Oh my goodness, folks! If you’re looking for a cookie that’s not just delicious but also looks like it came straight out of a fancy bakery, then you’re in for a treat with these **Strawberry Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies**! I remember the first time I made these beauties; it was for a potluck at work, and people were sneaking seconds (and thirds!). The moment I saw the smiles on my coworkers’ faces, I knew I had a new go-to recipe in my hands!
These cookies are the perfect marriage of rich chocolate and sweet strawberry jam, with an indulgent drizzle of white chocolate that will make you swoon. Plus, they’re super fun to make – who doesn’t love making thumbprints in their cookies? You can let your inner child out while somehow impressing the adult side of you with a stunning treat.
### What’s in Strawberry Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies?
– All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for the cookies. Use a good quality brand – I usually opt for King Arthur Flour.
– Unsweetened cocoa powder: This is where the chocolatey goodness comes from. I’ve had great luck with Ghirardelli cocoa; it is rich and has a fantastic flavor.
– Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough to keep them soft and fluffy.
– Salt: Enhances all the flavors; don’t skip this!
– Unsalted butter: Gives these cookies a rich flavor and the desired texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
– Granulated sugar & brown sugar: The combination of these two sugars gives the cookies a nice sweetness and a chewy texture.
– Egg: This binds everything together and adds moisture.
– Vanilla extract: An essential flavor that brings everything to life!
– Strawberry jam: This is the star filling that gives these cookies their signature flavor. Feel free to use your favorite brand or homemade if you have it!
– White chocolate chips: For that dreamy drizzle; I usually go for Ghirardelli again because they’re always smooth when melted.
– Coconut oil: Smooths out the melted chocolate and gives it a lovely sheen — or you can use any neutral oil.
– Crushed freeze-dried strawberries: For that final touch of flavor and glam.
### Is Strawberry Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies Good for You?
Now, we can’t pretend these cookies are health food, but let’s be real: everything in moderation, right?
– All-purpose flour: While it’s not whole grain, it’s comforting and delicious in cookies. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can try making them with whole wheat flour or even oat flour!
– Cocoa powder: Rich in antioxidants, cocoa can actually be beneficial for your heart. Chocolate lovers, rejoice!
– Strawberry jam: Strawberries are filled with vitamins C and K, and they add a pop of flavor! Just check the sugar content in your jam; things can get sneaky there.
– Butter and sugars: Well, here’s where the “not-so-good for you” comes in. It’s best to enjoy these cookies as a treat rather than a daily snack.
### Ingredients
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 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
– 1/2 cup strawberry jam
– 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
– 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or any neutral oil)
– Crushed freeze-dried strawberries (for garnish)
*Serves: About 18 cookies*
### How to Make Strawberry Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. You want to make sure they come off easily after baking!
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until combined.
3. In a larger bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes!
4. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps!
6. Scoop tablespoons of dough and roll them into balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart.
7. Using your thumb or the back of a spoon, create an indent in the center of each cookie.
8. Fill each indent with a teaspoon of strawberry jam. Don’t be shy!
9. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
10. While the cookies are cooling, melt the white chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl, mixing in 30-second intervals until smooth and luscious.
11. Drizzle or spoon the melted chocolate over the cooled cookies, filling in the indents.
12. Immediately sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top of the chocolate before it sets for that perfect touch.
### Sweet Tips and Variations
These cookies are so versatile! Here are a couple of fun ideas:
– For a more intense strawberry flavor, try using fresh pureed strawberries instead of jam. Just make sure to adjust the consistency with some powdered sugar.
– You can also swap the strawberry jam for raspberry or blueberry if you’re feeling adventurous. The color and flavor will be just as vibrant!
– These cookies are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. Though I doubt they’ll last that long — they vanish quickly!
So there you have it! Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, these Strawberry Chocolate Thumbprint Cookies are sure to brighten your day. I can’t wait for you to try them; they might just become your new favorite! And don’t forget to share your experiences; I love hearing from my fellow cookie enthusiasts!
