Chocolate Strawberry Filled Cookies Recipe
If you are looking for a sweet treat that combines the rich flavor of chocolate with the fresh tang of strawberries, you have to try this Chocolate Strawberry Filled Cookies Recipe. These cookies are soft, fudgy, and bursting with a luscious strawberry butter filling, all topped off with a silky chocolate ganache. Trust me, once you make these, you’ll keep coming back for more—they’re seriously fan-freaking-tastic. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to nail this recipe in your own kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Texture: Using cake flour creates cookies that are tender and soft, not dense or cakey.
- Flavor Balance: The Dutch-process cocoa adds deep chocolate richness that pairs beautifully with the bright strawberry filling.
- Fresh Filling: Freeze-dried strawberry powder delivers an intense natural fruit flavor without moisture issues.
- Easy Assembly: Pre-freezing the filling makes shaping the cookies a breeze and prevents leaks during baking.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe isn’t just a list of ingredients thrown together. Each part plays a key role in delivering that melt-in-your-mouth feeling and the amazing balance between chocolate and strawberry. Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need.
- Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and moisture; using unsalted lets you control the salt level perfectly.
- Light Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle caramel depth and keeps cookies soft.
- Granulated Sugar: Helps with structure and sweetness.
- Eggs: Bind everything together, and I always use room temperature eggs for smooth mixing.
- Neutral Cooking Oil: Adds tenderness and enhances chewiness without overpowering flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: Brightens flavors—don’t skip it!
- Cake Flour: Gives you that tender, delicate crumb that heavy all-purpose flour just can’t match.
- Dutch Cocoa Powder: For a rich chocolate flavor that’s slightly less bitter and beautifully smooth.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: Help the cookies rise just right.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the chocolate and strawberry notes.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder: This is the magic ingredient that brings out a punch of fruity flavor in the filling.
- Powdered Sugar: For smooth, sweet strawberry butter filling.
- Semi-sweet Chocolate & Heavy Cream: Combined to create that luscious ganache topping you’ll want to spoon on every cookie.
Make It Your Way
One of the best parts about this Chocolate Strawberry Filled Cookies Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you like or have on hand. I often switch up the chocolate or play with the filling flavors depending on the season, and you should too!
- Variation: I love swapping semi-sweet chocolate for milk chocolate to get a sweeter and creamier ganache, especially if kids are involved.
- Dietary Mod: For gluten-free, try substituting cake flour with a blend of gluten-free flour, but expect a slightly different texture.
- Seasonal: In spring, I sometimes replace strawberry powder with raspberry powder for a tart twist that’s just as stunning.
- Difficulty: Don’t be intimidated by shaping the cookies—freezing the filling helps keep everything tidy even for beginners.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Strawberry Filled Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugars
I start by beating the softened butter with the brown and granulated sugars until the mixture is light, fluffy, and aerated—this usually takes about a minute at high speed. It’s the key to soft cookies, so don’t rush it! Then, I add in the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract, mixing on low just until everything’s combined. Overmixing here can give the cookies a tough texture, so keep an eye on it.
Step 2: Bringing the Dry Ingredients Together
While the wet ingredients are chilling, I whisk together cake flour, Dutch cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. Using a whisk helps ensure no lumps and even distribution of the leaveners. Then, I gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, mixing on low speed. A spatula is my best friend here to scrape the bowl’s sides and bottom because you want to make sure all that flour blends in evenly.
Step 3: Chilling the Dough & Preparing the Filling
I cover the dough with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This rest firms up the dough so the cookies hold their shape better during baking. Meanwhile, I whip up the strawberry filling by beating butter until creamy, then adding freeze-dried strawberry powder, salt, and finally powdered sugar. I scoop this onto a lined baking sheet and freeze for about 15 minutes so it firms up and won’t melt when the cookies bake.
Step 4: Shaping the Cookies with Strawberry Filling Inside
Once both dough and filling are ready, I scoop 3-tablespoon portions of dough and form them into balls. Pressing my thumb into the center creates a little crater where I press in a frozen dollop of the strawberry filling. Then, I gently wrap the dough over the filling, sealing it completely. This part took a little practice at first—just take your time and if the dough cracks, a quick pinch usually fixes it right up.
Step 5: Baking and Adding the Chocolate Ganache
I bake the cookies on parchment-lined sheets at 350°F for about 11-12 minutes. The centers might look slightly underbaked, but that’s exactly how you want them—soft and gooey inside. After they cool for at least 10 minutes, I melt chocolate and heavy cream to make a luscious ganache, spreading a couple teaspoons over each cookie. Let the ganache set before digging in for that perfect chocolate finish.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temp helps the batter come together smoothly — no clumps or curdling.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: Chilling the dough is crucial; it makes shaping easier and prevents the filling from leaking out.
- Freeze Filling Beforehand: I swear this little trick saves so much messy cleanup during baking.
- Use a Gentle Touch: When wrapping the dough around the filling, be gentle to avoid cracks but firm enough to seal everything inside.
How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Filled Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar over the chocolate ganache once it sets. It gives the cookies a pretty, bakery-style finish. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add some tiny freeze-dried strawberry pieces or fresh strawberry slices on top for extra fruitiness and color.
Side Dishes
These cookies are perfect with a cold glass of milk or a cup of your favorite coffee or tea—personally, I love pairing them with a rich espresso or a fruity herbal tea. For a party, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side never disappoints either.
Creative Ways to Present
For birthday parties or special occasions, I arrange the cookies on a platter lined with fresh strawberry leaves and scattered edible flowers. Another fun idea is to drizzle white chocolate on top in a zigzag pattern for some elegant contrast. They also make darling gifts wrapped in parchment paper and tied with a ribbon.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat them within a day or two. If it’s longer, I pop them in the fridge to keep the strawberry filling fresh. Just make sure the ganache is fully set before storing to avoid smudging.
Freezing
If I want to make these in advance, I freeze the baked cookies (without the ganache) in a single layer on a tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When I’m ready to enjoy them, I let them thaw completely then add the ganache topping fresh for best texture.
Reheating
If you love these cookies slightly warm, I heat them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes. This melts the filling just enough without over-baking the cookie. Avoid microwaving as it can make the texture rubbery or melt the ganache unevenly.
FAQs
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Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of cake flour?
Yes, you can substitute cake flour by mixing 3 cups of all-purpose flour with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to mimic the light texture. This helps keep the cookies tender and not too dense.
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What if I can’t find freeze-dried strawberry powder?
Freeze-dried strawberry powder is best because it adds concentrated flavor without moisture. If you can’t find it, try crushing freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder in a food processor. Avoid using dehydrated strawberries as they contain more moisture, which can affect the filling texture.
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Why do I need to freeze the filling before baking?
Freezing the filling helps it maintain its shape and keeps it from leaking out when you bake the cookies. It also makes it much easier to handle when assembling.
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How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored in an airtight container, they stay fresh at room temperature for about 2 days. Beyond that, refrigeration is best to keep the filling and ganache in great condition.
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Can I make these cookies vegan?
You can try substituting vegan butter and flax eggs, but the texture and flavor might vary slightly. I recommend experimenting with smaller batches first to adjust to your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Strawberry Filled Cookies Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to bake and share, especially when I want something that feels both indulgent and lovingly homemade. It’s perfect for a weekend baking project or gifting to friends who truly appreciate a thoughtfully crafted treat. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I do—nothing beats biting into a warm, chocolatey cookie with that sweet burst of strawberry waiting inside!
Print
Chocolate Strawberry Filled Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Yield: 19 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delicious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies featuring a rich cocoa cookie base filled with a creamy freeze-dried strawberry butter filling and topped with smooth chocolate ganache. These cookies combine the flavors of chocolate and strawberry in a soft, moist cookie that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Cookies
- 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup (200 g) light brown sugar firmly packed
- ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs room temperature preferred
- 2 Tablespoons neutral cooking oil (avocado, canola, or vegetable oil)
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups (394 g) cake flour
- ⅔ cup (70 g) Dutch cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon table salt
For the Filling
- 8 Tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter
- 4 Tablespoons (24 g) freeze-dried strawberry powder
- ⅛ teaspoon table salt
- 1 ⅓ cups (165 g) powdered sugar
For the Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup (170 g) semi-sweet or couverture chocolate
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
Instructions
- Make the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and both sugars together on medium speed until combined. Increase speed to high and beat until light and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add eggs, neutral cooking oil, and vanilla extract and mix on low speed until fully incorporated.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, Dutch cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all flour is incorporated.
- Chill Dough: Cover the cookie dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up while preparing the filling.
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling: Beat the unsalted butter on high speed until creamy. Add freeze-dried strawberry powder and table salt, mixing on low speed until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to mix on low speed until smooth and fully combined.
- Freeze the Filling: Line a small baking sheet with wax paper. Using a tablespoon scoop (about 14g), portion the filling into small dollops onto the sheet. Place in the freezer for at least 15 minutes to harden.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Assemble the Cookies: Remove the chilled dough and frozen filling from the refrigerator/freezer. Scoop the cookie dough into 3-tablespoon (58g) portions and roll each into a ball. Use your thumb to make a crater in the center of each dough ball. Place one frozen filling dollop into the crater and seal the dough over the filling, rolling into a smooth ball. Place the cookies on the baking sheet spaced 2 inches (5 cm) apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake on the center rack of the preheated oven for 12 minutes. The centers may look slightly underbaked. Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Prepare the Chocolate Ganache: Combine the semi-sweet chocolate and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 25 seconds, then stir. If not fully melted, microwave an additional 15 seconds and stir again. Continue heating in 10-second intervals as needed, whisking until smooth. Let ganache cool for several minutes to thicken slightly.
- Apply Chocolate Topping: When cookies have fully cooled, spoon about 2 teaspoons of ganache on each cookie and spread evenly with a spatula or back of a spoon. Allow the ganache to harden before serving or storing.
Notes
- For best texture, use cake flour. If unavailable, substitute with 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour plus 2 tablespoons (16g) cornstarch.
- Use freeze-dried strawberries powder, not dehydrated strawberries, for the filling’s strawberry flavor and texture.
- Store cookies in an airtight container. They keep well at room temperature for up to 2 days but should be refrigerated beyond this to maintain freshness.
- Ensure the ganache is cool enough before spreading to prevent it from running off the cookies.
- Roll the cookie dough gently around the frozen filling to avoid breaking the filling inside the cookie ball.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 115 mg
- Fat: 13 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg