Name: Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Prep time: 4 h 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups cake flour; 2 tsp cornstarch; 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened; 1/4 cup unflavored shortening; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; Pink gel food coloring (optional, for a pastel pink hue); 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened; 2 tbsp freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed into powder; 2 tbsp fresh strawberry puree; 1 tsp fresh lime or lemon juice; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

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Oh my goodness, these Strawberry Sugar Cookies are like a little bite of sunshine wrapped up in a sugary, soft cookie! If you love the idea of combining the sweetness of strawberries with the comforting goodness of a sugar cookie, then you’re in for a treat. These cookies are not just pretty—they’re packed with flavor, and the soft, chewy texture will have you reaching for another (and another). They’re perfect for any occasion: Valentine’s Day, a summer picnic, or just because you deserve a sweet little indulgence. Trust me, these cookies are going to become your new go-to dessert.

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Sugar Cookies

This isn’t just about making cookies; it’s about making memories. Whether you’re baking with the kids or surprising a friend with a little homemade gift, these cookies are all about the joy that comes from sharing something sweet. Here’s why you’ll love these cookies:

Versatile: Perfect for a casual family treat, a Valentine’s Day gift, or a festive cookie swap, these cookies can be the star of any occasion. They’re just as delicious enjoyed with a cup of tea as they are at a party where everyone’s asking for the recipe.

Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that won’t break the bank but deliver that bakery-quality taste. You probably already have most of what you need in your kitchen, making these cookies a great choice when you’re craving something sweet without splurging.

Quick and Easy: Don’t worry if you’re new to baking—this recipe is super simple to follow. No complicated techniques here, just a handful of steps and a bit of patience while they bake, and you’ve got a batch of irresistible cookies.

Customizable: You can mix it up! Add a drizzle of chocolate, sprinkle on some powdered sugar, or even toss in a few mini chocolate chips for an extra burst of sweetness. The flavor possibilities are endless!

Crowd-Pleasing: These cookies are always a hit, no matter who’s around. They’ve got that perfect balance of sweet strawberry flavor and the classic comfort of a sugar cookie, making them a favorite for kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to create these strawberry sugar cookie beauties:

Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are key here. They bring natural sweetness and a vibrant fruity flavor to every bite. Puree or chop them up, and they’ll be the heart of this recipe.

Butter: Softened butter adds the perfect richness and helps create that melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s essential for a great sugar cookie.

Sugar: The star of the show! Not only do we use sugar in the dough, but rolling the cookies in sugar gives them that irresistible crunch and extra sweetness on top.

Egg: A key ingredient that binds everything together and helps create a tender cookie texture.

Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the flavor and enhances the sweetness of the strawberries and sugar.

All-Purpose Flour: The base for the dough. Flour gives these cookies their structure while still keeping them soft and chewy.

Baking Powder: Helps the cookies rise just enough for that perfect texture—light, soft, and slightly puffy.

Salt: A small pinch to balance out the sweetness and enhance all the other flavors.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s break down the steps to make these delicious strawberry sugar cookies:

Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to the temperature listed in the recipe card. This ensures that the cookies bake evenly and turn out perfectly golden on the edges.

Prepare the Strawberries: Start by pureeing or chopping the strawberries until they’re in small, mushy pieces. You want the strawberry flavor to infuse throughout the dough, so don’t worry about it being perfectly smooth!

Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined.

Add the Strawberries: Now, add the pureed strawberries to the wet ingredients and mix until they’re evenly incorporated. This step adds that burst of strawberry goodness to each bite.

Add the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix here—just enough to get a soft dough.

Form the Cookies: Roll the dough into small balls and roll each ball in sugar before placing them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This gives the cookies their signature crunchy, sugary exterior.

Bake to Perfection: Bake the cookies for the time specified in the recipe card, keeping an eye on them as they bake to golden perfection. They should be soft in the center and lightly golden on the edges when done.

Finishing Touches: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. If you want to make them even more special, dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with a bit of white chocolate.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve these cookies with a cup of coffee, milk, or tea. Or just enjoy them all on their own—they’re that good!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 180

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies

These strawberry sugar cookies are delightful on their own, but if you’re feeling fancy, here are a few ideas for pairing and serving:

With a Hot Beverage: These cookies go wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or milk. The sweet strawberry flavor complements the warmth of your drink, making it the perfect afternoon treat.

As a Gift: Package these cookies in a cute tin or box to share with friends, family, or colleagues. A homemade gift that’s as sweet as these cookies is always a winner!

With Fresh Fruit: Pair these cookies with a side of fresh fruit, like more strawberries or a light fruit salad, for a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery cookies.

Presentation Matters: If you want to impress, arrange the cookies on a pretty platter, and top with a few extra fresh strawberry slices or a drizzle of icing. Your guests won’t be able to resist!

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to make sure these cookies turn out just perfect:

Prep Ahead: You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. This helps the flavors develop and makes it easier to roll the dough into cookie balls.

Adjust the Sweetness: If you like a sweeter cookie, feel free to add a little extra sugar to the dough or sprinkle a bit more on top before baking.

Storage Tips: Store these cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well, so you can keep a batch stashed away for later.

Experiment with Flavors: Want to try something different? Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a fresh twist, or mix in some white chocolate chips for a little extra sweetness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A1: You can use frozen strawberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them to remove any excess liquid before pureeing or chopping.

Q2: Can I make these cookies without eggs?
A2: Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg or other egg replacer if you need to make these cookies egg-free.

Q3: How do I store these cookies?
A3: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
A4: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check if you need to add any extra ingredients like xanthan gum.

Q5: Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
A5: Absolutely! Mini chocolate chips would be a great addition, giving the cookies an extra layer of sweetness and richness.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you want to make a larger batch for a party or a cookie exchange.

Q7: Why are my cookies too soft?
A7: If your cookies are too soft, it could be due to overmixing the dough or using too much wet strawberry puree. Make sure to measure carefully and not overmix the dough.

Q8: Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
A8: Yes, you can! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours or even freeze it to bake fresh cookies whenever you need them.

Q9: Can I roll the dough in something other than sugar?
A9: Absolutely! You can roll the dough balls in colored sprinkles, cinnamon sugar, or even crushed nuts for a unique twist.

Q10: How can I make these cookies more festive?
A10: For a special touch, drizzle the cookies with white chocolate and top with sprinkles for a holiday or party-ready treat.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a total game-changer when it comes to sweet treats. Soft, chewy, and bursting with strawberry flavor, they’re the kind of cookies you’ll want to bake again and again. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or indulging in a little something sweet for yourself, these cookies are sure to brighten anyone’s day. So get ready to fall in love with this simple, delicious, and totally irresistible recipe!