If you’re searching for a cookie that’s equally pretty and packed with fruity flavor, these Strawberry Sugar Cookies will absolutely win your heart. Each bite is delightfully soft and chewy, bursting with subtle strawberry goodness that’s not overpowering, but perfectly balanced with vanilla and a hint of almond. The vibrant pink hue comes naturally from tangy freeze-dried strawberries, giving these cookies a cheerful look that makes them a hit at parties, bake sales, or a treat-yourself afternoon. Whether you’re baking for friends or indulging solo, Strawberry Sugar Cookies are guaranteed to brighten your day—and your dessert plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These Strawberry Sugar Cookies come together with just a handful of simple ingredients, each one playing a starring role in the texture, color, and unmistakable strawberry flavor that makes these cookies so special. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
- Unsalted butter: Softened to room temperature, butter creates a tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base that holds every flavor together.
- Granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and those signature crisp sugar-cookie edges.
- Egg: Adds moisture and aids in binding the dough, ensuring the cookies hold their shape.
- Vanilla extract: Lends that warm, bakery-style aroma and rounds out the strawberry notes.
- Almond extract (optional): Just a splash for an extra layer of bakery-fresh depth—absolutely delicious, but not required!
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cookie, providing structure and the perfect tender crumb.
- Baking soda: Guarantees some lift and chewiness without making the cookies cakey.
- Baking powder: Teams up with baking soda for the ideal balance between soft and crisp.
- Salt: Just enough to balance sweetness and enhance every flavor.
- Freeze-dried strawberries: Crushed into powder, these bring real strawberry flavor and striking color without adding excess moisture.
- Pink or red sanding sugar (optional): For a sparkly, sweet finish and extra crunch on the outside—completely fun and highly recommended!
How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheets
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This not only ensures even baking but also makes cleanup effortless. The parchment also helps prevent over-browning, so your Strawberry Sugar Cookies will have perfectly tender bottoms every time.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed. Mix until the combination is pale, light, and fluffy—this step is crucial for achieving those irresistibly soft, bakery-style cookies. Take your time; about 2–3 minutes of mixing works wonders for texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Extracts
Next, beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. The almond gives a subtle depth that beautifully complements the strawberries, but these cookies are equally scrumptious if you keep it classic and stick with just vanilla.
Step 4: Whisk and Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and the all-important freeze-dried strawberry powder. The strawberries should be crushed finely—use a food processor or even a rolling pin over a zip-top bag for best results. This strawberry dust is the secret to that gorgeous pink color and natural sweetness in every bite.
Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing on low or with a spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix—stop as soon as everything is incorporated. The dough will be soft, perfumed with strawberry, and ready for its final transformation.
Step 6: Scoop and Roll the Dough
Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, rolling each into a ball between your palms. For an extra festive touch, roll each dough ball in pink or red sanding sugar before placing them on your prepared baking sheets. Make sure to leave plenty of space (about 2 inches) between cookies so they bake up perfectly round.
Step 7: Flatten and Bake
Gently press each dough ball down with your hand or the bottom of a glass to flatten slightly—this step gives the cookies that classic sugar cookie look. Bake them for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers look slightly underbaked. They’ll finish setting up as they cool, resulting in that magical soft-in-the-middle texture.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your Strawberry Sugar Cookies to rest on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This time lets them firm up nicely without drying out. As the cookies cool, their vibrant color and delicious aroma only get better—if you can wait that long!
How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
For an extra-special finish, consider drizzling your Strawberry Sugar Cookies with melted white chocolate or adding a dusting of powdered sugar. A few edible dried rose petals or tiny chocolate chips scattered on top before the chocolate sets can make each cookie look bakery-perfect. Even a light sprinkle of extra freeze-dried strawberry powder looks beautiful and brings a subtle zing.
Side Dishes
Pair your cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, a fruity herbal tea, or even a strawberry milkshake for an all-out berry experience! These cookies also shine on a dessert platter alongside other favorites like lemon bars or chocolate-dipped strawberries. They’re the ideal finish to a spring brunch or midnight snack.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want your Strawberry Sugar Cookies to steal the show, try packaging them in clear treat bags tied with a pastel ribbon for party favors. Stack them in mason jars for gifting or arrange them in a floral-patterned tin for a sweet hostess gift. You can even use the cookies as an edible base for festive ice cream sandwiches at your next celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Strawberry Sugar Cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and delicious for up to four days, though chances are they’ll disappear long before then! If stacking the cookies, separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? You can freeze the baked cookies or the unbaked dough balls. For baked cookies, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and thaw at room temperature before serving. To freeze dough, roll into balls and freeze on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight bag. You can bake straight from frozen—just add a minute or two to the bake time.
Reheating
If your cookies have lost a bit of their fresh-from-the-oven softness, pop them in a 300°F oven for about 3–4 minutes, or microwaving for just 8–10 seconds will restore that just-baked warmth and aroma. Serve with milk and enjoy—they’ll taste like you just made them!
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Fresh strawberries contain a lot of moisture, which can make your Strawberry Sugar Cookies spread too much and become soggy. If you want to experiment, be sure to chop and dry the strawberries thoroughly, but for the classic look and texture, freeze-dried is best.
What’s the purpose of rolling the cookies in sanding sugar?
Sanding sugar not only adds an eye-catching sparkle but also gives each bite an appealing crunch and sweetness. You can skip it if you like, but it’s a simple way to make your Strawberry Sugar Cookies extra festive!
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute your favorite 1-for-1 all-purpose gluten-free flour blend. Just keep an eye on the dough’s texture—it should hold together and be easy to roll into balls.
How do I make the strawberry flavor even stronger?
For an intensified strawberry punch, add a few drops of strawberry extract or fold in a few finely chopped pieces of very well-drained fresh strawberries to the dough. You can also double the freeze-dried strawberries for a deeper color and flavor.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just double every ingredient and divide the dough between two large mixing bowls if you’re worried about mixing overflow. Bake in batches and watch the cookies disappear twice as fast!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a cookie that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Strawberry Sugar Cookies are your ticket to happiness. With their gorgeous color, natural strawberry flavor, and classic sugar cookie charm, they never fail to make an ordinary day feel like a celebration. Give them a try—you might just discover your new favorite treat to share.
Print
Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet sugar cookies with a hint of strawberry flavor in every bite. These Strawberry Sugar Cookies are perfect for any occasion, from afternoon snacks to dessert tables.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into powder
Rolling:
- pink or red sanding sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add wet ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
- Mix the dough: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
- Form and bake: Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll into balls. Optionally, roll each ball in sanding sugar. Place on baking sheets, flatten slightly, and bake for 10-12 minutes.
- Cool and enjoy: Let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, add a few drops of strawberry extract or fold in chopped fresh strawberries (well-drained).
- You can also drizzle with white chocolate for a sweet finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
