You’ll definitely feel nostalgic while making these strawberry crunch cookies.
If you grew up chasing the ice cream truck, you probably remember the magic of a strawberry shortcake ice cream bar—that perfect mix of creamy vanilla, juicy strawberries, and crunchy cookie crumble.
Now, imagine all that nostalgia wrapped up in a soft, chewy homemade strawberry crunch cookie!
These pink cookies are bursting with delicious flavor and a crunchy topping that’s downright irresistible.
Jump to Recipe
Whether you’re baking for a Valentine’s Day party, a girl’s baby shower, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this is the perfect way to bring a little childhood joy to your kitchen.
You might need a quick grocery run for a few not-so-pantry-ready ingredients, but trust me—it’s so worth it.
Take these strawberry crunch cookies to the next level by sandwiching a heavenly scoop of vanilla ice cream between two of them. Strawberry cream heaven! 🍓🍦
Get ready, because these will quickly become a strawberry lovers favorite treat!
Difficulty: Easy
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 10 minutes
Servings: 36 cookies
Strawberry Crunch Cookies Ingredients
These strawberry crunch cookies come together with simple ingredients, but each one plays a key role in getting that chewy texture, strong strawberry flavor, and iconic strawberry crunch.
What is Strawberry Emulsion? 🍓
Strawberry emulsion is a flavor enhancer that gives your cookies a bold, natural strawberry taste without artificial aftertaste.
Unlike strawberry extract, which is alcohol-based, emulsions are water-based and hold up better during baking.
This means your cookies will have a stronger, more consistent strawberry flavor from start to finish.
You can find Strawberry emulsion at well-stocked grocery stores, baking supply stores, or Amazon.
If you can’t find it, you can substitute it with strawberry extract, but the flavor won’t be quite as intense.
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon strawberry emulsion (or strawberry extract as a substitute)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
For the Crunch Topping:
- 20 golden Oreos, crushed
- 3 tablespoons strawberry Jello powder mix
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
Strawberry Crunch Cookies Recipe Directions
These homemade strawberry crunch cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with that iconic strawberry crunch! They taste just like your favorite ice cream bar—but in cookie form!
1️⃣ Prep the Oven & Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a prepared baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2️⃣ Make the Cookie Dough
In a large bowl (or stand mixer with a paddle attachment), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy.
3️⃣ Add the eggs and strawberry emulsion, then mix until fully combined.
4️⃣ In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until the dough forms. Scrape the sides of the bowl and mix again.
5️⃣ Make the Crunch Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the crushed golden Oreos, melted butter, and strawberry Jello powder. Mix thoroughly.
6️⃣ Form the Dough Balls
Using a large cookie scoop, scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and roll it into balls of dough. Coat each dough ball in the crunch topping, pressing lightly to help it stick.
7️⃣ Bake the Cookies
Place the coated dough balls onto the lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown but the centers remain soft.
8️⃣ Final Touch & Cooling
As soon as the baked cookies come out of the oven, sprinkle them with a little extra crumble topping and gently press it in. Transfer cookies to a wire rack or cooling rack to cool completely.
Now grab a cookie (or three) and enjoy! 🍪💖
More Delicious Treats 🍓🍋🍫
Now that you’re in the baking mood, why stop at just strawberry crunch cookies? Check out these must-try recipes for more sweet, indulgent fun!
- Strawberry Tiramisu (No-Bake!) – If you love strawberry desserts, this easy, no-bake tiramisu is creamy, dreamy, and bursting with juicy strawberry flavor!
- Lemon Lime Bars – These bright, tangy bars have the perfect balance of zesty citrus and buttery shortbread, making them totally irresistible!
- 4-Ingredient Flourless Chocolate Cake – Rich, fudgy, and naturally gluten-free, this chocolate cake is proof that simple ingredients can create pure decadence!
- Coconut Butter Mochi – Chewy, buttery, and loaded with coconut goodness, this mochi cake is a fun and unique treat you’ll want to make again and again!
So, which one are you trying next? You really can’t go wrong! 😉🍰
FAQs
Can I use strawberry extract instead of strawberry emulsion?
Yes! While strawberry emulsion gives a stronger strawberry flavor, you can substitute it with strawberry extract. Just note that extract is alcohol-based, so the flavor may be slightly milder after baking.
What can I use instead of Golden Oreos?
If you don’t have Golden Oreos, you can use:
Vanilla wafers (like Nilla Wafers)
Shortbread cookies
Graham crackers (though the texture will be slightly different)
Can I make these cookies without strawberry Jello powder?
The strawberry Jello powder gives the crunch topping its iconic strawberry color. If you want a natural alternative, try:
This Natural Jello Mix
Freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into a powder
Strawberry extract mixed with crushed cookies
How do I store these cookies?
Keep them in an air-tight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe airtight container.
Can I make the cookie dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the cookie dough, roll it into dough balls, and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. If freezing, place the dough balls on a lined baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen—just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
Strawberry Crunch Cookies
These homemade strawberry crunch cookies are soft, chewy, and packed with that iconic strawberry crunch! Perfect for Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or any special occasion, they taste just like your favorite ice cream bar—but in cookie form!
Ingredients
For the Cookies:
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon strawberry emulsion or strawberry extract as a substitute
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour
For the Crunch Topping:
- 20 golden Oreos crushed
- 3 tablespoons strawberry Jello powder
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line your baking sheet(s) with parchment and set aside.
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In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the softened butter, sugar and brown sugar. Cream until smooth.
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Add in the eggs and strawberry emulsion. Mix until combined.
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Add in the baking soda, salt and flour. Mix thoroughly. Stop the machine, scrape the sides and mix again. Set aside.
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In a medium bowl, combine the crushed golden Oreos, melted butter and strawberry Jello mix. Mix thoroughly.
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Scoop out about a tablespoon of dough and roll in the crunch topping. Place on the prepared baking sheet about two inches apart.
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Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes or until the edges are slightly browned.
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Immediately after removing from the oven, sprinkle with the remaining crunch topping and gently press into place.
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Allow to cool completely.
Recipe Notes
Storage: Cookies can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
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