Whether you have the perfect date planned or are hanging out with all of your best friends, Valentine’s Day is all about sweet things. For the most part, we all love the stream of pink and red decorations, the constant playing of love songs, and most importantly, the heart-shaped snacks. With the pandemic, though, this Valentine’s Day will be unlike any other…but that does not mean there aren’t still safe and fun ways to celebrate the holiday. Since our typical festivities are on pause this year, I suggest the best sweet– and socially distanced– alternative: baking dark chocolate and strawberry cookies! This Valentine’s Day cookie recipe is one I have used for years now and I truly believe that it captures the essence of the holiday. I promise you are going to fall in love with these cookies!
Dark Chocolate and Strawberry Cookies
Calories: 220
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes
Oven Temperature: 370º Farenheit
Tips and Tricks:
- For cooking in dorm kitchens, I find it easier to use butter flavored Crisco because it comes in smaller packages and can be stored easier. It is also a great vegan alternative that tastes the same as real butter!
- If you want more of a fruity flavor to your cookies and like the added texture of the strawberries, try using ¾ a cup of fresh strawberries.
- I typically use two different types of dark chocolate chips (½ cup of each) to get a richer flavor and better texture. My favorites are the Ghirardelli and Nestle options!
- If you are a fan of cinnamon, try adding a ½ teaspoon to a teaspoon of cinnamon with your dry ingredients!
Ingredients:
2 ¼ Cups All-Purpose Flour
1 Teaspoon Baking Soda
½ Teaspoon Salt
12 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter Softened (See “Tips and Tricks” for Vegan Alternative)
½ Cup Granulated Sugar
¾ Cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
1 Tablespoon Vanilla Extract
2 Large Eggs
½ Cup Fresh Strawberries (Chopped Into Small Pieces)
1 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips
Instructions:
- Whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl.
- In a larger bowl, mix together butter, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing between each addition.
- Add flour mixture to the liquid mixture by folding the flour in.
- Fold in the fresh strawberries and dark chocolate chips.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake for ten minutes.
- Let cookies cool for five minutes off of the baking sheet, but still on the parchment paper.
Voila, you now have the perfect cookies to celebrate your socially distanced Valentine’s Day!