Strawberry Shortcake Cookies Put Store-Bought Sugar Cookies To Shame

Strawberry shortcake cookies are the perfect blend of sweet strawberries, creamy filling, and soft cookie dough. Unlike the store-bought sugar cookies, these homemade treats burst with fresh flavors and a delightful texture that is hard to resist. The combination of cream cheese and lemon zest filling adds a tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the juicy strawberries. These cookies are not only delicious but also easy to make, making them a great option for any occasion.

Ingredients

To make these mouthwatering strawberry shortcake cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 tbsp. cream cheese, softened
• 3 tbsp. powdered sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Cooking spray
• 3/4 c. chopped strawberries
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/2 c. plus 1 tbsp. granulated sugar
• 2 c. all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/2 c. butter, softened
• 1/4 c. packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp. sparkling sugar

Step 1: Preparing the Baking Sheets

Turn the oven on to 350°. Grease two big baking sheets with cooking spray and line them with parchment paper. This step ensures that your cookies don’t stick to the baking sheets and makes for an easier cleanup.

Step 2: Preparing the Strawberries

In a small bowl, combine the chopped strawberries, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Let the mixture sit for ten minutes, then drain it. This step helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the strawberries and remove excess moisture, ensuring that the cookies don’t become soggy.

Step 3: Mixing the Cookie Dough

Using a hand mixer, beat the butter, brown sugar, and the remaining ½ cup of granulated sugar in a large bowl until the mixture is frothy and light. This creates a light and fluffy base for your cookie dough, which is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.

Step 4: Adding Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and kosher salt to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cookies tough.

Step 5: Incorporating the Egg and Vanilla

Add the large egg and pure vanilla extract to the dough mixture. Mix until well combined. The egg adds richness to the dough, while the vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the cookies.

Step 6: Serving and Enjoying

Your strawberry shortcake cookies are now ready to be enjoyed! These cookies are best served fresh, but they can also be stored in an airtight container for a few days. The combination of the creamy filling and juicy strawberries makes these cookies a delightful treat for any occasion.