Cottage Cheese Strawberry Cookies

Imagine biting into a cookie that captures all the nostalgic flavors of strawberry shortcake—tender, lightly sweet, and bursting with juicy fresh strawberries. These Cottage Cheese Strawberry Shortcake Cookies bring that beloved dessert into a handheld treat that's perfect for spring gatherings, afternoon tea, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. The secret ingredient? Creamy cottage cheese, which lends an irresistibly soft texture and subtle tang that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries.

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What makes these cookies truly special is how the cottage cheese transforms the dough. Unlike traditional cookies that can sometimes turn out dense or dry, the cottage cheese creates a remarkably tender crumb that stays soft even after baking. Combined with butter and just the right amount of sugar, these cookies achieve that perfect balance between a biscuit-like texture and cookie sweetness. The fresh strawberries add pops of fruity flavor and moisture throughout, making each bite a delightful surprise.

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

The key to perfect cookies lies in properly draining your cottage cheese. Place it in a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth and press gently to remove excess liquid—this prevents the dough from becoming too wet and ensures the cookies bake up with the right texture. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature so it creams easily with the cottage cheese and sugar. When folding in the strawberries, use a gentle hand to avoid crushing them and turning the dough pink. If your strawberries are particularly juicy, pat them dry with paper towels before adding them to the dough.

Varianten und Anpassungen

These versatile cookies welcome creative variations. Swap the strawberries for fresh blueberries or raspberries for a different berry experience, or try a mixed berry combination for extra color and flavor. For a richer taste, add a tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough alongside the vanilla extract—the citrus brightens the strawberry flavor beautifully. If you prefer a sweeter cookie, increase the granulated sugar to 1 cup, or drizzle cooled cookies with a simple vanilla glaze. For a more traditional shortcake presentation, split the cookies in half and fill with whipped cream and additional fresh strawberries.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these cookies slightly warm for the ultimate comfort food experience, or enjoy them at room temperature with a glass of cold milk or hot tea. For an elegant dessert presentation, plate them with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a few sliced strawberries on the side, recreating the classic strawberry shortcake in cookie form. They're perfect for spring brunches, Mother's Day celebrations, or afternoon tea parties. Pack them in a pretty box for a thoughtful homemade gift, or serve them at picnics and potlucks where their portable nature makes them ideal for sharing.

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These Cottage Cheese Strawberry Shortcake Cookies prove that the best recipes often come from unexpected ingredient combinations. The cottage cheese might seem unusual in a cookie, but it's exactly what gives these treats their signature soft, tender crumb and subtle tang that elevates the sweet strawberries. Whether you're looking for a creative way to use cottage cheese, want to impress guests with something unique, or simply crave the flavors of strawberry shortcake in a more convenient form, these cookies deliver on all fronts. Bake a batch today and watch them disappear—they're that good!

Recipe Guide

→ What makes these cookies soft and tender?

The addition of whole milk cottage cheese adds moisture and creaminess, resulting in a soft and tender texture.

→ Can I substitute the strawberries with other fruits?

Yes, blueberries or raspberries can be used for a different berry flavor while maintaining the cookie's texture.

→ How do I prevent the cookies from becoming too moist?

Ensure the cottage cheese is well-drained to avoid excess moisture, which helps maintain the right cookie consistency.

→ What is the best way to store these cookies?

Store cookies in an airtight container and consume within a day to enjoy their tender texture at its best.

→ Are there any special tools required for preparation?

Basic baking tools like mixing bowls, an electric mixer or whisk, measuring cups, baking sheets, parchment paper, and a cooling rack are sufficient.