Strawberry milkshake cookies are a sweet and indulgent treat that brings the refreshing flavors of a milkshake into a soft, chewy cookie form. These cookies are special because they combine the sweetness of strawberries with a creamy milkshake-inspired base, making them perfect for any occasion. The subtle strawberry flavor paired with a soft texture makes each bite feel like a comforting sip of a milkshake. In this article, you’ll learn how to make these delicious cookies from scratch, along with tips on customizing the recipe to your liking and how to store them for later enjoyment.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Strawberry milkshake cookies are a delightful twist on traditional cookies, offering a soft, pillowy texture with a burst of fruity flavor. What makes them so irresistible is the combination of real strawberries, vanilla, and milk powder, which gives them that classic milkshake taste. The vibrant pink color of the cookies makes them visually appealing, while the melt-in-your-mouth texture ensures that every bite is a treat. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a cookie swap, or just because you love strawberry desserts, these cookies are sure to be a hit with everyone who tries them.
What sets this recipe apart is its simplicity and versatility. These cookies are easy to make and require only a few ingredients, many of which you likely already have in your kitchen. The addition of milkshake powder makes these cookies unique, adding to their flavor and giving them that authentic milkshake taste. You can also customize the recipe by adding extras like chocolate chips or sprinkles, or even making the cookies more decadent by drizzling them with white chocolate. No matter how you choose to make them, strawberry milkshake cookies will become a new favorite.
Recipe Details
Making strawberry milkshake cookies involves creating a dough that combines the classic cookie ingredients—flour, sugar, and butter—with some special ingredients that give them their distinctive milkshake flavor. The base is made with freeze-dried strawberries, which are ground into a fine powder and incorporated into the dough. This not only adds a natural strawberry flavor but also gives the cookies their pink hue. Additionally, milk powder is included to mimic the creamy texture of a milkshake.
These cookies bake to a perfect soft and chewy consistency, with slightly crisp edges. The key is not to overbake them, so they retain their melt-in-your-mouth texture. The cookies are then topped with a dusting of powdered sugar or even a drizzle of white chocolate to enhance the milkshake feel. The result is a beautifully flavored, slightly chewy cookie that everyone will enjoy.
What makes this recipe truly versatile is how easily it can be adjusted to suit personal preferences. You can add chocolate chips, vanilla chips, or sprinkles to the dough for added texture and flavor. Alternatively, you can make these cookies dairy-free by substituting vegan butter and using dairy-free milk powder. Whether you want to keep them simple or elevate them with additional toppings, strawberry milkshake cookies are sure to impress.
Nutritional Information
Strawberry milkshake cookies are a delicious treat, but they should be enjoyed in moderation due to their sugar and fat content. Each cookie contains roughly 120-150 calories, depending on the size and additional ingredients such as chocolate chips or white chocolate drizzle. The cookies are high in carbohydrates due to the flour and sugar, but they also provide a bit of protein and calcium from the milk powder.
While these cookies are indulgent, they can be made lighter with a few simple substitutions. For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat butter or a dairy-free alternative. To make them even healthier, you can swap some of the all-purpose flour for whole wheat flour to add fiber. You can also reduce the sugar content by using a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, though this may alter the texture slightly.
These cookies are a great option when you’re looking for a sweet treat to satisfy your cravings, and when enjoyed in moderation, they can fit into a balanced diet. They offer a fun and delicious way to enjoy the flavor of a strawberry milkshake in a portable, bite-sized form.
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries (ground into powder)
- 1/4 cup milk powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 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 tablespoon milk (or plant-based milk)
For the Topping (optional):
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (for melting and drizzling)
The ingredients for these cookies are simple, yet they come together to create a wonderfully textured and flavorful treat. The freeze-dried strawberries are the key ingredient that gives the cookies their natural strawberry flavor and pink color, while the milk powder adds the creaminess that is characteristic of a milkshake. The butter and sugars create the perfect dough base, and the addition of vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor.
Equipment Needed
To make strawberry milkshake cookies, you will need:
- A mixing bowl (for combining the dry ingredients)
- A hand mixer or stand mixer (for mixing the dough)
- A baking sheet (for baking the cookies)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats (for easy cleanup)
- A spoon or cookie scoop (for portioning the dough)
- A small bowl (for melting the white chocolate)
The mixing bowl is essential for combining the dry ingredients and the butter, sugar, and egg mixture. The hand or stand mixer will make it easier to cream the butter and sugars together, ensuring the dough comes together smoothly. The baking sheet will be used for baking the cookies, while the parchment paper or silicone mats will prevent the cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier. The cookie scoop ensures even portions for perfectly shaped cookies, and the small bowl is needed for melting the white chocolate for drizzling.
Pro Tips For Success
- Use Freeze-Dried Strawberries: For the best flavor and color, use freeze-dried strawberries, which are more concentrated than fresh or frozen berries. You can find them at most grocery stores or online.
- Don’t Overmix the Dough: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough cookies, so be sure not to overwork the dough.
- Chill the Dough: For a thicker, chewier cookie, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This helps the dough hold its shape and results in a softer cookie.
- Bake at the Right Temperature: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the cookies for 8-10 minutes. The cookies should be golden brown at the edges but still soft in the center.
- Use a Cookie Scoop: For uniform cookies, use a cookie scoop to portion out the dough. This ensures each cookie is the same size, which helps them bake evenly.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, freeze-dried strawberry powder, milk powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until combined.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Form the Cookies: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Topping: If you’re using white chocolate, melt the chocolate chips in a small bowl in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Once melted, drizzle the white chocolate over the cooled cookies and dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cookies fresh, or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Chip Strawberry Milkshake Cookies: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a combination of strawberry and chocolate flavors. You can also try using white chocolate chips for extra creaminess.
- Vegan Strawberry Milkshake Cookies: For a vegan version, substitute the butter with coconut oil or dairy-free butter and use a flax egg or chia egg instead of a regular egg.
- Strawberry Shortcake Cookies: For a more decadent version, incorporate a few tablespoons of crushed shortbread cookies into the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Strawberry and Coconut Milkshake Cookies: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical twist. The coconut pairs wonderfully with the strawberry and milkshake flavor.
Storage Instructions
To store leftover strawberry milkshake cookies, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. To keep them fresh, you can also refrigerate them for up to a week. If you want to store them for a longer period, freeze the cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave the cookies at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Strawberry milkshake cookies are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with a variety of accompaniments to make the experience even better. Pair them with a cold glass of milk, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a strawberry milkshake for the ultimate indulgence. They also make a great addition to a cookie platter for parties or as a sweet treat after dinner.
FAQs
- Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just scoop the dough onto the baking sheet and bake as directed when you’re ready to enjoy. - Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
While fresh strawberries are delicious, they won’t work as well for this recipe. Freeze-dried strawberries are concentrated and give the cookies their distinct flavor and color. - Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, you can freeze the cookies. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, and then store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. - How do I make the cookies softer?
If you prefer softer cookies, make sure not to overbake them. Also, chilling the dough before baking can help achieve a chewier texture. - Can I add other flavors to the cookies?
Yes, feel free to experiment with adding other flavors like lemon zest, vanilla extract, or even crushed candies to customize the cookies to your liking.
Conclusion
Strawberry milkshake cookies are a delicious and fun way to enjoy the classic flavor of a milkshake in cookie form. With their soft, chewy texture and vibrant pink color, these cookies are sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a treat for yourself. Whether you keep them simple or add extra ingredients like chocolate chips or coconut, strawberry milkshake cookies are a perfect addition to your dessert repertoire. Enjoy the sweet, fruity flavor in every bite!
PrintStrawberry Milkshake Cookies
Description
Make strawberry milkshake cookies with freeze-dried strawberries, milk powder, and white chocolate drizzle. A fun, flavorful treat!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries (ground into powder)
- 1/4 cup milk powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 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 tablespoon milk (or plant-based milk)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, freeze-dried strawberry powder, milk powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Wet Ingredients: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and milk to the butter and sugar mixture. Mix until combined.
- Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Form the Cookies: Use a spoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space the cookies about 2 inches apart.
- Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are set. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Optional Topping: If you’re using white chocolate, melt the chocolate chips in a small bowl in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds. Once melted, drizzle the white chocolate over the cooled cookies and dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the cookies fresh, or store them in an airtight container for later enjoyment.