Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re ready to fall in love with cookies all over again, this Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new go-to treat. Imagine biting into a perfectly soft, sweet strawberry-flavored sugar cookie that hides a luscious, melted chocolate center—each bite feels like a little surprise party for your taste buds. This recipe blends the freshness of strawberry essence with the comforting richness of chocolate in a fun, playful cookie that’s as delightful to make as it is to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, bringing together just the right balance of flavor, texture, and that lovely pink hue that makes these cookies so inviting. Each component plays a special role, whether it’s the buttery softness, sweet strawberry notes, or gooey chocolate surprise.

• ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened: Creates a tender, rich base for soft cookies with perfect crumb texture.
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar: Adds the right amount of sweetness and contributes to a slight crispness on the cookie exterior.
• 1 large egg, room temperature: Binds the cookie dough and adds moisture for that perfect chewiness.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Provides warm vanilla undertones that complement the strawberry flavor beautifully.
• 1 tsp strawberry extract: Gives the cookies that distinct, fresh strawberry essence that makes this recipe stand out.
• 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the cookie, ensuring they hold their shape but stay soft.
• ½ tsp baking powder: Helps the cookies rise gently to achieve a soft, inviting texture.
• ¼ tsp baking soda: Works with the baking powder to create the ideal crumb and tenderness.
• ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing sweetness and richness perfectly.
• A few drops of pink or red food coloring (optional): Adds a beautiful blush to the cookies, making them visually irresistible.
• 12–14 chocolate squares (milk or dark chocolate): The heart of the recipe, offering that melty, decadent surprise inside each cookie.
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar: For rolling the dough balls, adding a delightful sugary crunch on the cookie surface.

How to Make Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure your cookies bake evenly and lift off easily without sticking or breaking. This simple preparation makes cleanup a breeze, letting you focus on the fun part.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together your softened butter and sugar. Whip until the mixture turns light and fluffy—that’s the secret to cookies that melt in your mouth.

Step 3: Add the Wet Flavors

Now, mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract. These ingredients bring your dough to life, infusing it with moisture and that irresistible aroma that hints at the deliciousness to come.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your butter mix, stirring until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tougher cookies, so be gentle to keep them tender.

Step 5: Add Color (Optional)

If you want your cookies to have a charming pink tint, add a few drops of pink or red food coloring now. Mix until your dough reaches the perfect hue, elevating these cookies from everyday to delightful eye candy.

Step 6: Stuff the Cookies with Chocolate

Here’s where the magic happens. Scoop about one tablespoon of dough and flatten it into a small disc. Center a chocolate square on top, then carefully wrap the dough around it, rolling it into a smooth ball to fully enclose the chocolate. Every bite will be a surprise of melted chocolate bliss.

Step 7: Coat with Sugar and Arrange

Roll the dough balls in granulated sugar for an extra sweet crunch outside. Place them on your prepared baking sheet, spacing each cookie about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread without sticking together.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake your cookies in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes. You’re looking for golden edges with centers still slightly firm—this ensures softness paired with that perfect gooey chocolate center.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool right on the baking sheet for a few minutes; this helps them set so they don’t fall apart. Afterward, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely if you can wait that long. Waiting is hard, but it guarantees every bite stays intact and delicious.

How to Serve Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra touch, sprinkle a little powdered sugar or drizzle some melted white chocolate over the top. Fresh strawberry slices on the side also echo the cookie’s flavor and add a pop of color that’s just as charming as it is tasty.

Side Dishes

Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk, a cup of fruity tea, or even a dollop of whipped cream on the side. The creamy, fresh drinks and soft toppings perfectly complement the sweetness and richness of the cookies.

Creative Ways to Present

Try arranging the cookies on a festive platter with fresh strawberry halves and chocolate shards scattered around. Or serve them warm in a small basket lined with doilies for a cute, homemade gift presentation. When sharing these cookies, presentation can make the moment even sweeter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cookies keep beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The chocolate center stays deliciously soft, and the strawberry flavor remains fresh. Just be sure to keep them away from direct sunlight or heat to preserve their texture.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze unbaked dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies also freeze well—store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months and thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Reheating

To bring the cookies back to that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop them in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or warm gently in a low oven. This will revive the melted chocolate center and make each bite feel freshly baked again.

FAQs

Can I use white chocolate instead of milk or dark chocolate?

Absolutely! White chocolate pairs wonderfully with the strawberry flavor, offering a sweeter, creamier center that’s equally irresistible. Just be mindful that white chocolate melts quickly, so handle the wrapping carefully.

What if I don’t have strawberry extract? Can I use fresh strawberries?

Fresh strawberries add moisture that can change the dough’s consistency, so strawberry extract is best for flavor without affecting texture. If you want to include fresh strawberries, try incorporating a small amount of finely chopped, well-drained berries, but reduce other liquids slightly and expect a softer dough.

Can these cookies be made vegan?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative, use a flax or chia egg in place of the egg, and choose dairy-free chocolate squares. The strawberry extract usually is vegan, but double-check to be sure. You might notice a slight difference in texture, but these tweaks work well.

How do I prevent the chocolate from leaking out during baking?

Wrapping the dough snugly around the chocolate is key. Make sure there are no gaps or thin spots in the dough covering the chocolate. Also, keep your dough chilled if it gets too soft — this makes handling easier and helps the cookies hold their shape better in the oven.

Can I use frozen cookie dough for this recipe?

Yes, freezing the dough balls before baking is a great idea and helps manage your baking schedule. Bake them straight from frozen but add a couple of extra minutes in the oven to ensure the cookies are cooked through and the chocolate inside has melted perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about baking cookies that deliver a delightful surprise inside, and this Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe hits all the right notes—from its fragrant strawberry flavor to its gooey chocolate heart. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or indulging yourself, these cookies are bound to become a beloved classic. So grab your ingredients, and treat yourself to this joyful baking adventure—you’ll be so glad you did!

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