Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies

Introduction

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies bring together the best of both worlds—rich chocolate and the sweet, fresh flavor of strawberries. These delightful cookies are infused with strawberry flavor, topped with a layer of luscious chocolate, and decorated to resemble the beloved chocolate-covered strawberries. The chewy texture of the cookie combined with the smooth chocolate creates a perfect bite of indulgence.

I first made these cookies when I was looking for something unique to bake for a family gathering, and they were a huge hit. The combination of strawberry and chocolate was a crowd-pleaser, and the fun, decorative touch made them even more special. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a sweet treat for yourself, or something to share with loved ones, these cookies will impress everyone with their delicious flavor and charming appearance.

What’s great about these Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies is that they’re not only tasty but also visually striking. The contrast of vibrant red strawberry and smooth, dark chocolate makes them perfect for holidays, celebrations, or any occasion that calls for something sweet.

Perfect for:

• Valentine’s Day
• Mother’s Day
• Holiday baking
• Dessert tables
• Chocolate and strawberry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies

Here’s why Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies will become your new favorite:

• Chocolate and Strawberry Combination: These cookies feature the perfect pairing of sweet strawberry flavor and rich chocolate, mimicking the classic chocolate-covered strawberries.
• Chewy and Soft Texture: The cookie base is soft, chewy, and lightly flavored with strawberry, creating a perfect balance with the chocolate topping.
• Simple to Make: Despite their elegant appearance, these cookies are easy to prepare and come together quickly.
• Visually Stunning: The glossy chocolate coating on top and the strawberry-colored base give these cookies a beautiful, festive look that’s perfect for gifting.
• Customizable: You can personalize the cookies with drizzles of white chocolate, sprinkles, or even chopped nuts to make them your own.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
• Chilling Time: 20 minutes (optional for better cookie shape)
• Servings: 24 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-170 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 2g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup strawberry jam or puree
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or milk chocolate)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for chocolate coating)
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips (optional for drizzling)

Ingredient Highlights

• Strawberry Jam or Puree: The strawberry jam or puree provides the signature strawberry flavor in the cookies, giving them a natural sweetness and fruity aroma.
• Butter: Butter is essential for achieving the soft, chewy texture in the cookies and adds a rich flavor.
• Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips are perfect for coating the cookies and enhancing the chocolate flavor.
• Flour and Baking Powder: These are the basic ingredients that give the cookies structure, making them chewy yet tender.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies:

Prepare the Cookie Dough:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture and beat until fully combined.
4. Add the Strawberry Jam or Puree: Stir in the strawberry jam or puree, mixing until smooth. This will give the dough its pink hue and fruity flavor.
5. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. The dough should be thick and slightly sticky.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

7. Scoop the Dough: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to scoop out portions of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are golden brown, and the centers are set. The cookies may still look slightly soft in the middle but will firm up as they cool.
9. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Coat with Chocolate:

10. Melt the Chocolate: While the cookies are cooling, melt the semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl with the vegetable oil. You can do this in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted.
11. Dip the Cookies: Once the cookies have cooled, dip the top of each cookie into the melted chocolate, swirling to coat it evenly. Gently tap off any excess chocolate.
12. Drizzle with White Chocolate (Optional): If you’d like, melt the white chocolate chips and drizzle them over the chocolate-coated cookies for a decorative touch. This step is optional but adds a beautiful contrast to the dark chocolate.
13. Let Set: Allow the chocolate to set by letting the cookies sit at room temperature or refrigerating them for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate hardens.

How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies are a versatile treat that can be served in many ways:

• For Parties and Events: These cookies make a stunning addition to any dessert table, especially for themed parties, holidays, or special occasions like Valentine’s Day.
• Gift-Giving: Package the cookies in a pretty tin or box to give as a thoughtful, homemade gift for friends and family.
• For Afternoon Tea: These cookies are perfect for pairing with a hot cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon treat.
• As a Dessert: Serve these cookies as part of a dessert spread, perhaps alongside other chocolate-based desserts or fruit-based sweets.
• On Their Own: These cookies are sweet enough to be enjoyed all on their own as a decadent snack.

Additional Tips for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies

Here are some tips to ensure your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies turn out perfectly:

• Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough is too sticky to roll into balls, you can chill it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes to make it easier to handle.
• Use Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, use high-quality chocolate chips. This will give the cookies a smooth, rich coating.
• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cookies while they’re baking. They should be golden at the edges but soft in the center to maintain a chewy texture.
• Let Chocolate Set Properly: To avoid smudging the chocolate coating, allow the cookies to cool completely before storing or serving them.
• Make Smaller Cookies: If you want bite-sized treats, you can scoop out smaller portions of dough and reduce the baking time by a minute or two.

Recipe Variations for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies

Here are 10 variations you can try for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies:

• Dark Chocolate Coating: Use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for a richer, slightly bitter flavor that contrasts with the sweet strawberry base.
• Strawberry Shortcake Cookies: Mix in crushed graham crackers or shortbread crumbs into the dough for a strawberry shortcake-inspired flavor.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Instead of dipping the cookies in chocolate, drizzle it on top for a lighter chocolate coating.
• White Chocolate and Strawberry Jam: Use white chocolate chips for coating and strawberry jam for the cookie dough for a sweet, light flavor.
• Strawberry Frosting Center: After baking, sandwich two cookies together with a layer of strawberry frosting for an extra creamy texture.
• Nutty Coating: Roll the edges of the cookies in chopped pistachios or almonds for added texture and flavor.
• Strawberry Almond Cookies: Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the dough for a nutty undertone that pairs beautifully with the strawberry flavor.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free.
• Cheesecake Filling: Add a cheesecake filling in the center of the cookie for a cheesecake-inspired version of chocolate-covered strawberries.
• Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookie Bars: Instead of making individual cookies, press the dough into a baking dish and top with the chocolate coating for easy bar-style cookies.

Freezing and Storage for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies

• Freezing: To freeze the cookies, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to an airtight container or zip-top bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them to keep the chocolate coating firm.

Special Equipment for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies easier:

• Electric Mixer: Use an electric mixer to beat the butter and sugar together for a light, fluffy texture.
• Baking Sheets: Line your baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cookie removal.
• Heatproof Bowls: Use heatproof bowls for melting chocolate without the risk of burning it.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop helps ensure consistent-sized cookies for even baking and a neat, uniform look.
• Toothpicks: Use toothpicks to drizzle the white chocolate decoratively if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions for Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies

1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?
   Fresh strawberries will not provide the same consistency and flavor as jam, but you can use strawberry puree as an alternative.
2. Can I freeze the dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough before baking. Roll the dough into balls, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then store them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Bake as usual once thawed.
3. Can I use sugar substitutes for a lower-carb version?
   You can use sugar substitutes like erythritol or stevia, but the texture and sweetness may vary.
4. How do I prevent the chocolate from cracking?
   Ensure the chocolate is fully melted and tempered (if necessary). Let the cookies cool completely before handling them.
5. How can I make the cookies chewier?
   For chewier cookies, make sure not to overbake them, and use a higher ratio of butter to flour in the dough.

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Conclusion

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies are the ultimate indulgence, combining the sweetness of strawberry jam with the richness of chocolate. With their chewy texture and glossy chocolate coating, they’re perfect for special occasions or any time you want a treat that looks as good as it tastes. Whether you enjoy them on your own or share them with others, these cookies will certainly become a favorite in your baking repertoire.

This recipe is as fun to make as it is delicious, perfect for everything from festive gatherings to cozy afternoons at home. Whether you’re baking for loved ones or treating yourself, these cookies are sure to bring smiles and satisfy every sweet tooth.

I’d love to see how your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!