Description
Delight in these soft and flavorful Strawberry Sugar Cookies, featuring the natural sweetness and vibrant taste of freeze-dried strawberries. These cookies combine classic sugar cookie dough with a strawberry twist, enhanced by optional almond extract and strawberry jam for extra depth. Perfectly crisp around the edges and tender in the center, they make a beautiful and delicious treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cookie Dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed
- 2 tablespoons strawberry jam (optional for extra flavor)
- Pink or red sanding sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which helps create tender cookies.
- Add Flavorings and Egg: Mix in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract if using, blending until fully combined to enrich the dough’s flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and seasoning.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms, ensuring all ingredients are well blended.
- Incorporate Strawberries: Fold in the crushed freeze-dried strawberries and optional strawberry jam gently to infuse the dough with fruitiness without breaking the texture.
- Shape Cookies: Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Optionally, roll each ball in pink or red sanding sugar for a decorative touch and extra sweetness.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the dough balls about 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets, then slightly flatten each ball using the bottom of a glass to achieve even baking and the classic cookie shape.
- Bake: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set and the centers remain soft, indicating perfect doneness.
- Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Enhance the strawberry flavor by adding a few drops of natural strawberry extract or increasing the amount of strawberry jam in the dough.
- These cookies freeze well for up to 2 months when stored in an airtight container, making them perfect for advance preparation or gifting.
