Strawberry Cookies

by | May 30, 2023

These strawberry cookies are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth with a boost of protein (7 grams per serving!). Theyโ€™re filled with nutrient-dense additions like protein powder, freeze dried strawberries, and chocolate chips of your choice. Plus, this recipe comes together in just 20 minutes.

Cookies next to Cheerful Choices cutting board

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Are these strawberry cookies healthy?

These cookies do contain indulgent ingredients like butter and sugar, but they can still have a place in a balanced diet. My suggestion is to be mindful of portion sizes and enjoy around 2 cookies in one sitting. By keeping the portions in check, you can still satisfy your sweet tooth without going overboard. Remember, moderation is key!

These cookies also use freeze dried strawberries filled with fiber and vitamin C. Plus, in the flour mixture weโ€™re adding protein powder for a boost of protein. In fact, a serving of 2 small cookies packs in 7+ grams of protein depending on what protein powder you use.

Holding up freshly baked strawberry cookies, perfect blend of sweet and fruity.

Why is protein important?

Adding protein powder to recipes like smoothies, mug cakes, and cookies can boost potential health benefits. Here are some of the benefits of higher protein cookies:

Increased satiety

Adding high protein ingredients to cookies can increase satiety and help reduce overall calorie intake. This can be particularly helpful for those looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight.

Improved muscle health

Protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. Enjoying protein powder in a variety of different recipes is a convenient way to boost your protein intake.

Better blood sugar control

Protein can help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates. Adding high protein ingredients to cookies may help prevent the blood sugar from spiking.

How do you make strawberry cookies?

These higher protein strawberry cookies come together in no time. Feel free to use a stand mixer, hand mixer, or food processor to blend.

1. Gather your ingredients

For this recipe, weโ€™re using ingredients such as butter, sugar, flour, vanilla extract, protein powder, freeze-dried strawberries, and chocolate chips.

Ingredients on white backdrop

2. Cream butter and sugar

Start by creaming together softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This creates a luscious base for your cookies.

Dough mixed together

3. Add in rest of ingredients

Next, incorporate the remaining ingredients, including flour, vanilla extract, protein powder, crushed freeze-dried strawberries, and your choice of chocolate chips. Mix everything together until a thick dough forms.

Hand mixer next to dough

4. Roll into balls and bake

Take the dough and roll it into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place them on a lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown. Let them cool slightly before enjoying.

Tips and tricks

  • Strawberry option: We don’t recommend using fresh strawberries. For the best results, use freeze dried strawberries. You can find these in the dried fruit or snack aisle.
  • Softening the butter: To easily soften the butter, leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes or overnight before starting the recipe. Alternatively, you can microwave the butter in short intervals, checking frequently to ensure it softens without melting.
  • Baking time and temperature: Keep a close eye on the cookies while they bake. Oven temperatures may vary, so start checking at around 10 minutes. The cookies are done when the edges turn golden brown. Avoid overbaking to maintain a soft and chewy texture.

Can you bake cookies in an air fryer?

Yes! If you prefer not to use your oven or need to make a smaller batch of cookies, the air fryer is a great alternative. Simply line your air fryer basket with parchment paper that fits properly, then air fry the cookies at 300ยบF for 6-8 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. This method allows for quick and efficient baking in the air fryer while still achieving delicious results.

If you’re not in the mood to scoop the dough into individual cookies, I have tested making this batch of dough into cookies bars too. Follow the same instructions for making the dough. Then, press the dough into an 8×8 square baking pan. Bake at the same temperature of 350ยบF (175ยฐC) for about 18-20 minutes until just lightly golden brown around the edges. Be cautious of overbaking as it can cause try dry cookie bars.

Strawberry cookies finished on baking sheet

Customize it your way

Like all of my other recipes, these strawberry cookies are completely customizable. 

  • Chocolate chips of your choice – You get to choose any chocolate chips you want to use. We personally love using dark chocolate chips for extra antioxidants. You can also use white chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips. Any flavor pairs great with the strawberries!
  • Sugar substitute – If youโ€™re looking to lower to sugar content, feel free to replace the sugar for a 1:1 substitute such as Purecane or monk fruit.
  • Flour – If you follow a gluten-free diet, feel free to use a gluten-free flour in place of regular flour.
Strawberry cookies made with protein powder

Perfect for picnics

These strawberry cookies are perfect for spring picnics and entertaining. Their soft and chewy texture, combined with the flavors of freeze-dried strawberries and chocolate chips, make them a delightful treat to enjoy outdoors. 

Want more picnic recipes? Try these:

Strawberry cookies with freeze dried strawberries on plate

Need more help with recipes for your busy schedule?

In myย coaching + cooking program, I help busy people with beginner cooking knowledge become confident in the kitchen so that they can enjoy nourishing foods they love and stress less about mealtime.ย Click here to learn moreย about this virtual program led by a dietitian.

Strawberry Cookies Square

Higher Protein Strawberry Cookies

Mackenzie Burgess, RDN
These strawberry cookies are a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth with a boost of protein. Theyโ€™re filled with nutrient-dense additions like protein powder, freeze dried strawberries, and chocolate chips of your choice.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 24 small cookies
Calories 220 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sweetener until well combined and creamy.
  • Add the egg and vanilla extract to the bowl. Beat the mixture until smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the protein powder, flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the mixing bowl. Stir until a thick dough forms. Gently blend in strawberries and choc chips until incorporated.
  • Use a 1-inch cookie scooper or spoon to roll the dough into small balls (about 1 inch in diameter) and place them on the prepared baking sheet. 
  • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.*
  • Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Store any extra cookies at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Notes

*Air fryer instructions: If you prefer not to use your oven or need to make a smaller batch of cookies, the air fryer is a great alternative. Simply line your air fryer basket with parchment paper that fits properly, then air fry the cookies at 300ยบF for 6-7 minutes until the edges turn a lovely golden brown. This method allows for quick and efficient baking in the air fryer while still achieving delicious results.
See instructions above for turning these into strawberry cookie bars instead of individual cookies.

Nutrition

Serving: 2small cookiesCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 7gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gSodium: 90mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12g
Tried this recipe?Tag us @cheerfulchoices and let us know how it was!
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Hi, I'm Mackenzie...

nice to meet you!

Iโ€™m a registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) and recipe developer. I create simple recipes with customizable ingredients โ€œof your choice.โ€ I also help busy people gain kitchen confidence through my hands-on program.

Need more hands-on help?

In my coaching + cooking program, I help busy people with beginner cooking knowledge become confident in the kitchen. Click here to learn more about this virtual program with a dietitian!

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5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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