Strawberry Gooey Butter Cookies: A Sweet and Fruity Delight
If you’re a fan of all things sweet, fruity, and irresistibly gooey, then Strawberry Gooey Butter Cookies are about to become your new favorite treat. These cookies are a delightful twist on the classic gooey butter cake, capturing the essence of fresh strawberries in every bite. Their soft, buttery center contrasted with a slightly crisp edge creates a perfect texture harmony that is simply mouthwatering.
What makes these cookies especially special is the vibrant strawberry flavor combined with the rich, gooey butter base. Unlike typical cookies, these have a luscious, almost cake-like interior that melts in your mouth, making them a unique treat that stands out in any cookie jar. Whether you’re baking for a party, a picnic, or simply as an indulgence for yourself, Strawberry Gooey Butter Cookies bring both charm and an explosion of flavors that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped or pureed
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract for that warm, inviting aroma.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing as it can make the cookies tough.
- In another bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the finely chopped or pureed strawberries until you get a smooth, homogeneous mixture. This strawberry cream cheese adds the trademark gooeyness and tangy sweetness.
- Drop spoonfuls of the cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Using a small spoon, add a generous dollop (about a tablespoon) of the strawberry cream cheese mixture onto each cookie dough mound. Gently swirl it into the dough with the back of a spoon or a toothpick to create a marbled effect.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look soft and gooey. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, lightly dust the cookies with powdered sugar for a pretty finish and an added touch of sweetness.
- Serve these delightful Strawberry Gooey Butter Cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of your favorite tea and enjoy the gooey, fruity goodness!
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 12-15 minutes
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Servings: Makes about 24 cookies
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate, perfect for bakers of all skill levels
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor; you can also substitute with frozen thawed strawberries if fresh aren’t available.
- Make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened to room temperature to ensure smooth blending.
- Don’t overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender and gooey.
- For an extra touch, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture for a bright, citrusy kick.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze baked cookies for longer storage.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 210 kcal
- Protein: 3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fat: 9 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
Conclusion
Strawberry Gooey Butter Cookies are a fantastic treat that brings together the best of fruity freshness and buttery sweetness in every bite. They are easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion—whether a casual snack or a special dessert offering.
Try baking a batch today and enjoy these gooey delights with your favorite beverage. Don’t forget to share your baking success and any creative twists you come up with in the comments below. Happy baking!