There is something absolutely magical about strawberry-flavored treats, and these delightful gems are no exception. The Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe brings together the perfect balance of sweetness, a soft yet slightly crisp texture, and that irresistible, natural strawberry essence derived from real freeze-dried strawberries. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon tea, a festive gathering, or simply craving a nostalgic homemade cookie, this recipe offers a tender crumb and a beautiful pink hue that will light up your cookie plate. It’s a celebration of classic sugar cookies with a fruity twist that you’ll want to share again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet vital in creating the delicious flavor, perfect texture, and lovely color of these cookies. Each one plays its unique role, ensuring your cookies not only taste wonderful but also look inviting.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, creamy base that makes the cookies tender and flavorful.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the essential sweetness and helps in creating that lightly crisp edge.
- Large egg: Binds all the ingredients together and lends moisture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with warm, sweet notes.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the cookie dough, giving structure and body.
- Baking powder: Gives a gentle rise, ensuring your cookies are light and soft.
- Salt: A pinch to balance sweetness and deepen the flavors.
- Freeze-dried strawberries: The star ingredient for that bright, natural strawberry flavor and pretty color specks throughout.
- Powdered sugar: For making a smooth glaze that adds a luscious, sweet finish.
How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by beating the unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air that helps to give your cookies a soft texture and a slight lift.
Step 2: Add Egg and Vanilla Extract
Next, mix in the large egg and pure vanilla extract until everything is fully combined. The egg adds moisture and helps bind ingredients, while the vanilla enhances all the flavors, especially that fruity strawberry note.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Freeze-Dried Strawberries
In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and finely ground freeze-dried strawberries. The freeze-dried strawberries give not just flavor but that delightful pink tint and little bursts of strawberry goodness throughout every bite.
Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Into Wet Mixture
Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, stirring gently until the dough comes together and looks smooth. Don’t overmix here, or the cookies might turn tough instead of tender.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into small balls, place them on a baking sheet, and gently flatten each one to create the classic sugar cookie shape. Bake in a preheated oven until the edges are just turning golden, guaranteeing a soft center with a perfect bite.
Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle Glaze
While your cookies cool, mix powdered sugar with a bit of water or milk to create a glossy glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled cookies for a sweet finishing touch that beautifully complements the strawberry flavor.
How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your strawberry sugar cookies, consider sprinkling finely chopped fresh strawberries or candy-coated sprinkles on top of the glaze before it sets. This adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and an extra layer of flavor that makes every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a chilled glass of milk or a cup of hot tea infused with floral notes like chamomile or hibiscus. For brunch or dessert, serve alongside fresh fruit or a bowl of mixed berries to echo the strawberry theme.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the cookies between layers of whipped cream and sliced strawberries for a quick and decadent strawberry cookie sandwich. Or arrange them on a pretty platter with edible flowers and fresh strawberry halves to wow guests at your next gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Strawberry Sugar Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They should stay soft and tasty for up to a week, so you can enjoy that delightful strawberry sweetness whenever a craving hits.
Freezing
If you want to make these cookies ahead of time, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Frozen, they’ll keep beautifully for up to three months and thaw quickly at room temperature.
Reheating
To revive the fresh-baked feel, warm your cookies gently in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes after thawing. This will bring back that tender texture and make the glaze glisten again as if they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Fresh strawberries add a lot of moisture which can throw off the dough’s texture, causing it to be too soft or sticky. Freeze-dried strawberries are preferred because they offer concentrated flavor and color without extra moisture.
How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?
Adjust the powdered sugar and liquid used to make your glaze. Add more powdered sugar to thicken or a few drops of milk or water to thin it out until you get the desired consistency for drizzling.
Are these cookies suitable for decorating with royal icing?
Absolutely! Because these sugar cookies hold their shape well, they make a fantastic base for royal icing decorations if you want to add a festive or artistic touch.
What can I substitute for vanilla extract?
If you don’t have vanilla on hand, almond extract works nicely and adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements the strawberries. Use sparingly, as it’s stronger than vanilla.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Just ensure it contains xanthan gum or add it separately to maintain the right texture.
Final Thoughts
Making this Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe is like capturing the joy of fresh strawberries and classic sugar cookies all in one bite. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug from the oven, perfect for sharing or savoring quietly with your favorite beverage. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved staple in your baking collection. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Sugar Cookies combine a classic buttery sugar cookie base with the vibrant flavor of freeze-dried strawberries, finished with a sweet powdered sugar glaze. Perfectly soft and tender, these cookies are ideal for a delightful dessert or snack that bursts with natural strawberry essence.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup freeze-dried strawberries, ground into a powder
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or water (to desired consistency)
- Optional: ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for flavor
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale, about 3-4 minutes. This aeration is key for tender cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in one large egg and one teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated, ensuring a smooth and homogeneous batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Strawberries: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and ground freeze-dried strawberries. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing at low speed or folding with a spatula until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. 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 are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: While the cookies cool, whisk powdered sugar with milk or water and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies using a spoon or a piping bag. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Grinding the freeze-dried strawberries finely helps distribute the flavor evenly throughout the dough.
- Do not overmix the dough once the flour is added to keep the cookies tender.
- For a more intense strawberry flavor, you can increase the amount of freeze-dried strawberries up to 1 cup.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness with more or less liquid depending on your preference.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
