Strawberry Crunch Cookies with Crumb Topping & Glaze Recipe
These Strawberry Crunch Cookies are a delightful blend of soft buttery cookie dough topped with a crunchy mixture of crushed freeze-dried strawberries and vanilla wafers, finished with a sweet pink glaze. Perfect for a charming tea-time treat or a festive dessert, these cookies combine classic flavors with a unique textured topping and a beautiful drizzle.
- Author: Lara
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
Strawberry Crunch Topping
- 3/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries (crushed)
- 3/4 cup vanilla wafer cookies (crushed)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
Pink Drizzle
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tbsp milk
- 1–2 drops pink food coloring (optional)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter together with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined. This creates a creamy base for the cookies.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition to incorporate air and moisture. Then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to distribute the leavening agent and seasoning evenly throughout the flour.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which could toughen the cookies.
- Form Cookies: Scoop the dough using a 2-tablespoon measure into balls and place them on the prepared baking sheet with space between each. Slightly flatten each dough ball to help them spread evenly while baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown, indicating doneness.
- Prepare Topping: While the cookies bake, combine the crushed freeze-dried strawberries, crushed vanilla wafer cookies, and melted unsalted butter in a small bowl until the mixture is crumbly and clings together slightly.
- Add Topping: Remove cookies from the oven, and while they are still warm, gently press the strawberry crunch topping onto each cookie. This allows the topping to stick as the cookies cool.
- Cool Cookies: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet or transfer to a wire rack. Cooling helps the cookies set and the topping firm up.
- Make Pink Drizzle: In a small bowl, mix powdered sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk and add pink food coloring if desired. Adjust milk quantity to achieve a drizzle consistency.
- Decorate Cookies: Drizzle the pink glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or piping bag for a decorative and sweet finish. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugars.
- Do not overmix the dough to maintain tender cookies.
- Freeze-dried strawberries provide a concentrated flavor and crunch; substitute fresh strawberries are not recommended for the topping.
- The pink drizzle is optional but adds a lovely decorative touch and sweetness.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Keywords: Strawberry Crunch Cookies, Strawberry Cookies, Crunch Topping, Baked Cookies, Dessert Cookies, Pink Drizzle Cookies