Valentine Strawberry Cookies
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground
1/2 cup strawberry jam or preserves optional, for filling
1/4 cup mini chocolate chips optional, for garnish
Heart-shaped sprinkles optional, for decoration
Sugar for rolling optional
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350F 175C and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Prepare Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat 1/2 cup unsalted butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup brown sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients:
Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the butter mixture and beat until fully combined.
Add Freeze-Dried Strawberries:
Mix in the finely ground 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries until evenly distributed in the dough.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. If the dough is too soft, you can chill it for 20-30 minutes in the refrigerator to make it easier to handle.
Form Cookies:
Roll the dough into small 1-inch balls. If you want a sweeter touch, you can roll the dough balls in sugar before placing them on the baking sheet. Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake:
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. If desired, press mini chocolate chips gently into the tops of the cookies during the last 2 minutes of baking.
Cool:
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Optional Garnish:
Once cooled, you can drizzle a little strawberry jam over the cookies for a fruity finish, or top them with heart-shaped sprinkles for a festive Valentines Day touch.