Name: Berry Crinkle Cookies
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: ¾ cup white granulated sugar; 1 ½ cups freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries (or a combo of the both); 1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon baking soda; ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ cup neutral oil ((avocado oil or vegetable oil)); 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 drop fuchsia food coloring gel ((optional)); 4 drops red food coloring gel; ½ cup powdered sugar

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There’s something magically nostalgic about Berry Crinkle Cookies. I remember the first time I stumbled upon a batch at a friend’s birthday party—those vibrant colors and the sweet aroma wafting through the air were impossible to resist. As I took my first bite, the soft, chewy texture, dusted with powdered sugar, instantly transported me back to my childhood. These cookies are not just a treat; they embody joy, laughter, and countless memories shared with friends and family. Every time I bake them, it’s like I’m inviting that same fun and happiness into my own home. Whether it’s a spring gathering or a cozy evening in, Berry Crinkle Cookies never fail to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
45 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
30 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
120 kcal

Protein:
1 g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
6 g

Tools Used:
Oxo Medium Cookie Scoop, Baking Sheets, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls, Stand-up Mixer, blender

Why This Berry Crinkle Cookies Works

Delightful Flavor Combination

The sweet and slightly tangy notes of freeze-dried strawberries and raspberries create a deliciously unique flavor that sets these cookies apart. The blend of berries gives them a vibrant color and an unforgettable taste that will keep you reaching for another.

Visual Appeal

One of the first things you’ll notice about Berry Crinkle Cookies is their stunning appearance. The generous dusting of powdered sugar contrasts beautifully with the rich colors of the cooked cookies. They look like little jewels on your dessert table, making them perfect for any occasion.

Texture Contrast

These cookies offer a delightful contrast in textures. The outside is lightly crisp due to the sugar coating, while the inside remains soft and chewy, creating a satisfying bite. Once you sink your teeth in, the deliciously soft dough is pure bliss.

Easy to Make

Baking Berry Crinkle Cookies is a straightforward process that doesn’t require advanced skills, making it perfect for beginner bakers. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a batch to impress your family or guests!

Perfect for Sharing

These cookies are wonderfully shareable. With around twenty-two cookies per batch, they’re great for parties, gatherings, or simply enjoying with loved ones over a cup of coffee. Sharing them brings people together, creating sweet moments to remember.

Ingredient List for Berry Crinkle Cookies

The ingredients for Berry Crinkle Cookies come together to create a harmonious blend of sweetness and flavor. The key players like all-purpose flour, freeze-dried strawberries, and powdered sugar work in perfect harmony to achieve that delightful cookie experience. Each ingredient contributes to the overall taste and texture of these cookies, making them a standout treat.

¾ cup white granulated sugar: This is the base sweetness that balances the tartness of the berries.
1 ½ cups freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries: These add a wonderful fruit flavor and enhance the cookie’s texture.
1 ⅔ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie dough, providing structure.
½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, creating a light texture.
½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the acids in the sugar to promote leavening.
¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the cookies, balancing the sweetness.
½ cup neutral oil: Keeps the cookies moist and tender; avocado or vegetable oil works well.
2 large eggs: Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the cookies.
1 drop fuchsia food coloring gel: Optional, for a pop of color.
4 drops red food coloring gel: Also optional, enhances the cookie’s vibrant hue.
½ cup powdered sugar: For rolling the cookies, giving them that signature crinkle look.

Step by Step Instructions for Berry Crinkle Cookies

Baking Berry Crinkle Cookies is not only simple, but it’s also incredibly fun! You’ll love the process of combining the ingredients and watching the magic happen as they bake. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have a batch of beautiful, delicious cookies that everyone will love.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. It’s crucial to ensure the cookies bake evenly and achieve that perfect texture. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside, ready for the cookie dough.
In a blender, combine the ¾ cup of sugar and the freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries. Blend until the berries are finely ground. A few small pieces of berries are okay; they add character to your cookies!
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 ⅔ cups of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of baking powder, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. This step ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which is essential for proper rising.
In the bowl of a stand-up mixer, add the sugar and berry mixture along with the ½ cup of neutral oil. Beat these together until the mixture is light and fluffy, roughly one minute should suffice.
With the mixer running on a low speed, add the 2 large eggs one at a time. This gradual addition helps incorporate air into the mix, creating a tender cookie. Then, add in the 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract along with the optional food coloring gels. Mix until everything is well combined.
Now, gradually add in the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix just until you don’t see any flour speckles left—about 30 seconds to one minute should do. Be careful not to over mix, as this can lead to tough cookies!
Next, sift the ½ cup of powdered sugar into a small bowl. This helps to break up any clumps, ensuring a smooth coating for your cookies.
Using a medium cookie scoop, portion out balls of dough and roll them between your palms to form perfect spheres. Then roll each dough ball in the sifted powdered sugar until they’re generously coated. Don’t be shy with the sugar; it’s what gives these cookies their characteristic crackled look!
Transfer the dough balls onto the lined baking sheets, spacing them about two inches apart. They don’t spread much during baking, so you can fit about eight per sheet.
Place the first baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes. The cookies should look puffy and crackly when done. After baking, allow them to cool on the sheet for at least five minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. You’ll notice they might fall a bit as they cool, and that’s perfectly fine!

Things Worth Knowing

Temperature Matters: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This is critical for achieving the perfect texture.
Don’t Skip the Cooling Time: Allowing the cookies to cool on the baking sheet is essential. It helps them firm up before transferring to a wire rack.
How to Roll Cookies: For a perfectly round shape, roll the dough balls gently between your palms. This helps them bake evenly.
Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined to avoid tough cookies.

Change It Up

There’s always room for creativity in the kitchen! Here are some fun ideas to personalize your Berry Crinkle Cookies:

Flavor Variations: Experiment with different freeze-dried fruits like blueberries or even a mix of your favorites for a unique twist.
Chocolate Lovers: Add in chocolate chips for a delightful chocolate and berry combination.
Nutty Crunch: Incorporate chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Flavor Boost: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spicy note.
Gifting: Package these cookies in a cute box for a delightful homemade gift.
Sandwich Cookies: Use the cookies as a base for ice cream sandwiches—just add your favorite ice cream between two cookies!

Perfect Pairings for Berry Crinkle Cookies

When it comes to serving Berry Crinkle Cookies, there are a variety of delightful pairings to enhance your experience:

With a Hot Beverage: Enjoy these cookies with a steaming cup of coffee, hot chocolate, or tea for a perfect cozy treat.
Family Gatherings: They make great additions to potlucks and family reunions, where everyone can indulge in a sweet bite.
Seasonal Events: Perfect for spring gatherings, these cookies can also be great for Easter celebrations and other festive occasions.
Storage Tips: Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week to maintain freshness.
Freezing: You can freeze unbaked dough balls for up to three months, baking them fresh when the craving strikes!
Kids’ Parties: These colorful cookies are sure to be a hit at birthday parties, making them a fun treat for kids.

FAQ

While fresh berries are delicious, they contain moisture that can alter the texture of the cookies. Freeze-dried berries are recommended for their concentrated flavor and dryness, which helps create that perfect chewy cookie consistency. If you decide to use fresh berries, be prepared for slight changes in texture and possibly the need for adjustments in other ingredients to balance the moisture.

To keep your Berry Crinkle Cookies fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should remain good for about a week. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing the dough balls before baking. This way, you can bake them fresh whenever the craving strikes!

If you find your dough is too sticky to roll into balls, you can chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This will firm up the dough, making it easier to handle. Just be careful not to chill it for too long, as the dough should remain pliable for rolling.

Absolutely! Adding chocolate chips can enhance the flavor and texture of your Berry Crinkle Cookies. I recommend using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cookies. Just fold them in gently after mixing the dough to ensure they’re evenly distributed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Berry Crinkle Cookies are a delightful treat that combines fruity flavors and a fun texture. They’re perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying during special occasions. I encourage you to try making them; you won’t be disappointed. They might just become your new favorite cookie recipe!