Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
If you’ve been on the hunt for a delightfully sweet, fruit-infused treat that feels like a bite of summer, this Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe will become your new favorite. These cookies are soft yet crisp at the edges, with that unmistakable, bright flavor of real strawberries packed right into every crumb. The combination of buttery sweetness and tangy strawberry notes makes each cookie simply irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a casual afternoon indulgence, these cookies bring a joyful burst of color and flavor to any moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this recipe, but don’t worry — they’re all pantry staples with a few special touches that give these cookies their unique twist. Each component plays an important role, from the creamy butter providing richness to the freeze-dried strawberries delivering intense natural flavor without sogginess.
- Unsalted butter: Using unsalted allows you to control the salt balance perfectly for that creamy richness without overpowering sweetness.
- Granulated sugar: Essential for the cookie’s characteristic sweetness and slight crunch on the edges.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder to keep everything together with a tender crumb.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that enhances the strawberry flavor beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure so the cookies hold their shape while staying soft inside.
- Baking powder: Gives a gentle lift for a light and slightly puffy texture.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens the overall flavors.
- Freeze-dried strawberries: Intensely fruity without adding moisture, these strawberries pack a punch in both taste and vibrant color.
- Powdered sugar: For the glaze, this creates a smooth, sweet drizzle that finishes the cookies with a perfect touch.
How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it aerates the dough, creating cookies that are tender and easy to bite into. Don’t rush this part; it might take a few minutes, but the fluffy texture is worth the wait.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract
Next, crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract. Mix thoroughly until fully combined. The egg brings moisture and helps bind the dough, while the vanilla introduces those warm, comforting undertones that complement the strawberries perfectly.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Strawberries
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Gently fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, adding the flour gradually to avoid overmixing. This method ensures your cookies stay soft without becoming tough or dense.
Step 4: Shape and Bake the Cookies
Roll the dough into small balls, about one inch in diameter, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flatten each ball lightly with your palm or the bottom of a glass to create a nice cookie shape. Bake in a preheated oven until the edges are delicately golden. The result? Perfectly shaped cookies that are crispy around the edges and satisfyingly soft in the center.
Step 5: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
While the cookies cool, whip up a simple glaze using powdered sugar mixed with a touch of water or milk to achieve a pourable consistency. Drizzle this glossy topping over each cookie, adding a sweet finishing touch that also highlights the pink hues from the strawberry powder in the dough.
How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
While the glaze adds immediate visual appeal, you can elevate these cookies by sprinkling a few extra crushed freeze-dried strawberries or even edible flower petals on top. This adds an artistic touch and a little boost of complementary flavor that makes every bite feel extra special.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk or a cup of fresh herbal tea. For brunch or dessert, serve them alongside vanilla yogurt or a scoop of strawberry ice cream for an indulgent twist. The fresh strawberry notes in the cookies beautifully complement creamy or fruity sides.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your strawberry sugar cookies the star of any gathering by stacking them on a pretty cake stand or arranging them in a decorative tin tied with a ribbon for gifts. You can also sandwich them with cream cheese frosting for a fun twist on classic cookie sandwiches, making this Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe even more versatile and delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. Thanks to the balanced moisture, they will stay soft and flavorful for up to a week. This makes them perfect for prepping ahead for parties or just to have on hand as a go-to sweet snack.
Freezing
You can freeze both unbaked dough balls and baked cookies. For dough, place the rolled balls on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. This keeps them fresh and ready to bake whenever the craving hits. Baked cookies should be wrapped tightly and placed in a freezer-safe container to maintain their texture when thawed.
Reheating
If you want to enjoy your cookies warm, pop them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or reheat gently in a low oven. This revives their soft, melt-in-your-mouth feel and helps the glaze soften slightly for an even more enjoyable treat.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried in the Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Fresh strawberries contain a lot of moisture, which can alter the cookie dough’s texture and baking time. Freeze-dried strawberries are recommended because they provide concentrated flavor without adding unwanted moisture, ensuring the perfect cookie consistency.
Are these cookies gluten-free?
The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends that are designed for baking to make a gluten-free version. Adjustments might be needed for the dough consistency.
Can I substitute butter with margarine or oil?
Butter offers a unique richness and flavor that’s hard to replicate. Margarine or oils can be used in a pinch but may affect the taste and texture. If substituting, expect slightly different results—probably a less sturdy dough and softer cookies.
How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Adjust the glaze by gradually adding more powdered sugar to thicken it or a few drops of milk or water to thin it out. The goal is a consistency thick enough to hold when drizzled but thin enough to spread smoothly.
Can I add other flavors to this Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! A hint of lemon zest or a dash of almond extract pairs wonderfully with strawberries and can add a new dimension to your cookies. Just add these flavorings in small amounts to keep the balance right.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe enough — it’s truly a joy to bake and an even bigger joy to share. The delightful strawberry flavor, combined with that perfect buttery bite, makes these cookies an instant favorite. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just because, these cookies bring a little sunshine and sweetness to every day. Give it a try, and I promise these will become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
Description
These Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, infused with the vibrant flavor of freeze-dried strawberries and topped with a sweet powdered sugar glaze. Perfectly soft and chewy, they make a charming treat for any occasion, bursting with a fresh berry essence and a lovely pink hue.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or water (optional, for thinning glaze)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and creamy, about 3-4 minutes. This aeration helps create a tender crumb.
- Add Egg and Vanilla Extract: Crack in the egg and pour in the vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until evenly combined with the butter and sugar mixture, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients and Strawberries: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and finely ground freeze-dried strawberries. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients and mix just until incorporated, being careful not to overmix to maintain cookie tenderness.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into approximately 1-inch balls, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat, and gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand or the bottom of a glass. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges just start turning golden.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: While the cookies cool on a wire rack, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar with a small amount of milk or water to reach a drizzleable consistency. Once the cookies are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the cookies using a fork or spoon for a decorative finish. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Freeze-dried strawberries provide intense berry flavor without adding moisture, which keeps the cookies tender.
- You can substitute vanilla extract with almond extract for a different flavor profile.
- Make sure cookies are fully cooled before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, sprinkle a few freeze-dried pieces on top of the glazed cookies before the glaze sets.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
