Name: Frosted Strawberry Crunch Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups (313 g) cake flour (do not substitute); 1 tbsp (8 g) cornstarch; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp salt; ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar; ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar; ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil; 1 large egg, room temperature; 3 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, room temperature; 2 ½ cups (300 g) powdered sugar; 1 oz (30 g) freeze-dried strawberries, pulsed into a fine powder; 2 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp salt; ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream; 1 cup (160 g) Golden Oreo cookie crumbs (about 10 cookies); ½ oz (15 g) freeze-dried strawberries, pulsed into a fine powder; 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter, melted

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 53 reviews

If you’re searching for a delightful dessert that bursts with fruity flavor and satisfying texture, look no further than the Frosted Strawberry Crunch Cookies Recipe. These soft vanilla cookies, topped with a luscious strawberry buttercream and finished with a homemade strawberry crunch, are the perfect way to brighten up any day. They’re colorful, fun, and bring just the right balance of creamy frosting and crispy delights in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls with different baking ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. The biggest bowl at the top left has a white flour mixture with a rough texture. To its right, three smaller bowls are arranged vertically: the top one holds a dark brown liquid, the middle one has a light yellow oil, and the bottom one contains a white powder. Below these, there is a medium bowl filled with white powdered sugar next to a bowl of granulated white sugar on the left. At the bottom left, a smaller bowl contains a raw egg with a clear egg white and bright yellow yolk. To the right of the powdered sugar, two sticks of butter wrapped in blue and white paper are stacked. A bright red cloth is partially visible at the top edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these irresistible cookies. Each item here plays a key role—from the tender cake flour that ensures a soft crumb, to the freeze-dried strawberries that pack an intense natural strawberry flavor without watering the frosting down.

2 ½ cups cake flour: Provides a tender, delicate texture that makes these cookies melt in your mouth.
1 tbsp cornstarch: Helps keep the cookies light and soft, giving them a gentle crumb.
1 tsp baking powder: Adds the perfect lift to the cookie dough while baking.
½ tsp salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the buttery notes.
¾ cup unsalted butter (room temperature): Adds richness and moisture for soft, flavorful cookies.
1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the dough gently and contributes to a smooth frosting.
½ cup granulated sugar: Gives just the right touch of sweetness for a tender cookie.
¼ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cookie extra moist without weighing it down.
1 large egg (room temperature): Binds the dough and adds structure.
3 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses warm, classic flavor into the dough.
1 cup unsalted butter (for frosting): The base for that silky, rich strawberry buttercream.
2 ½ cups powdered sugar (for frosting): Creates the perfect sweetness and texture in the buttercream.
1 oz freeze-dried strawberries: Adds intense strawberry flavor to the frosting and crunch topping.
2 tsp vanilla extract (for frosting): Brings depth and complements the fruity notes.
½ tsp salt (for frosting): Balances out the sweetness beautifully.
¼ cup heavy cream: Makes the frosting luxuriously smooth and spreadable.
1 cup Golden Oreo cookie crumbs: Provides a buttery crunch base for the strawberry topping.
2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted, for crunch): Binds the cookie crumbs and strawberry powder into a crispy coating.

How to Make Frosted Strawberry Crunch Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Vanilla Cookie Dough

Start by whisking together your cake flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and salt to ensure an even distribution of your dry ingredients. This step is crucial for that soft, delicate texture you’re aiming for.

Next, cream together the unsalted butter, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Adding the egg and vanilla extract at this point blends everything perfectly and builds the base of your cookie dough. Finally, combine the wet and dry ingredients on low speed until your soft dough just comes together.

Step 2: Chill and Bake the Cookies

Portion the cookie dough into generous 3-tablespoon scoops and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Chilling the dough for 30 minutes is key; it helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much and maintains a lovely shape. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit while the dough cools.

Once chilled, bake your cookies for about 12 minutes. They’ll puff up nicely and stay pale around the edges, signaling the perfect doneness. Let them set on the pan for a minute before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures they keep their softness and don’t crumble apart.

Step 3: Whip up the Strawberry Buttercream Frosting

In a stand mixer bowl, whip unsalted butter for 5 minutes until it becomes light and creamy—that’s the secret to a fluffy frosting. Incorporate powdered sugar gradually for sweetness and structure, then fold in the finely ground freeze-dried strawberries, which give the frosting its irresistible natural strawberry flavor and subtle pink hue.

Add vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream, blending to achieve a smooth consistency. Whip on medium speed for a couple more minutes to make the frosting cloud-like and silky. This frosting is dreamy and matches perfectly with the tender cookies.

Step 4: Prepare the Strawberry Crunch Topping

Combine Golden Oreo cookie crumbs, freeze-dried strawberry powder, and melted butter in a bowl. Mixing these ingredients creates a deliciously crisp topping that adds texture and pops of strawberry flavor. Keep it aside until you’re ready to assemble.

Step 5: Frost and Finish the Cookies

Fill a piping bag fitted with a Wilton 1A tip with the strawberry buttercream and swirl it generously on each cookie. Smooth any edges with an offset spatula for a neat finish. Then, sprinkle the homemade strawberry crunch over the frosting—this final touch offers a crunchy, fruity surprise in every bite.

How to Serve Frosted Strawberry Crunch Cookies Recipe

Twelve round cookies are neatly placed in four rows on a silver baking tray with a white marbled surface below. Each cookie has a light tan base layer with a thick, swirled layer of pink frosting on top. The frosting is topped with a generous amount of red and light brown crumbled bits scattered unevenly, some falling onto the tray around the cookies. The overall look is colorful with a contrast between the smooth frosting and the crunchy crumb topping. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, garnish your cookies with a few small freeze-dried strawberry pieces or a light dusting of powdered sugar. These simple additions elevate the presentation and intensify the strawberry aroma, making the cookies even more irresistible for your guests.

Side Dishes

Serve these cookies alongside a chilled glass of milk or a fruity iced tea to balance the sweetness. A fresh berry salad can also complement the cookies and keep the strawberry vibes going strong while adding fresh bursts of juiciness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the frosted strawberry crunch cookies into a pretty tower on a serving platter for parties, or arrange them individually on cupcake liners for a charming gift. Wrapping a few in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon makes for an adorable homemade treat to share with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Make sure they are completely cooled and the frosting has set gently before sealing to preserve their texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw completely before adding the strawberry buttercream and crunch topping for the freshest flavor and texture.

Reheating

Although these cookies are best served cool, if you prefer a slightly warm bite, pop a cookie in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds. This warms the cookie just enough but avoid heating too long or the frosting will melt and lose its lovely texture.

FAQs

Can I substitute regular all-purpose flour for cake flour?

The Frosted Strawberry Crunch Cookies Recipe calls specifically for cake flour to achieve a soft, delicate crumb. Using all-purpose flour will result in a denser cookie, so it’s best to stick to cake flour for the intended texture.

What if I don’t have freeze-dried strawberries?

Freeze-dried strawberries provide intense flavor without adding moisture. You can try using strawberry jam, but be aware it will change the frosting’s texture and might make it softer. Freeze-dried strawberries are highly recommended for this recipe.

Can I make the frosting ahead of time?

Absolutely! The strawberry buttercream can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring it back to room temperature and whip it again before frosting your cookies for the best texture.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make these cookies dairy-free, substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream in the frosting. The texture and flavor might shift slightly, but it can still be delicious.

How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?

Chilling the cookie dough before baking is crucial to prevent excessive spreading. Also, ensure your oven temperature is accurate to bake the cookies evenly without them becoming too thin.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making and tasting the Frosted Strawberry Crunch Cookies Recipe as much as I do. It’s one of those delightful desserts that brings smiles with its tender cookie base, luscious strawberry buttercream, and irresistible crunch topping. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself on any occasion, these cookies are a showstopper and sure to become a favorite.