Cottage Cheese Strawberry Cookies

Imagine biting into a cookie that tastes like summer in every crumb—soft, tender, and bursting with juicy strawberries. These Cottage Cheese Strawberry Shortcake Cookies combine the nostalgic flavor of classic strawberry shortcake with the ease of a drop cookie. The secret? Creamy cottage cheese that keeps each cookie incredibly moist and light, while fresh strawberries add pops of sweetness throughout. Whether you're looking for a charming dessert for a picnic, a sweet treat for afternoon tea, or simply a way to celebrate strawberry season, these cookies deliver all the comfort of shortcake in a delightfully portable form.

Save to Pinterest

The beauty of these cookies lies in their simplicity and the unexpected addition of cottage cheese. Don't let that surprise you—the cottage cheese melts into the dough, creating a remarkably tender crumb without any tangy flavor. Combined with butter, sugar, and vanilla, it forms a base that's both rich and light. Fresh strawberries folded gently into the dough ensure every cookie is studded with ruby-red gems that caramelize slightly at the edges during baking. A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top adds a delicate crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft interior. These cookies are vegetarian-friendly, yield 20 generous portions, and capture the essence of American dessert tradition in the most delightful way.

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

For the best results, make sure your cottage cheese is well-drained to prevent excess moisture from making the dough too wet. You can drain it in a fine-mesh sieve for about 10 minutes before using. Softened butter should be at room temperature so it creams easily with the cottage cheese and sugar—this creates the light, fluffy base that makes these cookies so tender. When folding in the strawberries, be gentle to avoid crushing them and releasing too much juice. If your strawberries are particularly juicy, pat them dry with a paper towel first. Don't skip the rest time after baking—letting the cookies sit on the baking sheet for 5 minutes helps them firm up just enough to transfer without breaking.

Varianten und Anpassungen

While strawberries are the star here, you can easily substitute other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile. For a richer version, try adding a handful of white chocolate chips along with the strawberries. If you prefer a more pronounced strawberry flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of strawberry extract along with the vanilla. For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. You can also make these cookies dairy-free by using dairy-free cottage cheese alternatives and plant-based butter, though the texture may vary slightly. For an extra indulgent twist, sandwich two cookies together with cream cheese frosting or whipped cream.

Serviervorschläge

These cookies are delightful on their own, but for a true strawberry shortcake experience, serve them with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream and a few extra sliced strawberries on the side. They pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea or cold milk for an afternoon snack. For a special dessert presentation, crumble a cookie over vanilla ice cream and top with macerated strawberries. These cookies also make wonderful additions to brunch spreads, picnic baskets, or cookie exchanges. Since they're best enjoyed the day they're baked due to their tender texture, plan to serve them fresh or store them in an airtight container for up to two days at room temperature.

Save to Pinterest

These Cottage Cheese Strawberry Shortcake Cookies prove that the most delightful desserts often come from unexpected combinations. The cottage cheese works its magic invisibly, creating cookies that are impossibly tender yet sturdy enough to hold up to those fresh berry chunks. With just 35 minutes from mixing bowl to cooling rack, you can bring the beloved flavors of strawberry shortcake to your table in a fun, handheld form. Whether you're baking for a crowd or simply treating yourself to something special, these cookies deliver comfort, nostalgia, and the fresh taste of summer in every single bite. So grab those strawberries, drain that cottage cheese, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite cookie.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do cottage cheese and butter affect the cookie texture?

Cottage cheese adds moisture and creaminess, while butter provides richness and tenderness, resulting in soft, tender cookies.

→ Can I substitute other berries for strawberries?

Yes, blueberries or raspberries work well, offering a unique fruity twist while maintaining the cookie's moist texture.

→ Why is it important to drain the cottage cheese well?

Draining removes excess moisture that could cause the dough to be too wet, ensuring proper texture and baking results.

→ What is the best way to store these cookies?

Store cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature and consume within a day to enjoy their tender texture.

→ What does sprinkling coarse sugar on top do?

Coarse sugar adds a subtle crunch and slight sweetness, enhancing the cookies' overall texture and appearance.