Chocolate Strawberry Sugar Cookies: Prepare to be utterly captivated by these delightful treats that perfectly blend the comforting familiarity of sugar cookies with the irresistible allure of chocolate and the sweet tang of strawberries. Imagine biting into a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookie, infused with rich cocoa, and studded with bursts of fresh, juicy strawberry flavor. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more!

While the exact origins of combining chocolate, strawberry, and sugar cookies are somewhat modern, the individual components boast rich histories. Sugar cookies, with their simple sweetness, have been a beloved treat for centuries, evolving from medieval spiced biscuits. Chocolate, revered since ancient Mesoamerica, adds a depth and complexity that elevates any dessert. And strawberries, symbols of love and perfection, bring a vibrant freshness that balances the richness of the chocolate. Together, they create a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and exciting.

People adore these Chocolate Strawberry Sugar Cookies for their delightful combination of flavors and textures. The slight tanginess of the strawberries cuts through the sweetness of the sugar cookie and the richness of the chocolate, creating a perfectly balanced bite. They are also incredibly versatile perfect for a special occasion, a simple afternoon treat, or a thoughtful homemade gift. Plus, the vibrant colors make them visually appealing, adding a touch of joy to any table. Get ready to experience a cookie that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Sugar Cookie Dough:

2 1/4 cups (281g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
3/4 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened
1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons milk

For the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 ounces (226g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup (1 stick or 113g) unsalted butter, softened
3 cups (360g) powdered sugar, sifted
1/4 cup (60ml) strawberry puree (made from fresh or frozen strawberries)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Optional: Pink food coloring (gel is best)

For Decoration:

Fresh strawberries, sliced
Chocolate shavings or sprinkles (optional)

Making the Chocolate Sugar Cookie Dough

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This will ensure a consistent chocolate flavor and proper leavening.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color and texture.
Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined. Again, scrape down the sides of the bowl to make sure everything is mixing evenly.
Gradually Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough cookies. Add the milk and mix until the dough comes together. The dough should be soft but not sticky. If it seems too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
Divide and Chill the Dough: Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, and wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is crucial! It allows the gluten to relax, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. It also makes the dough easier to handle.

Baking the Cookies

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheets: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. Keep the other disc of dough refrigerated until you’re ready to use it.
Cut Out Shapes: Use cookie cutters to cut out desired shapes. I love using heart shapes for Valentine’s Day or simple circles for everyday treats.
Place on Baking Sheets: Carefully transfer the cut-out cookies to the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 1 inch of space between each cookie.
Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are no longer shiny. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times can vary depending on your oven.
Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Repeat: Repeat the rolling, cutting, and baking process with the remaining dough. If the dough becomes too soft while you’re working with it, return it to the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm up.

Making the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Prepare Strawberry Puree: If using fresh strawberries, wash and hull about 1 cup of strawberries. If using frozen, thaw them slightly. Puree the strawberries in a food processor or blender until smooth. Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds. You should have about 1/4 cup of strawberry puree.
Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Make sure there are no lumps.
Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the cream cheese mixture, mixing on low speed until combined. Sifting the powdered sugar is important to prevent lumps in your frosting.
Add Strawberry Puree and Vanilla: Beat in the strawberry puree, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and creamy. If desired, add a drop or two of pink food coloring to enhance the color.
Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a teaspoon of milk or cream at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a tablespoon of powdered sugar at a time.

Assembling the Cookies

Frost the Cookies: Once the cookies are completely cool, frost them with the strawberry cream cheese frosting. You can use a knife, spatula, or piping bag to apply the frosting.
Decorate: Decorate the frosted cookies with sliced fresh strawberries and chocolate shavings or sprinkles, if desired.
Chill (Optional): For best results, chill the frosted cookies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the frosting to set. This will make them easier to handle and prevent the frosting from smearing.
Serve: Serve and enjoy your delicious Chocolate Strawberry Sugar Cookies!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! These Chocolate Strawberry Sugar Cookies are more than just a dessert; they’re a delightful experience waiting to happen. From the rich, decadent chocolate base to the sweet, tangy burst of strawberry, every bite is a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves baking, appreciates a good cookie, or simply wants to impress their friends and family with something truly special. Why is it a must-try? Well, beyond the incredible taste, it’s surprisingly easy to make. The dough comes together quickly, and the decorating is completely customizable to your own artistic flair. Plus, the combination of chocolate and strawberry is a classic for a reason it’s simply irresistible! These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon treat to a sophisticated dessert for a dinner party. They’re also a fantastic option for gifting; imagine the joy on someone’s face when they receive a beautifully decorated box of these homemade goodies! But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to experiment with different variations to make this recipe your own. For a richer, more intense chocolate flavor, try using dark chocolate cocoa powder. If you’re not a fan of strawberries, raspberries or blackberries would be equally delicious. You could even add a touch of almond extract to the dough for a subtle nutty flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Classic Serving: Enjoy these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a warm cup of coffee. * Ice Cream Sandwich: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream between two cookies for an extra indulgent treat. * Cookie Crumble Topping: Crumble the cookies over yogurt, ice cream, or even oatmeal for a delightful textural contrast. * Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the finished cookies for an extra touch of elegance. * Strawberry Glaze: Create a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a little strawberry puree for a glossy finish. * Different Chocolate: Experiment with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips in the dough. * Nutty Addition: Add chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the dough for a crunchy texture. * Citrus Zest: A little orange or lemon zest can brighten up the flavor of the cookies. * Spiced Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, comforting flavor. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of these Chocolate Strawberry Sugar Cookies for yourself. I’ve poured my heart into creating this recipe, and I truly believe you’ll love it as much as I do. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible cookies. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! Baking should be a joyful experience, so relax, put on some music, and enjoy the process. Once you’ve made them, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any variations? What did your friends and family think? Share your photos and stories with me in the comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear all about your baking adventures. Happy baking!