Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Get Ready: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, ¼ teaspoon of baking powder, ¼ teaspoon of baking soda, and ⅛ teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the ½ cup of softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar using an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Wet Ingredients: Add 1 large egg and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the butter-sugar mixture, mixing until fully combined.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring until just incorporated. Gently fold in the 1/2 cup of crushed freeze-dried strawberries for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Step 3: Make the Crunch Topping