Strawberry Crinkle Cookies – SouthernRambles

Strawberry Crinkle Cookies are soft, chewy cookies with a delicate crackled exterior and a vibrant strawberry flavor throughout. This recipe uses real strawberry purée and proper chilling to create cookies that spread just enough while maintaining their signature crinkle finish. The final result is a tender, bakery-style cookie that’s visually striking and full of natural fruit flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Real Strawberry Flavor – Made with strawberry purée instead of artificial flavoring for an authentic fruit taste.
Soft and Chewy Texture – Balanced fat, moisture, and leavening create a tender interior with lightly crisp edges.
Classic Crinkle Finish – Powdered sugar coating produces beautiful cracks as the cookies expand in the oven.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Dough can be chilled in advance, making baking more flexible.
Customizable Add-Ins – White chocolate chips or nuts add contrast and texture without overpowering the fruit.
Perfect for Gifting – Eye-catching color and crinkled tops make these cookies ideal for sharing.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Cookies

1 cup all-purpose flour – Provides structure while keeping the cookies tender.
1/2 teaspoon baking powder – Adds lift and helps create a soft crumb.
1/4 teaspoon baking soda – Reacts with the acidity of strawberries for gentle spread.
1/4 teaspoon salt – Enhances sweetness and balances flavors.
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened – Adds richness and creates a soft, chewy texture.
1 cup granulated sugar – Sweetens the dough and contributes to crinkle formation.
1 large egg – Binds ingredients and adds moisture.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out the strawberry flavor.
1/2 cup strawberry purée (fresh or frozen, thawed) – Provides flavor, color, and moisture.
1/4 cup powdered sugar – Creates the signature crinkle coating.

Optional Add-Ins

1/2 cup white chocolate chips or chopped nuts – Adds sweetness or crunch for contrast.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening.
Cream Butter and Sugar
Beat softened butter and granulated sugar for 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy, incorporating air for a tender cookie.
Add Egg, Vanilla, and Strawberry Purée
Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry purée until fully combined and smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until combined. Fold in optional add-ins gently.
Chill the Dough
Cover and refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to control spread and improve texture.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Shape and Coat the Cookies
Scoop dough into balls, roll evenly, then coat generously in powdered sugar.
Bake Until Crinkled
Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set and tops are cracked but centers remain soft.
Cool Properly
Rest cookies on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Purée Consistency – Use a smooth, thick purée to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
Chilling Is Essential – Skipping this step can lead to flat cookies and weak crinkles.
Do Not Overbake – Cookies should look slightly underdone in the center when removed.
Powdered Sugar Coverage – Roll generously to ensure visible cracks after baking.
Room-Temperature Butter – Ensures proper creaming and even mixing.
Uniform Sizing – Use a scoop for consistent baking and appearance.

Nutritional Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: Approximately 18–20 cookies
Calories: Approximately 140–160 calories per cookie (estimated)

Perfect Pairings

Cold Milk – Classic pairing that complements the cookie’s sweetness.
Hot Tea – Especially floral or vanilla teas.
Strawberry Ice Cream – Enhances the fruit flavor for a dessert plate.
White Chocolate Drizzle – Adds richness when serving for special occasions.

Ideal Occasions

Holiday Cookie Trays – Bright color adds variety and visual appeal.
Valentine’s Day Treats – Naturally pink and festive.
Bake Sales – Eye-catching and crowd-pleasing.
Afternoon Snacks – Soft texture makes them easy to enjoy anytime.

Storage & Serving Tips

Room Temperature Storage – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration – Extends freshness up to 5 days if tightly sealed.
Freezing Dough – Roll into balls and freeze unbaked for up to 2 months.
Serving Temperature – Best enjoyed slightly warm or at room temperature.

Creative Variations to Try

Lemon Strawberry Crinkle Cookies – Add lemon zest for brightness.
Chocolate Strawberry Version – Mix cocoa powder into the dough.
Gluten-Free Option – Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Almond Strawberry Cookies – Add almond extract and sliced almonds.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Cookies Spread Too Much – Chill the dough longer or reduce purée slightly.
Crinkles Not Visible – Increase powdered sugar coating and avoid overmixing.
Dough Too Wet – Add 1–2 tablespoons of flour if needed.
Dry Cookies – Reduce baking time by 1–2 minutes.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe balances moisture-rich strawberry purée with proper fat and flour ratios to create soft cookies without excess spread. Chilling the dough firms the butter, while baking powder and soda work together to create lift and surface cracking. Rolling in powdered sugar highlights the crinkle effect as the dough expands. At roughly 150 calories per cookie, it delivers indulgent flavor without being overly heavy.

Final Thoughts

Strawberry Crinkle Cookies are a flavorful, visually appealing treat that combines classic cookie technique with fresh fruit flavor. They’re easy to prepare, adaptable, and perfect for both everyday baking and special occasions. For a lighter version, reduce sugar slightly or omit add-ins while maintaining the same soft, chewy texture.