Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Sweet bursts of berry flavor swirled with buttery, melt-in-your-mouth goodness – that’s what makes Strawberry Sugar Cookies truly irresistible. These gorgeous pink cookies are a dreamy blend of classic sugar cookie texture and bright strawberry flair, thanks to real freeze-dried berries and a touch of strawberry extract. Whether you’re baking for a spring celebration, a holiday cookie swap, or just because you need a little edible sunshine, you’ll fall in love with how easy, vibrant, and downright delightful these cookies turn out!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll love how simple yet essential every ingredient is in Strawberry Sugar Cookies! Each one plays a key part, from building that signature soft crumb to infusing the cookies with pretty color and natural strawberry tang.
- Unsalted Butter: Softened butter delivers a delicate, tender dough and that classic buttery cookie flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps the cookies spread just the right amount while baking.
- Large Egg: Provides structure and keeps the cookies soft and chewy.
- Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors and enhances the overall aroma.
- Strawberry Extract: Intensifies the fruity profile – if you love a bold strawberry taste, don’t skip this!
- All-Purpose Flour: Gives the cookies their structure without making them too dense or cakey.
- Baking Powder: Helps the cookies puff up just a bit for that perfect bite.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and makes the berry flavor pop.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries: Finely crushed, these bring gorgeous color and real fruit flavor to every bite.
- Pink or Red Sanding Sugar (Optional): Rolling the dough balls in sparkling sugar adds crunch and flair – perfect for celebrations.
How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Set the baking scene! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your Strawberry Sugar Cookies bake up evenly and don’t stick (plus, cleanup is a breeze).
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Spend a couple of minutes on this – you’re looking for a pale, fluffy texture, which means air is incorporated for tender cookies.
Step 3: Introduce the Egg and Extracts
Beat in the egg until fully blended, then add your vanilla and strawberry extracts. The kitchen will start smelling amazing as those flavors mingle with the buttery base!
Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and the star ingredient: crushed freeze-dried strawberries. You want the dry mix to look speckled and blush-pink all over.
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Over-mixing can make cookies tough, so stop as soon as you don’t see streaks of flour.
Step 6: Shape and Roll
Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls using your hands. For extra sparkle and crunch, roll each dough ball in pink or red sanding sugar if you’d like!
Step 7: Flatten and Bake
Arrange the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Gently press each one with the bottom of a glass or your palm to flatten slightly. Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the bottoms are a light golden color.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes first, then transfer to a wire rack to finish cooling. This helps them firm up while staying soft on the inside – the Strawberry Sugar Cookies are ready to savor!
How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
For a festive touch, add a drizzle of simple icing (powdered sugar and milk) or scatter extra crushed freeze-dried strawberries over the top just before the icing sets. These elegant finishes make Strawberry Sugar Cookies even more tempting!
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a glass of cold milk, a cup of tea, or set them alongside fresh berries and whipped cream for an easy but stunning dessert platter. If you want to go all out, serve with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
Creative Ways to Present
Show off those pink hues by layering the cookies on a tiered tray or stacking them in clear jars tied with ribbon for gifting. For parties, arrange them on a white platter with edible flowers or chocolates for a storybook-sweet display.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Strawberry Sugar Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. They’ll stay soft, flavorful, and ready for snacking whenever you crave a little berry magic.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Freeze baked cookies between layers of parchment in a sealed container for up to two months. You can also freeze the dough balls and bake them off fresh when you need a quick treat.
Reheating
If you love that just-baked flavor, pop a cookie in the microwave for about 8 seconds; they’ll taste like they came straight from the oven, with all the strawberry aroma and buttery goodness revived.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Fresh strawberries have too much moisture, which can make the dough wet and affect the texture. Freeze-dried strawberries add flavor and color without changing the consistency. For the best Strawberry Sugar Cookies, stick to freeze-dried!
What can I use if I can’t find strawberry extract?
You can substitute strawberry extract with a teaspoon of strawberry jam, though you’ll get a subtler flavor and slightly softer dough. It still brings a lovely hint of berry to your Strawberry Sugar Cookies.
Why roll the cookies in sanding sugar?
Rolling in colored sanding sugar adds a gentle crunch and makes the cookies sparkle, making them perfect for parties or gifts. Plus, it emphasizes their pretty pink color and makes every bite extra fun.
How do I know when the cookies are done?
They’re ready when the edges are set but the centers look just a bit soft and puffy. The bottoms should be light golden. Overbaking can dry out the cookies, so start checking at the 10-minute mark.
Can I make smaller or larger cookies?
Absolutely! Just adjust the baking time: Make mini Strawberry Sugar Cookies for a bite-size treat (bake a minute less), or larger bakery-style cookies (add a couple of minutes). Watch the oven so you don’t overbake.
Final Thoughts
Once you take a bite of these Strawberry Sugar Cookies, you’ll see why they’re so beloved at gatherings and cozy afternoons alike. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends, whip up a batch and let their sweet, cheerful flavor brighten your every day!
Print
Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a delightful treat with a burst of fruity flavor. They are perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon strawberry extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries (crushed into powder)
- pink or red sanding sugar (optional, for rolling)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
- Mix wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Form and bake cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll into balls, and if desired, roll in sanding sugar. Place on the prepared baking sheet and flatten each dough ball. Bake for 10–12 minutes until edges are set. Cool before serving.
Notes
- For a chewy texture, avoid overbaking.
- You can drizzle with a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk for extra sweetness.
- Substitute strawberry extract with a teaspoon of strawberry jam if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
