If you’ve ever dreamed of a cookie that captures the bright, sweet essence of summer strawberries with the classic, comforting texture of sugar cookies, then you are going to adore this Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe. These delightful treats combine the perfect balance of soft, buttery dough infused with the natural tang and vibrant color of freeze-dried strawberries, creating a cookie that is as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply want to brighten your day with a sweet homemade snack, this recipe is easy to follow and yields memorable cookies that will quickly become a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients come together to create flavor, texture, and that stunning hint of pink in these Strawberry Sugar Cookies. Each ingredient plays an essential role, from the sturdy structure of flour to the delicate sweetness of freeze-dried strawberries, ensuring your cookies come out soft, flavorful, and totally irresistible.
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect base for a tender but sturdy cookie dough.
- ½ teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly for a soft, light texture.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all other flavors.
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened): Brings richness and a lovely melt-in-your-mouth quality.
- 1½ cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a slightly crisp edge.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough and adds moisture for perfectly chewy cookies.
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the cookie flavor.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional): Gives a subtle nutty note that complements strawberry wonderfully.
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries (crushed into powder): Infuses the dough with concentrated strawberry flavor and color.
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries: Adds delightful texture and bursts of sweetness.
- Pink sanding sugar or extra granulated sugar (optional): For rolling the dough balls to add sparkle and a slight crunch.
How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agent and salt are evenly distributed, which is crucial for the cookies’ texture and flavor.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy—it usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is key to creating a tender cookie with a pleasant crumb.
Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg to bind the ingredients, followed by the vanilla extract and optional almond extract for an aromatic boost. These extracts elevate the flavor profile with their warm and nutty notes, making the cookies taste more complex and delightful.
Step 4: Incorporate Freeze-Dried Strawberries
Fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberry powder and the finely chopped pieces. This combination makes sure each bite bursts with authentic strawberry flavor and has interesting texture contrasts, keeping the cookies exciting to eat.
Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet
Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, or the cookies could become tough instead of tender.
Step 6: Shape and Prepare the Cookies for Baking
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the dough and roll them into balls. If you like extra sparkle and a bit of crunch, roll each dough ball in pink sanding sugar or extra granulated sugar. Then, place the balls on your prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart and gently flatten each slightly to encourage even baking.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, watching closely until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly underbaked—this technique keeps your cookies soft and chewy. After baking, let them cool on the baking sheets for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here pays off with the perfect texture.
How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Serving your Strawberry Sugar Cookies with a simple garnish can turn them into an elegant treat. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate pairs beautifully with the strawberry notes. You can also add a tiny fresh strawberry slice or a mint leaf atop each cookie for a fresh, pretty presentation.
Side Dishes
These cookies shine alongside a cozy cup of tea or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which complements their sweetness and gives a creamy contrast. For brunch or a sweet snack, pair them with fresh fruit like berries or a glass of cold milk for the ultimate nostalgic combo.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re sharing these Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe treats at a party, consider arranging them on a pastel-colored platter with edible flowers for a garden party feel. You might also sandwich two cookies together with strawberry jam or cream cheese frosting for luscious cookie sandwiches that’ll wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their softness and freshness. They should stay delicious for several days, making them perfect for preparing ahead of time for events or to have on hand as a sweet treat anytime.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, they freeze wonderfully. Place cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a resealable freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, just thaw at room temperature—easy and convenient for spontaneous cravings!
Reheating
To revive that fresh-baked warmth, gently warm the cookies in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5 minutes or microwave a cookie for 10 to 15 seconds. This brings back their soft, tender texture and enhances the strawberry aroma.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
It’s best to avoid fresh strawberries in this recipe because their moisture content can make the dough too wet and affect the cookie’s texture. Freeze-dried strawberries provide concentrated flavor without extra liquid.
What is the purpose of the almond extract?
The almond extract is optional but recommended if you want a subtle nutty undertone that pairs beautifully with strawberries. It adds depth to the cookie’s flavor without overpowering the main ingredients.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill your dough slightly if you find your cookies are spreading too much during baking. Also, placing dough balls spaced adequately on the baking sheet helps them keep their shape.
Can I substitute the granulated sugar with something else?
Granulated sugar gives these cookies their characteristic texture and slight crunch. You could experiment with coconut sugar for a caramel note, but it may affect the color and texture slightly.
Will these cookies stay soft after baking?
Yes! One of the best parts about this Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe is that they remain soft for several days when stored properly in an airtight container, thanks to the careful balance of ingredients and baking time.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe are truly a joy to bake and even more delightful to share. The sweet strawberry flavor, tender texture, and charming pink hue make them perfect for any occasion or a simple homemade treat. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll find these cookies quickly becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen, guaranteed to bring smiles and happy moments every time.
Print
Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery, and bursting with natural strawberry flavor thanks to freeze-dried strawberries. Perfectly sweet and slightly chewy, these delightful pink cookies make a charming treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
Flavor Enhancers
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into powder
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries (for texture)
- Pink sanding sugar or extra granulated sugar (for rolling, optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pans: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to combine and aerate the dry ingredients evenly.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes, creating a creamy base for the cookies.
- Add Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) until fully incorporated, enhancing the cookie’s flavor and texture.
- Incorporate Strawberries: Stir in the crushed freeze-dried strawberry powder and the finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries to infuse the dough with natural strawberry sweetness and texture.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft, cohesive dough forms.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Optionally, roll each ball in pink sanding sugar or extra granulated sugar for a pretty, sparkling finish.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading. Gently flatten each ball slightly to help them bake evenly.
- Bake Cookies: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers appear slightly underbaked, ensuring a soft, chewy texture.
- Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, preventing breakage from handling them too warm.
Notes
- For extra strawberry flavor, add a few drops of strawberry extract to the dough.
- Avoid using fresh strawberries as they introduce too much moisture and can make the dough too wet.
- Store cookies in an airtight container to keep them soft for several days.
