Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking to brighten up your cookie jar with something utterly delightful, this Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine soft, buttery sugar cookies with an irresistible burst of strawberry flavor in every bite, thanks to the crushed freeze-dried strawberries and a touch of sweet strawberry jam. These cookies are not only gorgeous with their subtle pink hues but also bring a fresh twist to the classic sugar cookie we all adore. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, these cookies are guaranteed to become a go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe plays a starring role in creating the perfect balance of sweetness, texture, and that lovely strawberry essence. Simple yet essential, these components come together to make magic in your kitchen.

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened: Provides a rich, creamy base that yields a tender cookie texture.
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough and helps with the cookie’s golden edges.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and adds moisture for softness.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional): A subtle hint of nuttiness that pairs beautifully with strawberry.
• 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour: The structure provider, creating that perfect chew and crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder: Ensures the cookies rise just enough to stay soft and fluffy.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and boosts flavor.
• ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed: The secret to imparting natural, intense strawberry flavor and a lovely speckled pink look.
• 2 tablespoons strawberry jam (optional): Adds extra juiciness and sweet strawberry depth.
• Pink or red sanding sugar for rolling (optional): Gives the cookies a charming sparkle and a fun texture contrast.

How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Workspace

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining two baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, helping you get those perfect, clean edges every time.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial because it incorporates air into the dough, resulting in that melt-in-your-mouth texture we love.

Step 3: Add the Egg and Extracts

Next, mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if you’re using it. These ingredients infuse your dough with extra moisture and complexity in flavor, setting the stage for those aromatic cookies.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking helps distribute the baking powder evenly, ensuring your cookies rise beautifully.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix here, or your cookies might turn out tough instead of tender.

Step 6: Fold in the Strawberries and Jam

Gently fold in the finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries along with the strawberry jam, if using. This is where your cookies take on that distinctive fruity flavor and lovely pink specks.

Step 7: Shape and Sugar-Coat

Use a tablespoon to scoop portions of dough and roll them into balls. For an extra special touch, roll each ball in pink or red sanding sugar for a sparkling finish that’s as festive as it is tasty.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Arrange the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets about two inches apart. Flatten each gently with the bottom of a glass to help them spread evenly. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the edges are just set, but the centers remain tender and soft.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step helps preserve their delicate texture and prevents breaking.

How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate the look and flavor, consider dusting your cookies with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar, or drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and a bit of strawberry juice or jam. Fresh strawberry slices on the side make for a delightful and authentic garnish that highlights the cookie’s star ingredient.

Side Dishes

These strawberry sugar cookies pair beautifully with a cup of hot tea, a creamy latte, or a cold glass of milk. For brunch, serve alongside fresh berries or a fruit salad to keep the strawberry theme flowing throughout your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, arrange your cookies in a pretty tin tied with a ribbon or stack them in small mason jars layered with parchment paper. You can even sandwich two cookies together with some strawberry jam or cream cheese frosting for an indulgent twist on this beloved recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe fresh by placing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and flavorful for about 4 to 5 days, so you can enjoy them throughout the week without any loss in quality.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these cookies later, they freeze wonderfully. Just pop the baked and cooled cookies into a freezer-safe container or bag, separated by parchment paper to avoid sticking. They maintain their flavor and texture well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy frozen cookies, allow them to thaw at room temperature. For that freshly-baked feel, warm them up in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes, or microwave individually for about 10 seconds. This revives their softness beautifully.

FAQs

Can I substitute fresh strawberries for the freeze-dried strawberries?

Fresh strawberries have a higher moisture content, which can change the texture of the dough and make it stickier. Freeze-dried strawberries are preferred because they add intense flavor without altering the dough’s consistency. That said, using chopped fresh strawberries could work if you adjust the flour slightly to compensate.

Is it necessary to use the almond extract?

Almond extract is optional but highly recommended if you want an extra layer of flavor that complements the strawberry beautifully. If you don’t have it on hand, vanilla extract alone still makes delicious cookies.

Why do I need to flatten the dough balls before baking?

Flattening ensures even baking and helps the cookies spread out to a perfect round shape with crisp edges and soft centers. Without this step, the cookies may bake into thick pucks that don’t have that ideal sugar cookie texture.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

While this recipe uses butter and egg, you can experiment with vegan butter and flax eggs as substitutes. Keep in mind the texture and flavor might vary a bit, so it might take some tweaking to get it just right.

How do I keep the cookies soft longer?

Store the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread or an apple slice inside. These help maintain moisture and keep your Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe soft and chewy for several days.

Final Thoughts

This Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe truly brings a joyful burst of flavor that’s perfect for any time you need a little sweet pick-me-up. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug baked right in your oven. I can’t wait for you to try it out and share these delicious cookies with your loved ones—they’re sure to become a cherished favorite just like they are in my kitchen!

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