If you have a sweet tooth and love a delightful surprise in every bite, this Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe is going to rock your world. Imagine tender, subtly fruity strawberry-flavored sugar cookies with a luscious molten chocolate center that oozes out just when you least expect it. These cookies beautifully balance the bright freshness of strawberry with the rich, comforting hug of melted chocolate, making them a perfect treat for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or simply craving a charming dessert with a twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, classic ingredients that come together to create a cookie that’s soft, flavorful, and irresistible. Each component plays a starring role, from the softened butter that ensures moisture and tenderness to the strawberry and vanilla extracts that infuse every bite with aromatic sweetness.
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation that gives these cookies structure but stays tender.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps them rise just enough for a soft, cakey texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Complements the baking soda for perfect leavening.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and keeps the cookies moist.
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to a slight crispy edge.
- 1 large egg at room temperature: Binds the dough and provides tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds warm, familiar flavor to deepen the taste.
- 1 tablespoon strawberry extract: The star that gives these cookies their distinct, fruity personality.
- 2 to 3 drops red or pink food coloring (optional): For that pretty, blush tint which makes them visually irresistible.
- 24 chocolate squares or chocolate kisses, unwrapped: The surprise center that melts to gooey perfection inside each cookie.
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling: Gives the cookie exterior a delightful shimmer and slight crunch.
How to Make Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This sets the stage for an even bake and easy cleanup, plus prevents the cookies from sticking or spreading too much.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Combining these first ensures your leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed, so every cookie rises and flavors just right.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale, light, and fluffy. This step is key to achieving a tender texture and a beautifully aerated dough that bakes into soft cookies.
Step 4: Add Egg and Flavors
Whisk in the egg, vanilla extract, strawberry extract, and if you’re using it, the food coloring. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and the dough already smells invitingly sweet and fruity.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture just until a soft dough forms. It’s important not to overmix here because that can make the cookies tough instead of tender and soft.
Step 6: Shape and Stuff the Cookies
Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough and flatten it slightly in your hand. Place a chocolate square in the center, then wrap the dough around it fully, rolling it into a smooth ball. Be swift but gentle to prevent the chocolate from melting prematurely.
Step 7: Sugar Coating and Baking
Roll each dough ball lightly in granulated sugar for a sparkling finish, then place them two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are set and the tops just start to crack—this indicates they’re perfectly cooked but still soft inside.
Step 8: Cooling
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This allows the melted chocolate inside to settle beautifully without leaking.
How to Serve Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a tiny pinch of powdered sugar over the cookies just before serving for a snowy, elegant look. If you want to make them extra special, drizzle some melted white chocolate on top for contrast and added sweetness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the richness of the chocolate center. A cup of fresh brewed tea or coffee complements the fruity notes beautifully, making for a cozy snack or dessert time.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these cookies on a pretty platter surrounded by fresh strawberries or rose petals for a romantic vibe. For a festive touch, tie a small stack of cookies with a ribbon and gift them to friends and family—everyone will love the charming surprise inside!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps them soft and preserves that delightful surprise center, though they’re so good you might not have leftovers!
Freezing
You can freeze the dough balls before baking by placing them on a baking tray until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you always have fresh-baked magic on hand.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm with melty chocolate, reheat them gently in the microwave for about 10 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes. This softens the cookie and revives the gooey filling perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate for the filling?
Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a nice, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet strawberry cookie, and it melts just as wonderfully inside. Feel free to experiment with your favorite chocolate type.
What can I substitute if I don’t have strawberry extract?
If you can’t find strawberry extract, a few tablespoons of strawberry jam stirred into the dough or freeze-dried strawberry powder are great alternatives that still deliver that fruity flair.
Will the food coloring affect the taste of the cookies?
No, the small amount of food coloring used is just to enhance the beautiful pink hue and does not alter the flavor at all. It’s purely for fun presentation if you choose to use it.
How do I prevent the chocolate from melting too soon when wrapping the dough?
Work quickly with cool hands or chill the dough slightly before shaping. Keeping everything cool helps avoid premature melting and keeps the chocolate neatly tucked inside the cookie dough.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend with xanthan gum. The texture will be just as delightful, but make sure your extracts and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a cookie that hides a surprise inside, and this Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe is one of those treats you’ll want to keep coming back to. Whether for sharing with loved ones or indulging in a little self-care moment, these cookies deliver joy, flavor, and a bit of magic with every bite. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to make some sweet, chocolate-filled memories!
Print
Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Chocolate-Stuffed Strawberry Sugar Cookies, featuring a soft strawberry-flavored dough encasing a surprise melted chocolate center. These festive cookies are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any occasion that calls for a sweet, fruity twist on classic sugar cookies.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon strawberry extract
- 2 to 3 drops red or pink food coloring (optional)
Other
- 24 chocolate squares or chocolate kisses, unwrapped
- Additional granulated sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and salt throughout the flour.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Wet Flavors and Coloring: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, strawberry extract, and if using, the red or pink food coloring until fully incorporated and the dough takes on a strawberry hue.
- Mix Dry Ingredients into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing to maintain tender cookies.
- Assemble Cookies with Chocolate Center: Scoop about 1 1/2 tablespoons of dough and slightly flatten it in your hand. Place one chocolate square or kiss in the center, then wrap the dough fully around it and roll into a smooth ball, sealing the chocolate inside.
- Coat and Arrange on Baking Sheets: Lightly roll each dough ball in additional granulated sugar for a sparkly finish. Place the cookies about two inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow for spreading.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the tops begin to crack slightly but are not browned.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to firm up and prevent breakage, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. The chocolate center will remain melted inside.
Notes
- Work quickly when wrapping the chocolate to prevent it from melting prematurely.
- Using high-quality chocolate squares or kisses enhances the flavor and melt quality.
- These cookies are especially popular for Valentine’s Day or any festive occasion that celebrates love and sweetness.
- You can substitute strawberry extract with fresh strawberry puree but adjust the flour to maintain dough consistency.
