Cottage Cheese Strawberry Cookies

Imagine biting into a cookie that captures all the nostalgic charm of classic strawberry shortcake—tender, buttery, and bursting with juicy strawberries. These Cottage Cheese Strawberry Shortcake Cookies bring together the unexpected creaminess of cottage cheese with the bright sweetness of fresh berries, creating a dessert that's as delightful as it is unique. Soft, golden, and irresistibly tender, each cookie is a celebration of summer flavors wrapped in a perfectly portable treat.

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The secret to these cookies' incredible texture lies in the cottage cheese, which adds moisture and a subtle tang that beautifully complements the sweet strawberries. Unlike traditional cookies, these have a cake-like crumb reminiscent of shortcake, making them the perfect vessel for fresh fruit. Whether you're serving them at a summer gathering or enjoying them as an afternoon treat, these cookies deliver comfort and joy with every bite.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (120 g) cottage cheese, whole milk, well-drained
• 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 cup (150 g) fresh strawberries, diced
• 2 tbsp coarse sugar (for sprinkling, optional)

Instructions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, cottage cheese, and sugar until light and creamy. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 3

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 5

Gently fold in the diced strawberries.

Step 6

Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing cookies about 2 inches apart.

Step 7

Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar, if desired.

Step 8

Bake for 14–16 minutes, or until the edges are just golden and the centers are set.

Step 9

Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For the best results, make sure your cottage cheese is well-drained to prevent excess moisture from making the cookies too soft. Press it gently in a fine-mesh strainer or between paper towels before measuring. When folding in the strawberries, be gentle to avoid breaking them down too much—you want distinct pockets of fruit throughout each cookie. Avoid overmixing the dough once you add the dry ingredients, as this can lead to tough cookies rather than the tender, cake-like texture you're aiming for.

Varianten und Anpassungen

While strawberries are the star of this recipe, you can easily swap them for other berries like blueberries, raspberries, or even a mix of all three for a triple-berry delight. For a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of lemon zest to the wet ingredients—it brightens the strawberries beautifully. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, increase the granulated sugar to 1 cup, or drizzle the cooled cookies with a simple vanilla glaze. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend.

Serviervorschläge

These cookies are delicious on their own, but for a true strawberry shortcake experience, serve them with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream and a few extra sliced strawberries on top. They pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, iced tea, or a light sparkling lemonade. For an elegant dessert presentation, sandwich two cookies together with whipped cream and macerated strawberries in the middle. These treats are perfect for picnics, potlucks, or afternoon tea gatherings.

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With their soft, tender crumb and bursts of fresh strawberry sweetness, these Cottage Cheese Strawberry Shortcake Cookies are destined to become a warm-weather favorite. They capture everything you love about classic strawberry shortcake in a handheld form that's perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. Bake a batch today and discover how cottage cheese transforms an ordinary cookie into something truly extraordinary.

Recipe FAQ

→ What type of cottage cheese works best?

Use whole milk, well-drained cottage cheese to avoid excess moisture and maintain the dough's consistency.

→ Can I substitute the strawberries?

Yes, blueberries or raspberries can be used to add a different berry flavor while keeping the soft texture.

→ How do I ensure the cookies stay soft?

Avoid overmixing the dough and bake until edges turn golden while centers remain set but tender.

→ Is there a recommended way to serve these cookies?

Serve with a dollop of whipped cream to enhance the classic shortcake flavor and add extra richness.

→ Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

You can refrigerate the dough briefly, but for best tenderness, bake soon after mixing.