Strawberry Sugar Cookies: The Ultimate Recipe & Baking Guide

Strawberry Sugar Cookies: Prepare to fall in love with the most delightful, melt-in-your-mouth cookies you’ve ever tasted! Imagine biting into a perfectly soft, subtly sweet sugar cookie, infused with the bright, fresh flavor of real strawberries. These aren’t your average sugar cookies; they’re a springtime celebration in every bite.

Sugar cookies themselves have a rich history, dating back to the 1700s in Pennsylvania, where German settlers introduced them. They were simple, comforting, and quickly became a beloved treat. But the addition of strawberries? That’s where the magic truly happens! Strawberries add a touch of elegance and a burst of fruity goodness that elevates the classic sugar cookie to a whole new level.

What makes these strawberry sugar cookies so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The soft, slightly chewy cookie base complements the sweet-tartness of the strawberries beautifully. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make, making them perfect for baking with kids or whipping up a batch for a last-minute gathering. Whether you’re enjoying them with a cup of tea, sharing them with friends, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, these cookies are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Get ready to experience cookie perfection!

Ingredients:

• For the Cookies:
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a nice touch!)
• 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground into a powder
• For the Strawberry Sugar Coating:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground into a powder

Preparing the Strawberry Sugar Cookie Dough

1. Whisk the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the dough, resulting in a consistent texture. Set this aside for now.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color and have a smooth, airy texture. Scraping down the sides of the bowl occasionally helps to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
3. Add the Egg and Extracts: Beat in the egg until fully incorporated. Then, stir in the vanilla extract and almond extract (if using). The almond extract enhances the strawberry flavor, but it’s perfectly fine to omit it if you prefer a pure vanilla flavor.
4. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies. Mix until you no longer see streaks of flour.
5. Add the Strawberry Powder: Stir in the ground freeze-dried strawberry powder until evenly distributed throughout the dough. This is what gives the cookies their beautiful pink hue and delicious strawberry flavor. Make sure there are no clumps of strawberry powder remaining.
6. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably 2-3 hours. Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax, which prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough easier to handle. You can even chill it overnight if that’s more convenient.

Preparing the Strawberry Sugar Coating

1. Combine the Sugar and Strawberry Powder: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar and the remaining ground freeze-dried strawberry powder. Mix well until the strawberry powder is evenly distributed throughout the sugar. This creates a beautiful pink sugar coating that adds extra sweetness and strawberry flavor to the cookies.

Shaping and Baking the Cookies

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Shape the Cookies: Remove the chilled dough from the refrigerator. Using a cookie scoop or your hands, roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
3. Coat in Strawberry Sugar: Roll each dough ball in the strawberry sugar mixture, ensuring that it is evenly coated. Gently press the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
4. Bake the Cookies: Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set. Be careful not to overbake the cookies, as they will continue to firm up as they cool.
5. Cool the Cookies: Remove the baking sheets from the oven and let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from breaking while they are still soft.

Tips for Perfect Strawberry Sugar Cookies

• Use Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Fresh strawberries contain too much moisture and will alter the texture of the cookies. Freeze-dried strawberries provide intense strawberry flavor without adding extra liquid.
• Grind the Strawberries Finely: Use a food processor or blender to grind the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. This ensures that the strawberry flavor is evenly distributed throughout the dough and sugar coating.
• Don’t Overmix the Dough: Overmixing the dough can develop the gluten, resulting in tough cookies. Mix until just combined.
• Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking. It also makes the dough easier to handle.
• Don’t Overbake the Cookies: Overbaked cookies will be dry and crumbly. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set.
• Storage: Store the cooled cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.

Variations and Additions

• Add White Chocolate Chips: Stir in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips to the dough for extra sweetness and creaminess.
• Drizzle with White Chocolate: Drizzle melted white chocolate over the cooled cookies for a beautiful and delicious finish.
• Add Sprinkles: Add sprinkles to the strawberry sugar coating for a festive touch.
• Make Sandwich Cookies: Sandwich two cookies together with a layer of strawberry buttercream frosting.
• Use Different Extracts: Experiment with different extracts, such as lemon extract or rose extract, to create unique flavor combinations.

Troubleshooting

• Cookies are Spreading Too Much: Make sure you are using the correct amount of flour and that your butter is not too soft. Also, ensure that you are chilling the dough for the recommended amount of time.
• Cookies are Too Dry: Don’t overbake the cookies. Bake until the edges are lightly golden brown and the centers are set.
• Cookies are Too Tough: Don’t overmix the dough. Mix until just combined.
• Strawberry Flavor is Not Strong Enough: Use high-quality freeze-dried strawberries and make sure to grind them into a fine powder. You can also add a few drops of strawberry extract to the dough.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve these cookies with a glass of cold milk or a cup of hot tea.
• Pack them in a lunchbox for a sweet treat.
• Bring them to a potluck or bake sale.
• Give them as a homemade gift.
• Enjoy them as a simple and delicious dessert.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per cookie)

• Calories: 120
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Sodium: 50mg
• Carbohydrates: 16g
• Sugar: 9g
• Protein: 1g

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These aren’t just any cookies; they’re strawberry sugar cookies, little bites of sunshine that are guaranteed to brighten your day. From the vibrant pink hue to the delicate strawberry flavor that melts in your mouth, every aspect of this recipe has been carefully crafted to deliver a truly unforgettable baking experience. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves baking, strawberries, or simply enjoys a delicious, homemade treat. But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s simple: it’s easy, it’s beautiful, and most importantly, it’s incredibly delicious. The dough comes together quickly, the baking time is minimal, and the results are consistently perfect. Plus, the natural strawberry flavor is so much more satisfying than artificial flavorings. These cookies are perfect for any occasion, from a casual afternoon snack to a special celebration. Imagine serving these at a baby shower, a bridal brunch, or even just a cozy night in with a cup of tea. They’re guaranteed to be a hit! Now, let’s talk about serving suggestions and variations. While these cookies are absolutely divine on their own, there are plenty of ways to elevate them even further. For a truly decadent treat, try sandwiching two cookies together with a layer of strawberry buttercream frosting. Or, for a lighter option, dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and strawberry juice. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with different variations of the recipe. Try adding a pinch of cardamom or ginger to the dough for a warm, spicy twist. Or, for a more intense strawberry flavor, use freeze-dried strawberries that have been ground into a powder. You could even add a handful of white chocolate chips to the dough for a touch of extra sweetness. Another fun variation is to use different cookie cutters to create unique shapes. Hearts, stars, flowers – the possibilities are endless! This is a great way to get kids involved in the baking process and let their creativity shine. These strawberry sugar cookies are also incredibly versatile when it comes to decorating. You can keep it simple with a dusting of sprinkles, or you can get fancy with royal icing and create intricate designs. The pink color of the cookies provides a beautiful canvas for any type of decoration. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of baking these delightful cookies. I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I truly believe it’s one of my best. So, what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to bake some magic! I promise you won’t be disappointed. And finally, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience making these cookies. Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you come up with your own creative twists? Please share your photos and stories with me in the comments below. I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy baking! I hope you enjoy these strawberry sugar cookies as much as I do!

Print