Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

Picture this: the warm, enchanting aroma of freshly baked cookies wafts through your kitchen, teasing your senses with the sweet essence of ripe strawberries mixed with a delicate vanilla whisper. Those soft, light pink Strawberry Sugar Cookies rest temptingly on the rack, their edges just kissed golden and the promise of a melt-in-your-mouth bite lingering in the air. Baking these beauties feels like invoking summer itself, no matter the season, and the joy of sharing them with loved ones makes every moment in the kitchen absolutely worth it.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 32 minutes, this recipe fits seamlessly into your busy life while delivering impressive results.
• Simple Ingredients: You only need pantry staples plus a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberry powder to elevate these cookies wonderfully.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, afternoon tea, or a thoughtful homemade gift, these cookies charm every time.
• Impressive Presentation: The soft pink hue and delicate vanilla aroma create a visually stunning and delightfully fragrant treat.
• Customizable: Adjust the strawberry powder for more intense flavor or swap vanilla for almond extract for a unique twist.

Why This Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe Works

This Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe owes its success to a few simple but magic techniques and ingredients. The use of freeze-dried strawberry powder is key—it infuses vibrant color and pure strawberry flavor without adding moisture, ensuring a perfectly tender cookie. Creaming the softened butter and sugar until fluffy introduces lightness for a soft texture that almost dissolves on your tongue. Finally, watching the cookies closely during their brief 10-12 minute bake ensures they develop a subtle golden edge while remaining delightfully soft inside, making every bite irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect strawberry sugar cookie—simple, accessible, yet essential for balancing flavor and texture.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure and softness to the cookies.
• Baking powder: Helps create a light, airy texture by giving a gentle rise.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and overall flavor complexity.
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and a tender crumb when softened and whipped.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and contributes to the classic sugary crunch on the outside.
• Large egg: Binds the dough together and adds moisture.
• Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma that complements the strawberry essence perfectly.
• Freeze-dried strawberry powder: The star ingredient, sealing in natural strawberry flavor and a pretty pink color.

Ingredient Substitutions & Tips

• All-purpose flour: You can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour blends for a gluten-free version.
• Unsalted butter: Use vegan butter or margarine to make these cookies dairy-free without sacrificing texture.
• Freeze-dried strawberry powder: In a pinch, you might use finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries, but powder ensures even incorporation.
• Vanilla extract: Almond extract or strawberry extract can be swapped in for a unique flavor profile.

How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) for a perfect baking environment. Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to keep those delicate beauties from sticking and to make cleanup a dream.

💡 Pro Tip: Have your parchment paper ready before starting to make the process smooth and stress-free.

Step 2: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This will evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt for consistent cookies.

💡 Pro Tip: Sifting the flour as you whisk can help create an even finer texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar until the mixture is pale, airy, and fluffy. This step is critical as it aerates the dough, which results in a soft bite.

💡 Pro Tip: Use an electric mixer on medium speed for the best creamy texture.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in one large egg and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until everything is fully incorporated, and the mixture glows with a silky smooth sheen.

💡 Pro Tip: Crack eggs into a separate bowl first to avoid any shells spoiling your batter.

Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing here to keep your cookies tender and light.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a sturdy spatula to fold the dough gently for best results.

Step 6: Fold in Strawberry Powder

Gently fold in 3 tablespoons of freeze-dried strawberry powder. Watch as your dough transforms with a soft pink hue and bursts with strawberry flavor permeating every inch.

💡 Pro Tip: For a bolder color and flavor, increase the powder slightly but be mindful of texture.

Step 7: Shape and Flatten Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them about 2 inches apart on your prepared baking sheets. Use the bottom of a glass to press down gently, creating slightly flattened cookie shapes.

💡 Pro Tip: Dip the glass bottom in sugar before pressing to add a pretty sugary crust.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges turn a delicate golden shade while the centers stay soft. This is the sweet spot for that perfect chewiness and melt-in-the-mouth magic.

💡 Pro Tip: Rotate the baking sheets halfway through to ensure even baking.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling period lets them firm just enough while retaining tender deliciousness.

💡 Pro Tip: Try one warm! It’s a soft, sweet strawberry dream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from these common pitfalls:

• Using cold butter: Leads to uneven mixing and dense cookies.
• Overmixing dough: Can develop gluten in the flour, making cookies tough instead of tender.
• Skipping the parchment paper: May cause cookies to stick and bake unevenly.
• Pressing dough balls too thin: Results in crispy, burnt edges rather than soft cookies.
• Baking too long: Takes away the softness and leads to dry cookies.
• Not measuring flour properly: Using too much flour causes dry, crumbly cookies.

Delicious Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the classic version, feel free to play around with these exciting twists:

White Chocolate Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Stir white chocolate chips into the dough for a rich, creamy contrast to the tangy strawberry flavor.

Lemon-Infused Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to brighten the flavor and bring a citrusy zing that pairs beautifully with the strawberries.

Strawberry Almond Sugar Cookies

Swap vanilla extract for almond extract and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for a nutty crunch.

Glazed Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Drizzle a simple strawberry glaze made from powdered sugar and strawberry jam on cooled cookies for a stunning and sweet finish.

Vegan Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Use vegan butter and replace the egg with flaxseed meal mixed with water to enjoy this recipe with a vegan twist.

How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

Dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or add tiny fresh strawberry slices on top for an inviting look and a fresh burst of flavor.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a cup of herbal tea, a glass of cold milk, or a refreshing berry smoothie to complement the sweet fruitiness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange cookies on a pastel-colored plate with fresh strawberry halves and mint leaves for a charming dessert board. You can also package them in decorative tins as lovely homemade gifts that spread joy.

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 5 days. Placing a slice of bread inside the container helps maintain softness.

Freezing

Freeze unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm cookies briefly in a microwave (about 10 seconds) or in a low oven (300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes to revive that fresh-baked softness and aroma.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberry powder?

Fresh strawberries contain too much moisture which can alter the dough texture, so for best results, stick to freeze-dried strawberry powder for consistent flavor and texture.

What if I don’t have freeze-dried strawberry powder?

You can finely crush freeze-dried strawberries as an alternative, though the powder blends more evenly into the dough and results in a smoother texture.

Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, you can enjoy gluten-free Strawberry Sugar Cookies with great texture and taste.

How do I store these cookies to keep them soft?

Store them airtight with a slice of white bread or an apple slice to maintain moisture and softness in the cookies.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just double every ingredient, mix carefully, and bake in batches so the cookies get the perfect bake each time.

Is it okay to use salted butter?

While unsalted butter is preferred to control salt levels, salted butter can be used by slightly reducing or omitting the added salt in the recipe.

How can I make the cookies more strawberry-flavored?

Simply increase the amount of freeze-dried strawberry powder by a tablespoon or add a drop of natural strawberry extract for extra intensity.

Can I add frosting or decorations?

Yes! Use a light vanilla or strawberry glaze or royal icing to decorate after the cookies have cooled completely for a festive touch.

Final Thoughts

These Strawberry Sugar Cookies bring together the comforting nostalgia of a classic sugar cookie with the vibrant, fresh taste of strawberries. They are just as delightful to bake as they are to share, filling your kitchen with heartwarming scents and your table with smiles. Whether you’re making them to brighten an ordinary afternoon or to impress guests, this recipe delivers a tender, flavorful experience that feels like a hug in cookie form.

Have you tried this Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below. If you loved this recipe, please share it with friends and family. Happy cooking! 🍓🍪

Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

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Delight in the sweet taste of summer with these Strawberry Sugar Cookies. Infused with natural strawberry flavor and a hint of vanilla, these light pink cookies are perfect for any occasion, blending taste and elegance effortlessly.

• Author: Mari
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 24 cookies 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Flavoring

• 3 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and salt.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream the unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer or by hand until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, which incorporates air for a tender texture.
4. Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the large egg and vanilla extract into the creamed butter and sugar until fully incorporated, enhancing the flavor and structure of the cookie dough.
5. Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough which can make cookies tough.
6. Add Strawberry Powder: Gently fold in the freeze-dried strawberry powder, ensuring the dough has an even light pink color and strawberry flavor distributed throughout.
7. Shape Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
8. Flatten Dough Balls: Slightly flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass to encourage even baking and a uniform shape.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges turn lightly golden, indicating doneness while keeping the center soft.
10. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes to set before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring they firm up and retain their texture.

Notes

• For a more intense strawberry flavor, increase the amount of freeze-dried strawberry powder.
• Be careful not to overmix the dough to keep the cookies tender.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain freshness.