Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
If you adore the irresistible combination of berries and soft, buttery cookies, Strawberry Sugar Cookies are about to become your new obsession. These pink-hued gems are bursting with natural strawberry flavor thanks to a clever use of freeze-dried fruit, giving each cookie a vibrant color and a fresh, fruity taste that’ll make your kitchen smell like spring. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting a friend, or simply looking to brighten up an afternoon, this delightful cookie recipe promises jammy nostalgia and tender sweetness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of Strawberry Sugar Cookies comes from their perfect blend of simple, high-quality ingredients, each chosen for the juicy berry flavor, pillowy texture, and eye-catching look. Don’t skip out on any of these essentials—they each play a delicious role!
- Unsalted butter, softened: Brings rich flavor and creates a buttery, soft crumb in the finished cookies.
- Granulated sugar: Provides the classic sweetness and that signature sugar-cookie crisp edge.
- Large egg: Adds structure and helps keep the cookies tender and chewy.
- Vanilla extract: Deepens the overall flavor and enhances the strawberry notes—don’t leave this out!
- Almond extract (optional): A dash lends an extra layer of bakery-style aroma—try it if you love a nutty hint.
- Freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed: The secret to intense berry flavor and bold natural color, without any sogginess.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the sturdy-but-soft base that lets the cookies hold their shape while staying melt-in-your-mouth tender.
- Baking powder: Provides a little lift, keeping the cookies light and irresistibly soft.
- Salt: Balances all the sweet flavors and amplifies the natural strawberry brightness.
- Pink or red sanding sugar (optional): For rolling, adds a playful sparkle and extra crunch to the outside.
How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Station
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper—no sticky situations here! This simple step ensures easy cleanup and perfectly golden cookie bottoms every single time. Gather all your ingredients and measure everything out so the process goes smoothly from start to finish.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat until the mixture turns light and fluffy—this can take about 2 to 3 minutes. Proper creaming is essential for Strawberry Sugar Cookies, giving them their airy, tender texture and a lovely delicate crumb.
Step 3: Add Egg, Vanilla, and Almond Extract
Beat in the egg, then add the vanilla extract and almond extract, if you’re using it. Mix until everything is fully incorporated. This step supports the structure of your cookies and ensures every bite is infused with luscious vanilla (and almond!) notes, providing a perfect background for the punchy strawberry flavor to come.
Step 4: Mix In Strawberry Powder
Add the finely crushed freeze-dried strawberry powder to your wet mixture, blending until the dough turns a gorgeous, vivid pink and the berries are evenly distributed throughout. The strawberry powder is what transforms ordinary sugar cookies into Strawberry Sugar Cookies, infusing them with natural fruitiness and vibrant color.
Step 5: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your wet mixture, blending just until a soft and cohesive dough forms. Be careful not to overmix—this keeps the cookies tender and avoids a tough texture.
Step 6: Shape and Roll the Cookies
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls with your hands. If you love a little crunch and color, gently roll each dough ball in pink or red sanding sugar before placing them onto your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. This step ensures that your Strawberry Sugar Cookies have a sparkly finish and a cheerful pop of color.
Step 7: Flatten and Bake
Use the bottom of a glass or your palm to flatten each dough ball slightly—this helps them bake evenly and get that perfect crinkly, bakery-style top. Slide the sheets into your preheated oven and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just set and the centers are still a little soft. Don’t overbake—these cookies should be pillowy and tender in the middle!
Step 8: Cool Completely
Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Their flavor and texture settle as they cool—resist diving in right away for the very best Strawberry Sugar Cookies experience.
How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, sprinkle cooled cookies with a little more strawberry powder or a dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re feeling fancy, drizzle a simple white glaze over the tops or add a cute strawberry slice to elevate the presentation.
Side Dishes
Pair your Strawberry Sugar Cookies with a cold glass of milk, iced tea, or a berry-swirled latte for a perfect snack break. For dessert platters, these cookies look gorgeous alongside chocolate-dipped strawberries, lemon bars, or mini vanilla cupcakes.
Creative Ways to Present
Pack them into mason jars with a ribbon as charming gifts, stack them in pastel boxes for showers, or use them as colorful toppers for ice cream sundaes. For holidays or birthdays, arrange the Strawberry Sugar Cookies on a tiered plate with a scattering of fresh berries and edible flowers for a showstopping centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Strawberry Sugar Cookies soft by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to five days, though they’re usually gone well before then! Slip a slice of bread into the container to maintain maximum softness.
Freezing
Both the unbaked dough balls and the fully baked cookies freeze beautifully. For dough, roll into balls and freeze on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to two months—bake straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the bake time. For baked cookies, let cool completely and freeze in layers separated by wax paper.
Reheating
If you prefer your cookies warm, pop a baked Strawberry Sugar Cookie in the microwave for 5 to 10 seconds—just enough to gently soften and release those berry aromas. Avoid over-microwaving to keep the centers tender!
FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Fresh or frozen berries add too much moisture and won’t give the same intense flavor or color. Freeze-dried strawberries are the magic ingredient for these Strawberry Sugar Cookies and deliver unbeatable results without making the dough wet.
Is the almond extract necessary?
Nope! The almond extract is totally optional. It adds a subtle nutty background that some people adore, but if you prefer your Strawberry Sugar Cookies purely fruity, just use vanilla extract and skip the almond.
Can I add white chocolate chips or sprinkles to the dough?
Absolutely! White chocolate chips add creamy pops of sweetness, and extra sprinkles can make your cookies even more festive. Just fold them in gently after mixing the dough for tasty variations.
Why isn’t my dough pink enough?
If your cookies are paler than you hoped, double-check that you crushed the freeze-dried strawberries into a very fine powder, and make sure you’re using enough. For a super vibrant hue, you can always add a tiny drop of pink food coloring, but usually the berries do the job naturally!
Can I make these cookies gluten free?
Yes, you can substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for regular flour with great results. Keep an eye on the baking time since gluten-free cookies sometimes bake a touch faster.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cookie that’s bursting with fresh flavor and playful, colorful energy, Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a joyous baking project you don’t want to miss. Grab those freeze-dried strawberries and treat your friends, family, or just yourself to these irresistible treats. Happy baking!
Print
Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful taste of these Strawberry Sugar Cookies, perfect for any occasion with their fruity flavor and sweet crunch.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/3 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed into powder
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Rolling:
- Pink or red sanding sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix in the strawberry powder.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually mix into the wet mixture.
- Form Dough: Scoop out tablespoons of dough, roll into balls, and coat with sanding sugar. Flatten slightly with a glass.
- Bake: Place on baking sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are set but centers are soft.
- Cool: Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Freeze-dried strawberries provide intense flavor without excess moisture.
- For extra strawberry flavor, incorporate powder into glazes or frostings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
