Introduction
Valentine Strawberry Cookies are the perfect sweet treat to celebrate love and romance. These soft, chewy cookies are infused with the delightful flavor of fresh strawberries and topped with a luscious pink glaze. Whether you’re baking for a special someone or hosting a Valentine’s Day gathering, these cookies are sure to win hearts.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, pureed (about 4-5 strawberries)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- A few drops of red or pink food coloring (optional for a vibrant pink hue)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons strawberry puree (from the same batch used for the cookies)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional for decoration)
Optional Additions
- White Chocolate Drizzle: Melt white chocolate and drizzle over the cookies for an elegant touch.
- Heart-Shaped Sprinkles: Add festive Valentine’s Day sprinkles for extra charm.
- Lemon Zest: Add a hint of lemon zest to the glaze for a tangy twist.
Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing can make the cookies dense. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky, chill it for 30 minutes before baking for easier handling.
- Adjust Glaze Consistency: Add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more strawberry puree for a thinner one.
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Puree:
- Wash and hull the strawberries. Blend them in a food processor or blender until smooth. Set aside.
- Make the Cookie Dough:
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree. Mix until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Add a few drops of food coloring if desired, and mix until the dough is evenly colored.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough onto the baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, strawberry puree, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed.
- Decorate the Cookies:
- Dip the top of each cookie into the glaze or drizzle the glaze over the cookies using a spoon.
- Add sprinkles or edible glitter while the glaze is still wet. Let the glaze set before serving.
Description
These Valentine Strawberry Cookies are a delightful combination of soft, chewy texture and sweet strawberry flavor. The vibrant pink glaze makes them a festive and romantic treat, perfect for sharing with loved ones on Valentine’s Day or any special occasion.
Nutritional Information (per cookie, approximate)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 10g
Conclusion
Valentine Strawberry Cookies are a fun and delicious way to celebrate love. With their irresistible flavor and charming appearance, they’re sure to become a favorite for Valentine’s Day or any day you want to spread a little sweetness.