If you have a soft spot for delightful, fruity desserts that feel like a warm hug from your favorite bakery, then you are absolutely going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Cookie Boats Recipe. This charming treat combines the buttery, tender crumb of a cookie with a luscious burst of strawberry jam and fresh fruit right at its heart. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of spring and summer, delivering every bite with generous layers of sweetness, texture, and that little surprise center that instantly brightens your day. Whether you’re craving a snack for afternoon tea or an impressive yet simple dessert, these cookie boats make every occasion feel special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance in this recipe is easier than you might think, thanks to a handful of simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays an essential role—bringing richness, sweetness, or that fresh pop of strawberry goodness that defines this dessert.
- 1 cup unsalted butter softened: Provides the creamy foundation for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to keep the cookies balanced.
- 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds moisture for a perfect crumb.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with its warm, fragrant notes.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The structure giver that creates those sturdy “boat” shapes.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise lightly and avoid being too dense.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the other flavors beautifully.
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam: The luscious filling that’s sweet, tangy, and packed with classic strawberry flavor.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries chopped: Adds natural freshness and a vibrant burst with every bite.
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional): Melts into creamy pockets that contrast delightfully with the jam.
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting (optional): A pretty final touch to sprinkle on top before serving.
How to Make Strawberry Cookie Boats Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station
First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and makes cleanup a breeze. Preparing your workspace like this sets the stage for a smooth, enjoyable baking session.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air into the dough, helping your cookie boats turn out tender and perfectly textured.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Next, beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This blend brings moisture and flavor depth that transform simple cookie dough into something magical.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to your wet ingredients, folding gently until fully combined. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies tender rather than tough.
Step 5: Shape the Cookie Boats
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie, then shape each into a long, slightly hollowed “boat” shape. This hollow is essential as it will cradle the strawberry jam and toppings, making each bite a blissful surprise.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your cookie boats on the lined baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn a lovely light golden color. Keep an eye on them—you want that just-right softness with slightly crisp edges.
Step 7: Fill and Decorate
Once out of the oven, gently fill the center of each warm cookie boat with about a teaspoon of strawberry jam, then sprinkle chopped fresh strawberries and optional white chocolate chips on top. Let them cool completely on the pan so the jam sets and flavors meld.
Step 8: Add the Finishing Touches
If you like, dust your cookies lightly with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant, bakery-style finish that adds a subtle sweetness and visual appeal.
How to Serve Strawberry Cookie Boats Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your strawberry cookie boats can elevate them from delightful to dazzling. Fresh mint leaves, a few extra sliced strawberries, or even a drizzle of white chocolate glaze can add flair and extra flavor layers. These touches create not only an appealing presentation but also a greeting of freshness with each bite.
Side Dishes
These cookie boats pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a simple cup of aromatic tea or coffee. These sides complement the fruity, buttery richness of the cookies, balancing sweetness with smoothness and warmth.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or special treats, arrange your strawberry cookie boats creatively—maybe in a rustic wooden tray with fresh strawberry sprigs or serve them alongside an assortment of other fruit-filled cookies for variety. Wrapping individual boats in clear cellophane with a ribbon makes a charming homemade gift too.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying these treats, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keep them away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain their soft texture and fresh flavor.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies for longer, freeze the baked and cooled cookie boats (without the jam filling) in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen hard, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, they can last for up to two months and be ready whenever a sweet craving strikes.
Reheating
To enjoy your strawberry cookie boats fresh out of the oven even after storage, pop them in a warm oven (about 300 degrees Fahrenheit) for a few minutes. This revives their soft texture and reawakens the aroma of that irresistible strawberry jam center.
FAQs
Can I substitute the strawberry jam with another type of jam?
Absolutely! While strawberry jam brings a classic sweetness to these cookie boats, raspberry, apricot, or even blueberry jam would work wonderfully and offer a delicious twist.
Is it necessary to hollow out the dough when shaping the cookie boats?
Yes, creating a slight hollow helps hold the jam and toppings in place, preventing spills and ensuring every bite delivers that perfect jam-to-cookie ratio that makes this recipe special.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With some ingredient swaps—like using vegan butter, a flax or chia egg, and ensuring your chocolate chips are dairy-free—you can definitely enjoy a vegan version of this recipe.
What’s the tip for chopping fresh strawberries easily?
Use a sharp knife and a gentle rocking motion to slice strawberries evenly without crushing them. This keeps the chunks firm and juicy when scattered on top of your cookie boats.
Are white chocolate chips necessary?
They’re totally optional but highly recommended. White chocolate melts beautifully, adding a creamy, subtly sweet contrast that lifts the strawberry flavors even higher.
Final Thoughts
I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Strawberry Cookie Boats Recipe—it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm, tasty little adventure each time you bake it. Whether you’re making these for your family, friends, or just for yourself, their joyful combination of buttery dough, fresh fruit, and sweet jam is sure to bring smiles all around. So go on, dive into the kitchen and let these delightful boats sail right onto your dessert table!
Print
Strawberry Cookie Boats Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 cookie boats
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these charming Strawberry Cookie Boats, a perfect blend of buttery cookie dough filled with sweet strawberry jam, fresh strawberries, and optional white chocolate chips. Baked to a golden finish and dusted with powdered sugar, these delicious treats make an irresistible dessert or sweet snack.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Filling & Toppings
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional)
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth base for your cookie dough.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes smooth and well incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to form a soft dough without overworking.
- Shape Cookie Boats: Scoop about 2 tablespoons of dough per cookie and shape each into an elongated boat shape, hollowing the center slightly to hold the filling.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the shaped cookie boats on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for baking.
- Bake Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating they are cooked through.
- Add Filling: Immediately upon removing from the oven, fill the center of each cookie with a teaspoon of strawberry jam, then sprinkle chopped fresh strawberries and white chocolate chips if using.
- Cool and Dust: Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet to set the filling, then transfer to a wire rack. Dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant finish.
Notes
- For an extra depth of flavor, add a few drops of almond extract to the dough.
- Store cookie boats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
