satisfying crunch. Packed with real strawberry flavor, these cookies are soft on the inside, slightly crisp on the outside, and studded with a crunchy topping for an irresistible treat. Perfect for springtime, summer gatherings, or anytime you’re craving something fruity and fun, these cookies are sure to become a favorite. Let’s bake up a batch of these berrylicious delights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Strawberry Flavor: Fresh or freeze-dried strawberries add natural sweetness and vibrant taste.
Perfect Texture Combo: Soft, chewy centers meet a buttery crunch from the topping.
Versatile and Fun: Customize with sprinkles, chocolate drizzles, or nuts for extra flair.
Great for Gifting: These cookies look festive and are perfect for sharing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies:

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries OR 1/3 cup crushed freeze-dried strawberries
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

For the Crunch Topping:

1/2 cup turbinado sugar (or coarse sugar)
1/4 cup finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries
Optional: Sprinkles or crushed nuts for added crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
If using fresh strawberries, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Finely chop or mash them into small pieces. If using freeze-dried strawberries, crush them into a fine powder or small bits.

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (about 2–3 minutes).

3. Add Wet Ingredients

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
Stir in the chopped fresh strawberries or crushed freeze-dried strawberries. If using fresh strawberries, be gentle to avoid overmixing, which can make the dough too wet.

4. Mix in Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed (or by hand) until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.