“`html
There’s something truly magical about the Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe that combines the vibrant sweetness of real strawberries with the classic soft, buttery texture of sugar cookies. These cookies are a delightful treat that feels both comforting and fresh, perfect for sharing at a cozy afternoon gathering or brightening up any day with a burst of fruity flavor. Each bite melts in your mouth, offering a subtle tang from the freeze-dried strawberries balanced by a lightly sweet glaze that turns these simple cookies into an unforgettable indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and thoughtful ingredient choices. Each component plays a vital role, creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that lovely strawberry hue that makes these sugar cookies stand out.
- Unsalted butter: Provides the creamy richness and tender crumb essential for perfect sugar cookies.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that delicate crisp edge around the cookie.
- Large egg: Binds everything together while lending moisture for a soft, chewy bite.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, aromatic notes that complement the strawberry.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of the dough, giving it structure and chewiness.
- Baking powder: Gives just the right lift for lightness without losing that classic sugar cookie texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
- Freeze-dried strawberries: The star ingredient, offering concentrated strawberry flavor and a lovely pink speckled look.
- Powdered sugar: Used for the glaze, it adds a delicate sweetness and smooth finish that ties the whole cookie together.
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 is fluffy and pale. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, giving your cookies that light and tender texture you’ll adore.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Vanilla Extract
Next, mix in one large egg and a splash of vanilla extract. The egg adds moisture and helps with binding, while the vanilla infuses the cookie dough with a warm, inviting aroma that perfectly complements the strawberries.
Step 3: Combine 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 mix to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the dough—this ensures your cookies stay tender and soft.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Roll the dough into evenly sized balls about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. Place them on your baking sheet, then gently flatten each one to create a classic sugar cookie shape. Bake until the edges are lightly golden—this gives a perfect balance between chewy centers and a slight crispness on the outside.
Step 5: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
While your cookies cool, mix powdered sugar with a touch of water or milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled cookies for a touch of sweetness and a pretty glossy finish that highlights the strawberry bits inside.
How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra-special touch, consider sprinkling finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar right before serving. Fresh mint leaves also add a fresh contrast and pop of green that looks stunning against the pink cookies.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair wonderfully with a nice cup of your favorite tea, lemonade, or a simple glass of milk. If you want to turn this into a dessert spread, serve alongside fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luscious contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these cookies with a layer of whipped cream or strawberry jam in between to create delightful cookie sandwiches. Or arrange them on a rustic wooden board with bowls of extra glaze and berries to invite guests to customize their sweet bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe treats in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh and chewy for up to 5 days, making them a perfect make-ahead snack for busy mornings or afternoon cravings.
Freezing
If you want to keep these cookies longer, freeze the baked and cooled cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you need a quick sweet fix.
Reheating
To bring the cookies back to fresh-from-the-oven warmth, pop them in the microwave for about 10 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes. This warms the glaze slightly and softens the cookie for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried in the Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Fresh strawberries have a high moisture content that can change the dough’s texture significantly, making it too wet. Freeze-dried strawberries are preferred because they add intense flavor without excess moisture, ensuring your cookies bake perfectly each time.
How do I grind freeze-dried strawberries for the recipe?
Simply pulse the freeze-dried strawberries in a clean food processor or blender until they resemble a fine powder. This helps them incorporate smoothly into the dough and evenly distribute their fruity flavor.
Is it okay to omit the glaze in the Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! The glaze adds a lovely sweetness and shine, but the cookies are delightful on their own. You can also dust them with powdered sugar or enjoy them plain for a less sweet treat.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup for cup, you can make these cookies gluten-free. Just be sure to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
What’s the best way to store these cookies for gifting?
Layer the cookies between sheets of wax paper in a sturdy tin or decorative box. This helps prevent them from sticking together or breaking, and your friend will love the beautiful presentation paired with the delicious flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cookie that feels both classic and fresh with just the right pop of strawberry flavor, you really can’t go wrong with this Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe. It’s one of those recipes you’ll find yourself reaching for over and over, whether you’re baking for a crowd or treating yourself to something special. I hope you enjoy making and sharing these cloud-soft, fruit-kissed cookies as much as I do!
“`
Print
Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Sugar Cookies are irresistibly soft and packed with the bright, sweet flavor of freeze-dried strawberries. Perfectly crisp on the edges and tender in the middle, they’re topped with a luscious strawberry glaze for an extra burst of fruity sweetness. Ideal for any occasion, these cookies are both visually appealing and deliciously satisfying.
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons ground freeze-dried strawberries
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or lemon juice (optional, to thin)
Instructions
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. This step is essential to create a tender cookie texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Crack in the egg and pour the vanilla extract, then continue mixing until well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and the finely ground freeze-dried strawberries to evenly distribute the fruit flavor and leavening agents. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet butter mixture in batches, mixing on low speed until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Shape and Bake Cookies: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Gently flatten each ball with the palm of your hand or bottom of a glass to about 1/2 inch thick. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges start to turn light golden brown. Remove from oven and let cookies cool completely on the baking sheet.
- Prepare and Drizzle Glaze: In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with ground freeze-dried strawberries. Add milk or lemon juice one teaspoon at a time to achieve a smooth, drizzle-able consistency. Using a spoon or piping bag, drizzle the glaze over the cooled cookies. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Grinding freeze-dried strawberries finely is key to blending fruit flavor into the dough without adding moisture.
- Ensure butter is softened, not melted, for ideal cookie texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once dry ingredients are added to keep cookies tender.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more powdered sugar to thicken or milk/lemon juice to thin it.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
