Strawberry Oatmeal Cookies with Pink Strawberry Cream Cheese Icing are a wonderful twist on classic oatmeal cookies, adding a fresh, fruity flavor and a touch of color. These cookies are made with fresh or frozen strawberries and rolled oats for a chewy texture, topped with a creamy pink icing made from strawberry puree and cream cheese. Perfect for parties, dessert spreads, or just as a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to delight with both flavor and presentation.
INGREDIENTS- Unsalted butter: 1 cup, softened for cookies
- Brown sugar: 1 cup, packed for sweetness
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup, for sweetness
- Eggs: 2 large, for binding
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for flavor
- All-purpose flour: 1 1/2 cups, for structure
- Baking soda: 1 tsp, for leavening
- Salt: 1/2 tsp, to balance sweetness
- Rolled oats: 3 cups, for texture
- Strawberries: 1 cup, finely chopped (fresh or frozen), for fruity flavor
- Cream cheese: 4 oz, softened for icing
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup, softened for icing
- Powdered sugar: 2 cups, for icing sweetness
- Strawberry puree or jam: 2-3 tbsp, for pink color and flavor
- Vanilla extract: 1 tsp, for icing flavor
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2:
- In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
- Step 3:
- Add eggs and vanilla, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Step 4:
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Step 5:
- Stir in rolled oats and chopped strawberries until evenly distributed.
- Step 6:
- Drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
- Step 8:
- Remove from oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 9:
- In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
- Step 10:
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing until well combined.
- Step 11:
- Stir in strawberry puree and vanilla extract until icing is smooth and pink.
- Step 12:
- Once cookies are completely cooled, spread pink strawberry cream cheese icing on top of each cookie.
- Step 13:
- Let the icing set for a few minutes before serving.
- Store cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep them fresh.
- For a chilled treat, serve the cookies directly from the refrigerator.
- If using frozen strawberries, thaw and drain excess liquid before adding to the cookie dough.
- For a more vibrant pink icing, add a small drop of red food coloring.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Tip: Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor and a natural pink color.
- Chef Tip: For a more intense strawberry flavor, add a touch of strawberry extract to the icing.
These cookies combine chewy oatmeal with fresh strawberries and a pink cream cheese icing, making them a perfect addition to any dessert table or tea time.
FAQsCan I make the icing without cream cheese?
Yes, you can substitute with additional butter and powdered sugar, but the texture will be slightly different.
Can I freeze these cookies?
Yes, freeze the cookies without icing, and frost them after thawing for best results.
Can I use other fruit instead of strawberries?
Yes, raspberries or blueberries would work well in the dough and icing as alternatives.