If you’re looking for a dessert that marries fruity freshness with chocolatey indulgence, look no further than this Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies Recipe. These soft, chewy cookies are infused with the bright, sweet flavor of strawberries from a strawberry cake mix and then dipped in smooth, melted chocolate for that irresistible finish. Whether you’re planning a romantic treat for Valentine’s Day, a thoughtful homemade gift, or simply want to satisfy your cravings with a luscious fruit and chocolate combo, these cookies hit all the right notes with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role: the strawberry cake mix provides vibrant color and natural sweetness, eggs and oil create that perfect chewy texture, and the chocolate coating adds richness and a glossy finish.
- Strawberry cake mix (15.25 oz): The star ingredient that brings authentic strawberry flavor and tenderness to your cookies.
- Large eggs (2): Essential for binding the ingredients and giving structure to the cookie dough.
- Vegetable oil (⅓ cup): Keeps the cookies moist and soft by adding healthy fat without overpowering flavors.
- Vanilla extract (½ teaspoon): Adds a subtle warmth and depth that complements the strawberry and chocolate perfectly.
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips (1 cup): Melts down to create that luscious chocolate coating everyone loves.
- Coconut oil or butter (1 tablespoon, optional): Enhances the smoothness of the melted chocolate for easier dipping.
- Freeze-dried strawberries or sprinkles (optional): For a pretty, crunchy garnish that also boosts the strawberry flavor and adds fun texture.
How to Make Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep your cookies from sticking and make cleanup easier. In a large bowl, combine your strawberry cake mix with the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until you get a soft, cohesive dough that’s ready to scoop.
Step 2: Scoop and Bake
Using a tablespoon or cookie scoop, portion out balls of dough and place them on the baking sheet about 2 inches apart. This spacing prevents them from spreading into one another while baking. Pop the tray in the oven and bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes. You want the edges to be set but the centers still slightly soft — this ensures a chewy, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Step 3: Cooling Time
Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes to firm up so they don’t break apart. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling fully is key before adding the chocolate coating, so the heat doesn’t cause melting issues.
Step 4: Melt the Chocolate
While your cookies are cooling, melt the chocolate chips with the optional coconut oil or butter in the microwave. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between until smooth and glossy. This smooth melted chocolate is what will transform these cookies into irresistible treats.
Step 5: Dip and Decorate
Dip half of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate, letting any excess drip back into the bowl. Place the dipped cookies on parchment paper, then garnish immediately with crushed freeze-dried strawberries or sprinkles for an extra pop of color and crunch. Allow the chocolate to harden completely before serving or storing.
How to Serve Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies Recipe not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds bursts of texture and flavor. Crushed freeze-dried strawberries give a delightful crunch and boost the strawberry essence, while colorful sprinkles bring a festive feel perfect for celebrations.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine on their own but are also fantastic paired with a glass of cold milk, a cup of creamy hot chocolate, or even a refreshing cup of green tea to balance their sweetness. For a special dessert platter, you can add fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream for an elegant touch.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation can turn these cookies from everyday treats to show-stoppers. Arrange them on a pretty platter with edible flowers or alongside chocolate-dipped strawberry pops for a fun twist. Wrapping individual cookies in cellophane with a red ribbon makes a charming gift for friends and loved ones that’s as thoughtful as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. Keep them in a single layer or separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain their wonderfully chewy texture.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze them uncoated on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw completely and then dip in melted chocolate just before serving for best results.
Reheating
To enjoy cookies warm, gently reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the texture soft and not dry. Dipped cookies reheat best after removing from any airtight packaging so that the chocolate doesn’t sweat or soften too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this recipe?
While this recipe is designed around strawberry cake mix for the signature flavor, you can experiment with other flavors like vanilla or chocolate if you want a twist, though the strawberry element will be lost.
Is it necessary to use coconut oil or butter when melting the chocolate?
Using coconut oil or butter is optional, but it helps smooth the chocolate out, making it easier to dip the cookies and creating a shinier finish. Without it, the chocolate may still work but might be thicker and less glossy.
Can I add freeze-dried strawberries to the dough?
Absolutely! Adding about half a cup of crushed freeze-dried strawberry pieces into the dough boosts the strawberry flavor and gives a fun little texture surprise inside your cookies.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, these delicious cookies stay fresh and chewy for up to 4 days.
What is the best chocolate to use for dipping?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips are ideal because they balance the sweetness of the cookies nicely and melt smoothly for dipping. However, you can choose milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter coating.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly joyful about biting into a Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies Recipe that is bursting with real strawberry flavor and luxuriously coated in rich chocolate. They are deceptively simple to make but deliver impressive results every time. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, these cookies are sure to become a beloved classic in your recipe collection. Go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones — you won’t regret it!
Print
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 20 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cookies are soft, chewy treats bursting with strawberry flavor and coated in rich melted chocolate for a decadent finish. These cookies combine the sweetness of strawberries with the indulgence of a chocolate-dipped dessert—perfect for Valentine’s Day, gifting, or anytime you’re craving a fruity-chocolate combo.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 box (15.25 oz) strawberry cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (optional, for smoother melting)
Garnish (Optional)
- Freeze-dried strawberries or sprinkles
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
- Mix Dough: In a large bowl, combine the strawberry cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Stir together until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 11 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers remain slightly soft for a chewy texture.
- Cool Cookies: Remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 2 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents breakage and prepares them for dipping.
- Melt Chocolate: While cookies are cooling, melt the chocolate chips with the coconut oil or butter (if using) in the microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until the chocolate is smooth and fully melted.
- Dip Cookies in Chocolate: Dip half of each cooled cookie into the melted chocolate, allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Place the dipped cookies back onto parchment paper to set.
- Garnish and Set: Optionally, sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries or decorative sprinkles on the chocolate before it hardens to add a pop of color and extra strawberry flavor. Let the chocolate coating harden completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- For an extra strawberry punch, mix in ½ cup of freeze-dried strawberry pieces directly into the cookie dough before baking.
- Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days to maintain freshness and texture.
