Strawberry Sugar Cookies

If you’re looking for a cookie recipe that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat, these Strawberry Sugar Cookies are the perfect choice. Soft, chewy, and bursting with natural strawberry flavor, these pink-hued cookies are a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. Whether you’re baking for Valentine’s Day, spring celebrations, or simply craving a fruity treat, these cookies are sure to brighten your day. Dive into this ultimate guide to creating the perfect batch of Strawberry Sugar Cookies!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies aren’t just a dessert—they’re an experience. Here’s why they stand out:

• Soft and Chewy: Perfectly tender cookies that melt in your mouth with every bite.
• Natural Strawberry Flavor: Made with fresh or freeze-dried strawberries for an authentic, fruity taste.
• Visually Stunning: Their vibrant pink hue makes them ideal for festive occasions like Valentine’s Day or spring parties.
• Easy to Customize: Add glazes, sprinkles, chocolate drizzles, or other toppings for extra flair.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

To create these delightful Strawberry Sugar Cookies, gather the following key components:

Base Ingredients:

• Unsalted Butter (Softened): Adds richness and contributes to the cookies’ soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cookies while enhancing their delicate texture.
• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes.
• Freeze-Dried Strawberries (Ground into Powder) or Fresh Strawberry Puree (Reduced): Provides the signature strawberry flavor and natural pink color.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and ensures a tender crumb.
• Baking Powder & Salt: Essential for leavening and balancing the sweetness.

Optional Additions:

• Pink or Red Food Coloring: For a more vibrant color if desired.
• Powdered Sugar (for Dusting): Adds a simple, elegant finish.
• Strawberry Glaze: Made with powdered sugar and strawberry puree for extra sweetness.
• Sprinkles: For a festive touch, especially during holidays.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together using a hand or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, which typically takes about 2-3 minutes. This step incorporates air into the dough, contributing to the cookies’ soft texture.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry powder (or reduced strawberry puree) until fully incorporated. The strawberry powder not only adds flavor but also infuses the dough with a natural pink hue. If using fresh strawberry puree, ensure it’s cooked down to a thick consistency to prevent the cookies from becoming too moist.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough cookies.
4. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling firms up the dough, making it easier to handle and preventing the cookies from spreading too much during baking.

Step 2: Shape and Bake

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
2. Roll the Dough: Roll the chilled dough into tablespoon-sized balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for slight spreading.
3. Flatten the Cookies: Use the bottom of a glass or your hand to slightly flatten each ball. This helps the cookies bake evenly and gives them a classic sugar cookie shape.
4. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking, as these cookies are best when they’re slightly underdone.
5. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling ensures the cookies firm up and maintain their delicate texture.

Step 3: Decorate (Optional)

1. Dust with Powdered Sugar: Sprinkle powdered sugar over the cooled cookies for a simple, elegant finish.
2. Add a Glaze: To make a strawberry glaze, whisk together powdered sugar and a few teaspoons of strawberry puree or milk until smooth. Drizzle or spread the glaze over the cookies for extra sweetness.
3. Sprinkles: Top with sprinkles while the glaze is still wet for a festive touch, especially during holidays like Valentine’s Day.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes about 20 cookies
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Perfect for holidays or weekend baking projects, these cookies deliver big flavor and charm with manageable effort.

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Variations

Love experimenting with flavors? Here are some fun ways to customize your Strawberry Sugar Cookies:

• Chocolate Strawberry: Dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent twist.
• Strawberry Lemon: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg substitute for a vegan-friendly version.
• Mini Cookies: Use a smaller scoop to make bite-sized cookies and reduce the baking time to 6-8 minutes.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Proper storage ensures your cookies stay fresh and delicious:

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Refrigerator: Extend freshness by refrigerating for up to 1 week.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked dough balls or baked cookies in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw before baking or serving.

For optimal texture, let refrigerated cookies come to room temperature before serving. Avoid storing glazed cookies in humid environments to prevent the glaze from softening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about this recipe:

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Yes, purée fresh strawberries and cook them down to a thick consistency before adding to the dough.

What’s the purpose of chilling the dough?
Chilling helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

Can I skip the food coloring?
Absolutely! The strawberry powder or purée provides a natural pink hue, though it will be lighter.

How do I make the glaze?
Mix powdered sugar with a few teaspoons of strawberry puree or milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more liquid for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker one.

Are these cookies kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids will love their fruity flavor and vibrant color.

Can I make heart-shaped cookies?
Yes, roll out the dough and use a heart-shaped cutter before baking.

Can I use other fruits?
Yes, substitute the strawberries with freeze-dried raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor.

How do I prevent the cookies from being dry?
Do not overbake; remove them as soon as the edges are set and the centers are soft.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily for larger batches.

What pairs well with these cookies?
Serve with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for a delightful pairing.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a sweet, fruity twist on a classic treat. Their soft, chewy texture and gorgeous pink color make them perfect for celebrations or everyday enjoyment. Easy to make and customize, these cookies are sure to become a favorite in your baking rotation. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.

So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to whip up a batch of these irresistible cookies. Once you take your first bite, you’ll understand why they’re a timeless classic with a fruity twist!