Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or dairy-free butter for vegan/dairy-free option)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Optional Variations
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds (for added crunch)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup crushed freeze-dried strawberries (for enhanced berry flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the fresh strawberries and zest the lemon. Measure all ingredients beforehand. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, incorporating air for soft texture.
- Add Egg, Vanilla, Lemon Juice, and Zest: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest to bind the ingredients and infuse citrus flavor.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Strawberries: Gradually add all-purpose flour and baking powder, folding gently to avoid overmixing. Carefully fold in the chopped strawberries to maintain their shape.
- Shape and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges turn light golden.
- Optional Lemon Glaze: While cookies cool, whisk powdered sugar and lemon juice to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle over cooled cookies for extra tangy sweetness and an attractive finish.
Notes
- Use ripe, fragrant strawberries for maximum flavor.
- Do not overmix the dough to preserve a tender, chewy texture.
- Chill the dough for 20-30 minutes to reduce spreading during baking.
- Use fresh lemon zest for best aroma and flavor.
- Allow cookies to cool completely before applying the glaze to prevent melting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free flour blend and substitutions)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: strawberry, lemonade, cookies, summer dessert, soft cookies, chewy cookies, lemon zest, fresh strawberries, gluten free option