Strawberry Sugar Cookies

by

Introduction

Strawberry Sugar Cookies are soft, chewy cookies with a light, fruity flavor and a hint of sweetness. The addition of strawberry puree or freeze-dried strawberries to the dough gives these cookies a beautiful pink color and a subtle strawberry taste that pairs perfectly with the classic sugar cookie texture. They’re often rolled in sugar before baking to create a sparkling, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender.

I first made Strawberry Sugar Cookies when I was craving something sweet but wanted a twist on the traditional sugar cookie, and the strawberry flavor was a perfect match! The cookies are soft, not too sweet, and the subtle strawberry flavor makes them stand out. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to prepare, and how versatile it can be—you can add white chocolate chips for extra sweetness, or a little lemon zest to enhance the fruity flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a delicious treat, Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a delightful and colorful choice that everyone will love!

Perfect for:

  • Afternoon snacks
  • Birthday parties
  • Valentine’s Day treats
  • Holiday cookie swaps
  • Strawberry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Strawberry Sugar Cookies will become your new favorite:

  • Bright Strawberry Flavor: Made with real strawberries, these cookies burst with natural sweetness.
  • Soft and Chewy Texture: Perfectly tender cookies that melt in your mouth.
  • Beautiful Pink Color: Naturally colored by strawberries for an elegant and fun appearance.
  • Easy to Make: Simple steps and common ingredients make this recipe approachable for all bakers.
  • Kid-Friendly: Both making and eating these cookies are fun for kids.
  • Customizable Decoration: Add sprinkles, glaze, or powdered sugar for a personalized touch.
  • Versatile Occasion Treat: Suitable for parties, gifts, or just because.
  • Fragrant Aroma: The scent of vanilla and strawberries fills your kitchen as they bake.
  • Freezer-Friendly: Dough or baked cookies can be frozen for future cravings.
  • Nut-Free Option: Safe for those with nut allergies when using nut-free ingredients.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes per batch
  • Cooling Time: 30 minutes
  • Servings: 24 cookies
  • Calories per serving: Approximately 120-140 calories
  • Key Nutrients: Carbs: 18g, Fat: 5g, Protein: 1g

Ingredients

For the Cookies:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, ground into a powder
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk

Optional Toppings:

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Strawberry glaze
  • Decorative sprinkles

Ingredient Highlights

  • Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Provide an intense strawberry flavor and natural coloring.
  • Unsalted Butter: Ensures the perfect buttery texture without overpowering the strawberry taste.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the sweetness and depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and strawberry powder.
  2. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy.
  3. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and milk until well combined.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms.

Shape and Bake:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. Form Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them 2 inches apart on the baking sheets.
  3. Flatten Slightly: Gently press each ball to flatten slightly with the back of a spoon or a glass.
  4. Bake: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are soft.

Cool and Decorate:

  1. Cool Completely: Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  2. Add Toppings: Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze for extra flair.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving ideas for Strawberry Sugar Cookies:

  • With a Glass of Milk: A classic pairing for kids and adults alike.
  • As a Party Favor: Package in small bags tied with ribbons.
  • At Tea Time: Serve alongside tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
  • For a Dessert Platter: Include these cookies as part of an assorted dessert tray.
  • As a Valentine’s Day Treat: Present in heart-shaped boxes for a sweet gift.
  • Paired with Ice Cream: Use as a base for strawberry shortcake-style ice cream sandwiches.
  • With Whipped Cream: Pipe whipped cream between two cookies for a sandwich.
  • At a Baby Shower: Perfect for pink-themed events.
  • For Holiday Swaps: Wrap in festive packaging for cookie exchanges.
  • As a Gift: Place in a decorative tin for a thoughtful homemade present.

Additional Tips

  • Use Fresh Strawberries: Opt for ripe, juicy strawberries for the best flavor. Avoid overripe ones, as they may add too much moisture.
  • Chill the Dough: Refrigerating the dough for at least 30 minutes helps the cookies maintain their shape and achieve a tender texture.
  • Finely Chop Strawberries: To prevent excess moisture, finely dice strawberries and pat them dry with a paper towel before mixing into the dough.
  • Balance the Sweetness: If using particularly sweet strawberries, reduce the sugar slightly to balance flavors.
  • Add a Zesty Kick: A teaspoon of lemon zest complements the strawberry flavor and adds a refreshing twist.
  • Experiment with Extracts: For a stronger strawberry flavor, add a small amount of strawberry extract alongside vanilla extract.
  • Keep Cookies Soft: Bake until just set; they will continue to firm up as they cool. Overbaking can lead to dry cookies.
  • Decorate Creatively: Drizzle white chocolate or sprinkle powdered sugar on cooled cookies for a decorative and tasty finish.
  • Storage Matters: Store cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread to retain moisture and keep them soft longer.
  • Try Freeze-Dried Strawberries: For an intense strawberry flavor without added moisture, fold in finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries.

Recipe Variations

  • Chocolate-Dipped Cookies: Dip cooled cookies halfway in melted chocolate.
  • Lemon-Strawberry Cookies: Add lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour.
  • Strawberry Cream Sandwiches: Fill with cream cheese frosting for a decadent treat.
  • Sprinkle Fun: Roll dough balls in colorful sprinkles before baking.
  • Berry Medley: Incorporate blueberry or raspberry powder for mixed berry cookies.
  • Vegan Alternative: Replace butter with vegan margarine and egg with flaxseed egg.
  • Cinnamon Strawberry: Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dough for a warm, spicy note.
  • Mint Strawberry: Add a drop of mint extract for a refreshing twist.
  • Iced Cookies: Top with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and milk.

Special Equipment

  • Electric Mixer: For creaming butter and sugar.
  • Parchment Paper: To prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  • Cookie Scoop: To form evenly sized cookies.
  • Wire Rack: For cooling cookies thoroughly.
  • Blender or Food Processor: For grinding freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder.

FAQ Section

  1. Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
    No, fresh strawberries contain too much moisture and will alter the texture of the cookies.
  2. How should I store these cookies?
    Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
  3. Can I freeze the dough?
    Yes, freeze the dough balls and bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the bake time.
  4. Can I make these without a mixer?
    Yes, but ensure the butter and sugar are thoroughly creamed by hand.
  5. What if I can’t find freeze-dried strawberries?
    Substitute with strawberry-flavored gelatin powder for a similar taste and color.
  6. How do I achieve perfectly round cookies?
    Use a cookie scoop and gently roll the dough into balls before baking.
  7. Can I double the recipe?
    Absolutely! This recipe scales up easily for larger batches.
  8. Are these cookies overly sweet?
    The balance of sweetness depends on personal taste; you can adjust sugar if needed.
  9. What’s the secret to soft cookies?
    Avoid overmixing the dough and bake just until the edges set.
  10. Can I add chocolate chips?
    Yes, mix in mini chocolate chips for a chocolate-strawberry variation.

Conclusion

Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a sweet, soft, and flavorful treat that combine the classic goodness of sugar cookies with the fresh, fruity taste of strawberries. These cookies are beautifully tender with a subtle hint of strawberry flavor, and their light pink color makes them a delightful addition to any dessert table. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a sweet treat, these strawberry sugar cookies are a perfect choice.

The dough comes together easily, and the cookies bake to a perfect, slightly chewy texture. For an extra burst of strawberry flavor, you can mix in freeze-dried strawberries or strawberry jam. They’re perfect for decorating with sprinkles, icing, or a dusting of sugar for an added touch of sweetness. These cookies are a fun and tasty way to enjoy the flavor of fresh strawberries in every bite.

I can’t wait to see how your Strawberry Sugar Cookies turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!