If you adore fruity, sweet treats that bring back all the cozy, nostalgic vibes of summer, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies blend the buttery goodness of classic sugar cookies with a playful pink frosting and a delightful crunch of strawberry shortcake crumbs, creating a bite-sized celebration of flavor and texture. Perfect for sharing with friends, gifting, or just treating yourself, they’re as charming as they are delicious, and you’ll find yourself coming back for just one more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with pantry staples you probably already have, plus a few special touches that make all the difference in flavor and appearance. Each ingredient plays a crucial role whether it’s building the tender cookie base or the sweet, colorful frosting finish.
- Butter (3/4 cup, softened): Provides the rich, creamy foundation for tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.
- Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens the dough and helps achieve a beautiful golden texture when baked.
- Eggs (2 large): Bind everything together and add moisture for a soft bite.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Boosts flavor with a warm, aromatic touch that complements the strawberry theme perfectly.
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): The structure builder that gives cookies their classic chewy softness.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Elevates the sweetness while balancing flavors.
- Baking powder (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough to stay light and fluffy.
- Confectioner’s sugar (4 cups): The secret to a smooth, sweet frosting that’s perfect for drizzling.
- Milk (3 tablespoons): Thins the frosting to just the right drizzle consistency.
- Pink food colouring: Adds that pretty, inviting hue to the frosting, making the cookies as fun to look at as they are to eat.
- Strawberry Shortcake Crumbs (1 1/2 cups): The vibrant, crunchy topping that adds dimension, flavor, and a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to ensure your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture turns creamy and a light yellow shade appears. This step is key for fluffy cookies, as it incorporates air into the batter. Next, add eggs one at a time so they blend in smoothly, followed by the vanilla extract for a deliciously fragrant base.
Step 3: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder, then gradually mix them into the wet ingredients. Combining them this way ensures an even distribution of leavening and seasoning, giving your cookies an ideal rise and balanced flavor.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Portion the cookie dough into equal-sized balls and gently flatten each before placing them on your prepared baking sheet. Bake the cookies for about 10 minutes until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft. Once baked, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely—this helps prevent sogginess and keeps their texture just right.
Step 5: Make the Frosting
To prepare the irresistible frosting, whisk milk into the confectioner’s sugar until you achieve a thin, drizzle-friendly consistency. Divide this frosting into two bowls, adding pink food colouring to one for that lovely strawberry-inspired pop of color. Mixing the frosting fresh keeps it silky and easy to work with.
Step 6: Decorate and Finish
Drizzle both the white and pink frostings over the cooled cookies in playful patterns. Immediately sprinkle your generous amount of Strawberry Shortcake Crumbs on top while the glaze is still wet, ensuring they stick and add their signature crunch. Allow the frosting to dry fully before serving to keep everything neat and delicious.
How to Serve Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the look of these cookies by garnishing with fresh sliced strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar. The natural brightness from fresh fruit complements the sweet crumble topping and adds a lovely refreshing flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a cold glass of milk or a cup of fragrant tea for a cozy indulgence. For a brunch setting, they also work beautifully alongside vanilla yogurt or a bowl of fresh berries, highlighting the dessert’s strawberry theme.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe into charming edible gifts by stacking them in clear boxes tied with ribbon, or arrange them on a vibrant platter for a party spread. You can also sandwich two cookies together with a dollop of whipped cream or strawberry jam for an extra-special treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for up to five days, making it easy to enjoy them over the course of the week.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these delightful cookies ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked dough balls or fully baked and decorated cookies. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Reheating
To enjoy your Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe warm, pop the cookies in a microwave for 10-15 seconds or heat briefly in a pre-warmed oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Warm cookies are wonderfully soft and bring out the flavors even more.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of butter for this recipe?
You can use salted butter if that’s what you have, but reduce added salt slightly to keep the balance perfect. Unsalted butter is preferred because it gives you more control over the saltiness in the cookies.
What can I substitute for the pink food colouring?
If you prefer natural options, a small amount of beet juice or freeze-dried strawberry powder can add a lovely pink hue and reinforce the strawberry flavor naturally.
How do I make sure my cookies stay soft?
Be careful not to overbake; take the cookies out as soon as the edges are set but centers still feel slightly soft. Also, store them properly in an airtight container to retain moisture.
Can I use other crumbs instead of Strawberry Shortcake Crumbs?
Absolutely! Crushed shortbread, graham crackers, or even crushed freeze-dried strawberries mixed with a little sugar can be excellent alternatives to maintain that crunchy, flavorful topping.
Is this recipe suitable for kids to help make?
Definitely! Kids will love helping with mixing, rolling dough balls, and decorating with the colorful frosting and crumb topping. Plus, it’s a fun way to introduce baking basics.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe that makes each bite feel like a mini celebration of sweet summer memories. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just craving a treat, these cookies are an absolute joy to make and even more joyful to eat. Give this recipe a try, and I promise you’ll find it becoming a cherished favorite in your kitchen too!
Print
Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 32 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies are soft, buttery cookies topped with a delicate pink frosting and a sprinkle of Strawberry Shortcake Crumbs for a delightful fruity crunch. Perfect for parties, holidays, or any sweet craving!
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- 3/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Frosting and Topping
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar
- 3 tablespoons milk
- pink food colouring
- 1 1/2 cups Strawberry Shortcake Crumbs
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set it aside for easy cookie transfer and cleanup.
- Mix Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until the mixture is light and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. This will help give the cookies a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then mix in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Shape and Bake: Portion the dough into balls, flatten each slightly, and place them on the prepared baking sheet spaced apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes or until edges are lightly golden. Remove and cool cookies on a wire rack.
- Prepare Frosting: In a bowl, mix the confectioner’s sugar with milk to form a thin, drizzleable consistency. Divide the frosting into two bowls. Tint one bowl with pink food coloring to get your desired shade.
- Decorate: Drizzle the frosting over the cooled cookies in a decorative manner. Immediately sprinkle the Strawberry Shortcake Crumbs over the top before the frosting sets.
- Set and Serve: Allow the frosting to dry completely so it sets before serving your beautifully decorated strawberry shortcake sugar cookies.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother dough.
- You can substitute milk with almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, consider adding a few drops of strawberry extract to the dough.
- Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- If desired, use gel food coloring to avoid watering down the frosting.
