Frosted Strawberry Crunch Cookies Recipe

If you crave a cookie that dazzles both your eyes and your taste buds, the Frosted Strawberry Crunch Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies blend tender cake-flour crumb with a luscious strawberry-infused frosting and a mouthwatering crunchy topping made from Golden Oreo crumbs and freeze-dried strawberries. Each bite delivers a symphony of textures and flavors, perfectly balancing sweetness and subtle fruity tang. Whether for a cozy afternoon treat or festive gatherings, these cookies are sure to become your new favorite indulgence.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because it uses simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients that work in harmony. Each element plays a role: cake flour gives the cookies a delicate crumb, freeze-dried strawberries add natural vibrant flavor without moisture, and the combination of sugars and butter create that irresistible softness and sweetness.

• 2 ½ cups cake flour: Essential for light, tender cookie texture that won’t get dense.
• 1 tbsp cornstarch: Helps soften the dough and add a subtle silkiness.
• 1 tsp baking powder: Provides gentle lift for perfect cookie puff.
• ½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness to enhance flavors.
• ¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature): The key to creamy, rich dough.
• 1 cup powdered sugar: Creates smooth, sweet foundation for both dough and frosting.
• ½ cup granulated sugar: Adds crispness and structure.
• ¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps cookies moist and tender.
• 1 large egg (room temperature): Binds ingredients and contributes to softness.
• 3 tsp vanilla extract: Deepens overall flavor with warm notes.
• 1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting, room temperature): Whipped into fluffy perfection.
• 2 ½ cups powdered sugar (for frosting): Sweetens and thickens the frosting beautifully.
• 1 oz freeze-dried strawberries (pulsed to powder): Delivers intense natural strawberry flavor with vibrant color.
• 2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances frosting’s creaminess.
• ½ tsp salt: Balances sweet richness in frosting.
• ¼ cup heavy cream: Creates luscious, spreadable texture.
• 1 cup Golden Oreo cookie crumbs (about 10 cookies): Adds crunch and buttery flavor to topping.
• ½ oz freeze-dried strawberries (pulsed to powder): Enhances strawberry pop in the crunchy topping.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted): Binds the crunch topping components together.

How to Make Frosted Strawberry Crunch Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking the cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl. This ensures the leavening and seasoning are evenly distributed, so every cookie rises nicely and tastes balanced.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugars

Using a stand mixer or hand mixer with paddle attachment, beat the unsalted butter, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until silky smooth and creamy. This step is important because it traps air, giving your cookies a tender, light texture.

Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla

Incorporate the egg and vanilla extract into the creamed mixture, mixing until just combined. This adds moisture and depth of flavor, preparing your dough to be soft and rich.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture on low speed until a soft cookie dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender and delicate.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Scoop approximately 3 tablespoons of dough per ball onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place it in the fridge for about 30 minutes. Chilling firms the dough for better handling and helps maintain the cookie’s shape during baking.

Step 6: Preheat and Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 350℉ (177℃). Ready your baking sheets by lining them with silicone mats or parchment paper to prevent sticking and encourage even baking.

Step 7: Bake the Cookies

Arrange the chilled dough balls with enough space to allow spreading. Bake about 12 minutes until centers puff up and edges stay pale. Let cookies rest on the pan for one minute before moving them to a cooling rack. This keeps them soft but perfectly set.

Step 8: Make the Frosting Base

Beat 1 cup of unsalted butter for about 5 minutes until light and fluffy. This whipping introduces air, creating the ideal base for a dreamy frosting you’ll love spreading.

Step 9: Add Powdered Sugar Gradually

First add half the powdered sugar on low speed, mixing until incorporated, then add the rest while continuing to mix gently. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky, even texture.

Step 10: Incorporate Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder

Mix in the finely ground freeze-dried strawberries slowly on low speed until you have a beautifully pink, fragrant frosting bursting with natural strawberry flavor.

Step 11: Add Flavor and Cream

Stir in vanilla extract and salt, then gradually add heavy cream while mixing to reach the perfect spreadable frosting consistency—smooth and luxurious.

Step 12: Whip for Perfection

Increase mixer speed to medium and beat the frosting for 2 to 3 minutes until fluffy and creamy. Lower speed slightly and continue mixing to pop any air bubbles for that flawless finish.

Step 13: Make the Crunch Topping

In a small bowl, combine Golden Oreo crumbs, strawberry powder, and melted butter. Stir well to incorporate so the topping packs the perfect crisp, sweet, and fruity punch.

Step 14: Frost and Top the Cookies

Fill a piping bag fitted with a Wilton 1A tip with the frosting. Pipe generous swirls atop each cooled cookie, smoothing gently if desired. Finally, sprinkle your strawberry crunch topping over the frosting for a delightful texture contrast.

How to Serve Frosted Strawberry Crunch Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Adding an extra sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry powder or a few small fresh strawberry slices can elevate the presentation and intensify that refreshing strawberry vibe. It’s a perfect little flourish when serving to guests.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of tea or coffee, balancing the sweet with a comforting beverage. For a brunch or dessert platter, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit salad for a delightful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking these frosted beauties on a pretty cake stand or arrange them in a gift box lined with parchment paper for an irresistible homemade gift. You can even drizzle melted white chocolate over the crunch for an extra touch of decadence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Frosted Strawberry Crunch Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the delicate crispness of the cookie base while keeping the frosting fresh and creamy.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cookie dough balls wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or sealed freezer bags for up to one month. For fully assembled cookies, freeze them on a tray first, then transfer to an airtight container. Thaw gently in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

To enjoy cookies slightly warm, let them come to room temperature. Avoid microwaving with frosting to prevent melting. If preferred, warm unfrosted cookies for about 5-7 minutes at 300℉, then frost right before serving.

FAQs

Can I substitute all-purpose flour for cake flour?

This recipe relies on cake flour’s lower protein content for tender texture. Using all-purpose flour may result in a denser cookie. If you must substitute, try replacing some flour with cornstarch, but cake flour is best.

What is the purpose of freeze-dried strawberries in this recipe?

Freeze-dried strawberries provide intense natural strawberry flavor and vibrant pink color without adding moisture, which could otherwise affect cookie and frosting texture.

Can I make the frosting without heavy cream?

While heavy cream gives the frosting its luxurious spreadable texture, you can use milk or half-and-half as a substitute but may get a slightly thinner consistency.

How should I store the cookie crunch topping if I make it ahead of time?

Store the topping in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If it clumps, gently break it up before sprinkling over the frosting.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

Yes! Chilling firms the dough to help cookies maintain their shape and prevents over-spreading during baking, contributing to that perfect soft yet defined cookie.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you have as much fun making and enjoying these Frosted Strawberry Crunch Cookies Recipe as I do. They’re one of those treats that brighten any day with their lovely pink hue and divine textures. Whip up a batch, share with friends or save a few for yourself—either way, these cookies are bound to bring a little strawberry-scented joy into your kitchen.

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