Strawberry Crunch Cookies

These delightful Strawberry Crunch Cookies are not only a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for your eyes! Inspired by the beloved Strawberry Crunch Ice Cream bars, these cookies are bursting with strawberry flavor and feature the iconic crunchy topping. Perfect for any occasion, they can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or even as a fun addition to a party spread. The standout qualities of these cookies include their vibrant color, luscious texture, and scrumptious taste that appeals to both kids and adults alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up these cookies in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of strawberry extract and Jello powder gives these cookies an irresistible taste.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party, holiday gathering, or just a cozy night at home, these cookies will brighten up any event.
• Fun Topping: The crunchy layer made from Golden Oreos adds a unique texture that makes each bite special.
• Kid-Friendly: This recipe is great for baking with kids; they’ll love helping with the colorful cookie dough!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have the right tools on hand. Having everything prepared will make the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Stand mixer or hand mixer
• Mixing bowls
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Why These Tools Matter

• Stand mixer or hand mixer: Saves time and effort when creaming butter and sugars together.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without making a mess.
• Baking sheet: Provides an even surface for baking multiple cookies at once.

Ingredients

These homemade Strawberry Crunch Cookies are based off of the popular Strawberry Crunch Ice Cream bars and are loaded with strawberry flavor! They even have the iconic Strawberry Crunch topping on top!

Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup white sugar
– 3/4 cups light brown sugar
– 2 eggs, room temperature
– 1 teaspoon strawberry extract
– 15 drops red or pink liquid food coloring
– 2 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 20 Golden Oreos
– 1 box (3.4 oz) strawberry Jello powder
– 4 tablespoons butter, melted

How to Make Strawberry Crunch Cookies

Step 1: Prepare the Crunch Topping

Begin by preparing the iconic crunch topping that adds flavor and texture to your cookies.
1. Roughly crush Golden Oreos in a bowl until you have small pieces.
2. Mix in strawberry Jello powder and melted butter.
3. Stir well until everything is combined. Pour this mixture onto a plate and spread it into a single layer.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

While you prepare your cookie dough, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you’re done mixing.

Step 3: Make the Cookie Dough

Now it’s time to create the delicious cookie base!
1. In your stand mixer bowl, cream together softened butter, white sugar, and light brown sugar until smooth.
2. Add in eggs, one at a time. Ensure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
3. Mix in strawberry extract, blending well.
4. Whisk in drops of red or pink food coloring, adjusting color intensity as desired.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

Prepare your dry mixture to ensure even distribution in your cookie dough.
1. In another large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt.

Step 5: Mix Everything Together

Combine all elements of your cookie dough!
1. With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Forming the Cookies

This step involves shaping your cookies into bite-sized rounds coated in that delicious crunch topping!
1. Scoop about one tablespoon of dough using a rounded tablespoon.
2. Roll each dough ball into the crushed cookie mix from earlier, ensuring they are well-coated.

Step 7: Bake

Finally, it’s time to bake those cookies!
1. Place each cookie on a prepared baking sheet about two inches apart since they will spread during baking.
2. Bake for approximately 8 minutes; then remove from oven.
3. Immediately sprinkle additional crushed cookie mix on top of warm cookies before returning them to bake for another 4 minutes.

Step 8: Cool

Once baked to perfection:
1. Remove from oven and allow cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before transferring them elsewhere.

Enjoy your vibrant Strawberry Crunch Cookies that are sure to bring joy to every gathering!

How to Serve Strawberry Crunch Cookies

Strawberry Crunch Cookies are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving them at a party or enjoying them as a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to impress.

With Fresh Strawberries

• Pair with Fresh Strawberries: Serve your cookies alongside fresh strawberries for a burst of fruity flavor and a beautiful presentation.

With Whipped Cream

• Top with Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of each cookie for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream: Place a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream between two cookies for a delicious ice cream sandwich.

As Party Favors

• Wrap as Party Favors: Package the cookies in cute bags tied with ribbon to create memorable party favors for your guests.

With Hot Beverages

• Enjoy with Hot Beverages: Pair these cookies with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for a cozy snack time.

How to Perfect Strawberry Crunch Cookies

To make the most delicious Strawberry Crunch Cookies, follow these helpful tips for perfect results every time.

• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for easier mixing and better texture.
• Don’t Overmix Dough: Mix the dough just until combined to keep the cookies tender and chewy.
• Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the dough before baking to enhance flavors and improve cookie shape.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
• Add Extra Toppings: Feel free to sprinkle additional crushed Golden Oreos on top of the cookies before baking for more crunch.
• Store Properly: Keep any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Strawberry Crunch Cookies

While these cookies are delightful on their own, pairing them with other dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great side dish ideas:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A medley of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cookies.
2. Chocolate Fondue: Dip pieces of fruit or cookie chunks into warm chocolate for a decadent treat.
3. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and sliced strawberries for a healthy and tasty option.
4. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses complements the sweet flavor profile of the cookies beautifully.
5. Mini Cheesecakes: Serve small cheesecakes topped with strawberry sauce or fresh berries as an elegant pairing.
6. Pudding Cups: Individual cups of strawberry or vanilla pudding add a creamy element that pairs well with crunchy cookies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Strawberry Crunch Cookies, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using cold ingredients: Cold butter or eggs can lead to uneven mixing. Always use room temperature ingredients for a smoother dough.
• Overmixing the dough: This can make cookies tough. Mix until just combined for the best texture.
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can result in dry cookies. Use the spoon-and-level method for accurate measurements.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling cookie dough helps prevent spreading during baking. If time allows, chill your dough for at least 30 minutes.
• Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your cookies. Remove them when they’re just set for the best chewiness.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Strawberry Crunch Cookies in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Strawberry Crunch Cookies

• Place cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag; they can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Strawberry Crunch Cookies

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat one cookie at a time for about 10-15 seconds, but watch closely to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place cookies in a skillet over low heat for a minute or two until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I enhance the strawberry flavor in Strawberry Crunch Cookies?

You can enhance the strawberry flavor by adding more strawberry extract or using fresh strawberries chopped into small pieces.

Can I substitute gluten-free flour in this recipe?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. Ensure it includes xanthan gum for better structure.

What are some customization options for Strawberry Crunch Cookies?

You can mix in white chocolate chips or swap out the Jello powder with another flavor if you prefer something different.

How do I know when my cookies are done baking?

Your cookies should look slightly golden around the edges and still soft in the center. They will continue to set as they cool.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Crunch Cookies are not only delicious but also versatile! You can easily customize them with different flavors or add-ins based on your preferences. Enjoy making these delightful treats that remind you of childhood ice cream bars, and don’t hesitate to experiment!