Chocolate Strawberry Filled Cookies Recipe
If you’re a fan of cookies that surprise you with a gooey, fruity center and a rich chocolate finish, you’re in for a treat with this Chocolate Strawberry Filled Cookies Recipe. I promise, these aren’t your everyday cookies—they’re like a little package of chocolate and strawberry magic in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want to impress your friends (or yourself!), these cookies will become an instant favorite. Let me walk you through why this recipe totally works and how you can nail it perfectly in your own kitchen.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The rich cocoa powder perfectly complements the bright, tangy strawberry filling.
- Soft But Sturdy Texture: Cake flour creates a tender cookie that holds the filling without breaking apart.
- Creamy Filling That Stays Put: The chilled butter and powdered sugar filling freezes before baking, so it stays center-stage inside each cookie.
- Decadent Chocolate Ganache: A glossy, smooth topping adds that final touch of indulgence and keeps these cookies irresistible.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Chocolate Strawberry Filled Cookies Recipe is built on ingredients that create layers of flavor and textures working beautifully together. Each one plays a key role, from the fluffy cookie dough to the luscious filling and chocolaty topping. When you shop, look for good-quality Dutch-processed cocoa and pure freeze-dried strawberries—they truly make the difference.
- Unsalted Butter: Using room temperature butter ensures you get a fluffy cookie dough and a creamy filling.
- Light Brown Sugar & Granulated Sugar: A combination that balances moisture and sweetness perfectly.
- Eggs: Bring structure to the dough and enrich the flavor.
- Neutral Cooking Oil: Adds tenderness without overpowering the chocolate or strawberry flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors in the recipe.
- Cake Flour: The secret for a soft, delicate crumb without heaviness.
- Dutch Cocoa Powder: Offers a deep chocolate note that’s less acidic and more mellow.
- Baking Powder & Baking Soda: The leaveners ensure the cookies rise just right, maintaining softness without spreading too much.
- Table Salt: Balances sweet and boosts flavor depth.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder: Concentrated flavor with vibrant color—makes the filling pop.
- Powdered Sugar (for filling): Dissolves smoothly for a creamy strawberry buttercream.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate & Heavy Cream: Combine for a luscious ganache that crowns the finished cookie.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love this recipe as is, but don’t hesitate to make it your own! Sometimes I like to add a sprinkle of sea salt on top right after the ganache sets—it adds a lovely contrast to the sweet and fruity flavors. The flexibility here means you can easily swap ingredients for your preferences or dietary needs, making it a cookie you can tailor to your cravings.
- Variation: I’ve tried swapping out the freeze-dried strawberry powder for raspberry powder once, which gave the cookies a slightly different berry twist that was equally delightful.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use plant-based butter and chocolate, and your cookies will still be dreamy and rich.
- Seasonal Twist: Try adding a handful of crushed pistachios to the dough or a hint of orange zest in the filling for a festive flair.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chocolate Strawberry Filled Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Creaming the Butter and Sugars
Start by beating your softened butter, light brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until everything’s well combined. Then crank up the speed and beat for about a minute until you see that light, fluffy texture. This step is key for the perfect cookie—don’t rush it! The fluffiness traps air and gives you a tender crumb once baked.
Step 2: Incorporate Eggs, Oil, and Vanilla
Drop in your eggs one at a time, add the neutral oil, and vanilla extract, then mix gently on low speed to combine everything evenly. The oil helps keep the cookies soft and the vanilla adds warmth—two small things that make a big difference.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients & Chill
Whisk together your cake flour, Dutch cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Then slowly add this dry mix into the wet batter, blending on low until just combined. Scrape down the bowl edges so no pockets of flour remain. Now, the dough needs a chill time—wrap it up and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This rest helps the dough firm up so it won’t spread too much while baking, which is critical when you have filling inside.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Filling
While your dough chills, whip the filling by beating softened butter until creamy. Add in the freeze-dried strawberry powder and salt, mixing well, then slowly add the powdered sugar until you get a smooth strawberry buttercream. You’ll scoop this onto a tray and freeze for about 15 minutes—this step is crucial to keep the filling intact during baking.
Step 5: Assemble Cookies
Once your dough has chilled and your filling is firm, scoop out the cookie dough in 3-tablespoon sized balls. Press a thumb into the center to make a little crater, pop in a scoop of frozen filling, then carefully roll dough around the filling, sealing it completely. Roll into a smooth ball and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet with some space between each cookie.
Step 6: Bake & Cool
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 11 to 12 minutes. The cookies might look slightly underdone in the center, which is perfect since you want a soft, tender bite. Let them cool on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
Step 7: Create the Chocolate Ganache & Finish Cookies
Combine chopped chocolate and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 25-second bursts, stirring well until smooth and glossy. Let it cool a bit so it thickens slightly, then spread about 2 teaspoons of ganache over each cooled cookie. Allow the topping to set completely before enjoying.
Pro Tips for Making Chocolate Strawberry Filled Cookies Recipe
- Use Cake Flour: It makes all the difference for that melt-in-your-mouth texture compared to all-purpose flour.
- Freeze Filling Before Baking: This keeps the filling intact inside the cookie and ensures it doesn’t ooze out.
- Don’t Overbake: Pull cookies out when centers are still slightly soft for maximum chewiness.
- Cool Ganache Before Spreading: If the chocolate is too hot, it can melt your cookies or run off—they look prettier when spread thick but neat.
How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Filled Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually dust a tiny pinch of powdered sugar over the final cookies just before serving—adds a delicate look that’s super inviting. Sometimes I sprinkle a couple of freeze-dried strawberry crumbs or a few flaked sea salt crystals on top of the ganache for an extra hit of flavor and color contrast.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair amazingly well with a cup of your favorite coffee or a mellow black tea. For a dessert spread, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a simple berry compote to echo the strawberry notes inside the cookie.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party, I like arranging these cookies on tiered platters lined with fresh strawberry leaves or edible flowers for a rustic, romantic vibe. You can also gift them in pretty boxes layered with parchment paper tied with a ribbon—they always make a heartfelt present!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If I want to keep them longer, I transfer them to the fridge—just make sure they’re sealed well to avoid drying out. The filling and ganache taste even better after a few hours of refrigeration.
Freezing
These cookies freeze really well, which is great if you want to make them ahead of time. I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. When I’m ready, I let them thaw at room temperature for about an hour before serving.
Reheating
If you want your cookies warm and melty again, I pop them in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes—just enough to soften the filling and lightly warm the ganache without melting it completely.
FAQs
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Can I use all-purpose flour instead of cake flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour, but to mimic the lightness of cake flour, add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to 3 cups of all-purpose flour. This adjustment helps keep the cookies soft and tender.
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What’s the best way to make the strawberry filling?
Using freeze-dried strawberry powder is key because it delivers intense flavor without adding moisture, which could change the texture. I recommend pulverizing purchased freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder for the freshest taste.
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Can I make these cookies vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the butter for vegan butter or coconut oil, replace eggs with flax or chia egg alternatives, and use dairy-free chocolate plus a coconut-based cream for the ganache. The texture and flavor will still be delightful.
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Why do I need to freeze the filling before baking?
Freezing the filling helps it keep its shape and prevents it from leaking out during baking, giving you that perfect filled center that’s soft and luscious instead of melted away.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Strawberry Filled Cookies Recipe is one of those little kitchen treasures I always come back to whenever I want to impress or just satisfy a serious sweet tooth. The way the tart strawberry filling meets the rich chocolate cookie, topped with silky ganache, is pure bliss. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) these as much as I do—they’re perfect for sharing, gifting, or simply treating yourself because, hey, you deserve it.
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
Decadent Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies featuring a rich chocolate cookie base, creamy strawberry butter filling, and a smooth chocolate ganache topping. These cookies combine the flavors of chocolate and strawberry in a delightful treat perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
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
- Prepare the Cookie Dough: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and both sugars on medium speed until combined. Increase speed to high and beat for at least one minute until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs, neutral oil, and vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture. Stir on low speed until fully incorporated, then set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together cake flour, Dutch cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Combine Dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until well combined. Scrape sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula to ensure no dry flour remains.
- Chill the Dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes, allowing the dough to firm up.
- Prepare the Strawberry Filling: In a medium bowl, beat unsalted butter on high speed until creamy. Add freeze-dried strawberry powder and salt, mixing on low speed until combined. Gradually add powdered sugar and mix on low speed until smooth and consistent.
- Freeze the Filling: Scoop filling using 1 tablespoon (14 g) portions onto a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Freeze for at least 15 minutes to firm up before assembly.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheets: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper for baking cookies.
- Assemble Cookies: Remove chilled dough and frozen filling. Scoop cookie dough into 3-tablespoon (58 g) portions, roll into balls, and create a crater in the center with your thumb. Press one frozen filling dollop into the crater, then cover completely by rolling the dough into a smooth ball. Place cookies on prepared baking sheets spaced at least 2 inches apart.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 12 minutes at 350°F (175°C), until cookie centers appear slightly underbaked. Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheets for 10 minutes before transferring to cooling racks.
- Make Chocolate Ganache Topping: Combine semi-sweet chocolate and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 25 seconds, stir well, and if needed, heat in increments of 15 or 10 seconds until smooth and fully melted. Let ganache cool several minutes until thickened but spreadable.
- Top Cookies: Once cookies are completely cooled, spread about 2 teaspoons of ganache on each cookie using a spatula or back of a spoon. Allow ganache to harden before serving.
Notes
- Cake Flour Substitute: Use 3 cups all-purpose flour (375 g) plus 2 tablespoons (16 g) cornstarch if cake flour is not available, to maintain a light texture.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Use freeze-dried strawberries rather than dehydrated for better flavor and texture. Pulverize into a fine powder using a food processor.
- Storage: Store cookies in an airtight container. They keep well at room temperature up to 2 days; refrigerate beyond that to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 110 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: 30 mg
