**Strawberry Shortcake Cookies: A Sweet Summer Delight**
As the warm sun shines and fresh strawberries begin to flood the markets, there’s no better time to indulge in a sweet treat that celebrates the flavors of summer. Enter **Strawberry Shortcake Cookies**—a delightful twist on the classic dessert that combines the rich, buttery goodness of cookies with the refreshing taste of strawberries and whipped cream. Perfect for picnics, barbecues, or simply as a snack with your afternoon tea, these cookies are sure to become a new favorite. Let’s explore how to make these delightful cookies and why they’re a must-try this season!
### Why You’ll Love Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
1. **Easy to Make**: These cookies come together quickly, making them perfect for busy days when you crave something sweet without a lot of fuss.
2. **Bursting with Flavor**: The combination of fresh strawberries, vanilla, and buttery cookies creates a flavor explosion that perfectly captures the essence of summer.
3. **Versatile**: Enjoy these cookies on their own, or serve them with whipped cream and additional strawberries for a fun and delicious dessert presentation.
4. **Great for Sharing**: These cookies are perfect for gatherings, parties, or just to enjoy with family. They’re bound to impress everyone who tries them!
### Ingredients You’ll Need
#### For the Cookies:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 large egg
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
#### For the Whipped Cream:
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
### Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
#### 1. Preheat the Oven:
– **Set the Temperature**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
#### 2. Make the Cookie Dough:
– **Cream the Butter and Sugars**: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar together until light and fluffy.
– **Add Egg and Vanilla**: Add the egg and vanilla extract to the mixture, beating until well combined.
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#### 3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
– **Mix Dry Ingredients**: In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
#### 4. Combine Mixtures:
– **Gradually Add Dry to Wet**: Slowly add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
– **Fold in Strawberries**: Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
#### 5. Bake the Cookies:
– **Scoop the Dough**: Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, drop rounded scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each cookie.
– **Bake**: Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers may look slightly underbaked, but they will firm up as they cool.
#### 6. Prepare the Whipped Cream:
– **Whip the Cream**: While the cookies are baking, prepare the whipped cream. In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, as you want a smooth, creamy texture.
#### 7. Assemble the Cookies:
– **Cool the Cookies**: Once baked, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
– **Top with Whipped Cream**: To serve, take one cookie, add a dollop of whipped cream on top, and place another cookie on top to create a sandwich. Garnish with extra chopped strawberries if desired.
### Tips for Perfect Strawberry Shortcake Cookies
– **Use Fresh Strawberries**: For the best flavor, opt for fresh strawberries in season. Their sweetness and juiciness will shine through in the cookies.
– **Chill the Dough**: If you prefer a thicker cookie, consider chilling the dough for 30 minutes before baking. This helps the cookies retain their shape during baking.
– **Experiment with Flavors**: Feel free to add a hint of lemon zest or almond extract for a twist on the classic flavor profile.
### Conclusion
**Strawberry Shortcake Cookies** are a delightful way to celebrate the flavors of summer in a simple, easy-to-make treat. Their buttery texture, sweet strawberries, and light whipped cream make them a refreshing dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them at a picnic, serving them at a gathering, or indulging in a sweet treat at home, these cookies are sure to bring a smile to your face. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and whip up a batch of these delicious cookies—you won’t be disappointed!
