Valentine Strawberry White Chocolate

Valentine's Day calls for something sweet, and these Valentine Strawberry White Chocolate Cookies deliver every bit of romance you could hope for. Soft and chewy, bursting with the bright tang of freeze-dried strawberries and the creamy richness of white chocolate chips, these cookies are the perfect edible love letter. Whether you're baking for a partner, a best friend, or simply treating yourself, this easy American-style dessert comes together in just 27 minutes and yields 24 beautiful, blush-toned cookies that are impossible to resist.

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The secret to these cookies' charm lies in the freeze-dried strawberries. Unlike fresh or frozen berries, freeze-dried strawberries crush easily into a powder and small pieces that distribute their intense, concentrated flavor throughout the dough without adding excess moisture. Combined with optional strawberry extract for an extra punch of fruitiness, these cookies taste like a strawberry dream wrapped in a soft, golden cookie. The white chocolate chips melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of creamy sweetness that complement the tartness of the strawberry perfectly.

Ingredients

• Dry Ingredients
• 2 1/4 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Wet Ingredients
• 3/4 cup (170 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (55 g) light brown sugar, packed
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp strawberry extract (optional, for more flavor)
• 2–3 drops red or pink food coloring (optional)
• Add-Ins
• 1 cup (120 g) freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
• 1 cup (170 g) white chocolate chips

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and prepare

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugars

In a large bowl, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add wet ingredients

Add egg, vanilla extract, strawberry extract (if using), and food coloring. Mix until combined.

Step 5: Combine wet and dry

Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

Step 6: Fold in add-ins

Fold in crushed freeze-dried strawberries and white chocolate chips.

Step 7: Portion the dough

Scoop tablespoon-sized mounds of dough onto prepared baking sheets, spacing about 2 inches apart.

Step 8: Bake

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until edges are set and centers are slightly soft.

Step 9: Cool

Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Achte darauf, die Butter wirklich auf Zimmertemperatur zu bringen, bevor du sie aufschlägst – das sorgt für eine gleichmäßig luftige Konsistenz. Wenn du die gefriergetrockneten Erdbeeren crusht, lasse ruhig einige größere Stücke übrig, damit die Kekse schöne Fruchtflecken bekommen. Übermixe den Teig nicht, sobald das Mehl hinzugefügt wurde, da die Kekse sonst zu fest werden. Die Kekse sollten aus dem Ofen genommen werden, wenn die Mitte noch leicht weich wirkt – sie festigen sich beim Abkühlen auf dem Backblech.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Du kannst die Erdbeeren durch gefriergetrocknete Himbeeren ersetzen, um eine ebenso fruchtige und leicht herbere Variante zu kreieren. Wer keine weißen Schokoladenchips mag, kann auch Milchschokolade oder dunkle Schokolade verwenden. Für eine intensivere rosa Farbe einfach einen Tropfen mehr Lebensmittelfarbe hinzufügen. Das Erdbeerextrakt ist optional, verleiht dem Keks aber einen deutlich intensiveren Fruchtgeschmack und ist besonders empfehlenswert, wenn die gefriergetrockneten Erdbeeren mild ausfallen.

Serviervorschläge

Diese Kekse passen wunderschön zu einem Glas prickelndem Rosé-Sekt – eine romantische Kombination für den Valentinstag. Serviere sie auf einer hübschen Platte mit ein paar frischen Erdbeeren als Dekoration. Sie eignen sich auch hervorragend als Geschenk, verpackt in einer Geschenkschachtel mit Seidenpapier. Für extra Dekoration können vor dem Backen einige zusätzliche weiße Schokoladenchips oder Erdbeerstreifen oben auf die Teigkugeln gedrückt werden.

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These Valentine Strawberry White Chocolate Cookies are more than just a dessert — they are a gesture of love baked into every soft, chewy bite. With their rosy hue, intense strawberry flavor, and creamy white chocolate pockets, they capture the spirit of Valentine's Day beautifully. Whether you're sharing them with someone special or savoring them all on your own (no judgment here!), this simple, foolproof recipe is destined to become a seasonal favorite. Happy baking, and happy Valentine's Day!

Recipe FAQs

→ How do freeze-dried strawberries enhance flavor?

Freeze-dried strawberries provide an intense, concentrated berry flavor and a slight crunch that complements the creamy white chocolate beautifully.

→ Can raspberry be used instead of strawberry?

Yes, raspberries can substitute strawberries, offering a tart contrast that still pairs well with white chocolate.

→ What is the texture like when baked properly?

The cookies have soft, chewy centers with slightly firm edges, delivering a pleasant bite and moisture balance.

→ How does adding food coloring affect the cookies?

Food coloring enhances visual appeal without altering flavor, contributing to a festive look especially for Valentine’s occasions.

→ What pairs well with these treats?

Sparking rosé or other light, fruity beverages complement the sweet and creamy flavors of these cookies nicely.