Nothing says “spring” quite like a batch of homemade Strawberry Sugar Cookies! These soft, chewy cookies are infused with real strawberry flavor, thanks to freeze-dried strawberry powder and a hint of strawberry extract. Rolled in a dazzling coat of sparkling strawberry sugar, they add a sweet crunch with every bite. Perfect for picnics, birthdays, or just an afternoon treat, these cookies will be the highlight of any gathering.
Whether you’re looking for a fun baking project or a sweet way to celebrate the season, these Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a must-try. The dough is easy to prepare, and chilling it before baking ensures a soft, tender texture. Plus, the sparkling sugar coating makes them as beautiful as they are delicious. Pair them with a glass of milk or a refreshing strawberry lemonade for the ultimate indulgence!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Strawberry Sugar Cookies:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons (36g) freeze-dried strawberry powder
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pure strawberry extract
- ½ teaspoon red gel food coloring
For the Sparkling Strawberry Sugar:
- ½ cup white or red sparkling sugar (sanding sugar)
- 1 tablespoon freeze-dried strawberry powder
Directions:
- Prepare the Strawberry Powder: Blend or process freeze-dried strawberries in a high-speed blender or spice grinder until they become a fine powder. Set aside.
- Make the Sparkling Sugar: In a small bowl, stir together 1 tablespoon of the strawberry powder with ½ cup of sparkling sugar. Store in an airtight container.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Cream Butter & Sugar: In a stand mixer, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Then blend in vanilla extract, strawberry extract, and red gel food coloring.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and 6 tablespoons of strawberry powder.
- Combine Ingredients: Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients on low speed until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Chill Dough: Chill the dough for at least 2 hours or overnight for better texture.
- Form Cookie Balls: Scoop dough into 30 medium-sized cookie balls. Roll each ball in your hands, then roll in the prepared Sparkling Strawberry Sugar to coat evenly.
- Bake: Place cookie balls on the prepared baking sheets, spaced 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes or until the tops are just beginning to set.
- Cool & Store: Let cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Chill Time: 2 hours | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Kcal per cookie: 140 kcal | Servings: 30 cookies
Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar: A Sweet and Vibrant Treat
As the seasons change and warm weather approaches, there’s no better way to celebrate the bright, fresh flavors of spring and summer than with homemade Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar. These cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, combining the rich, buttery texture with the natural sweetness and tartness of strawberries.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, looking for a special dessert to bring to a party, or just indulging in a weekend baking session, these cookies are sure to impress. With their soft, chewy texture and dazzling sugar-coated finish, they are as beautiful as they are delicious.
What Makes These Cookies Special?
Strawberry sugar cookies are more than just a simple treat. They are a combination of flavors and textures that make every bite irresistible. Unlike traditional sugar cookies, which rely solely on vanilla or almond extract for their flavor, these cookies feature real freeze-dried strawberry powder and strawberry extract, ensuring a burst of fruity taste in every bite.
The sparkling strawberry sugar coating adds both sweetness and a subtle crunch, giving the cookies a visually stunning appearance that makes them perfect for special occasions. The pink hue, enhanced by a touch of red gel food coloring, makes these cookies ideal for Valentine’s Day, Easter, baby showers, birthday parties, or any event that calls for a touch of sweetness and elegance.
The Secret Ingredient: Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder
One of the standout elements of this recipe is the freeze-dried strawberry powder. Unlike fresh strawberries, which introduce too much moisture into cookie dough, freeze dried strawberries maintain an intense fruit flavor without affecting the texture. When ground into a fine powder, they blend seamlessly into the cookie dough, infusing every bite with natural strawberry goodness.
If you’ve never worked with freeze dried strawberries before, they are easy to find in most grocery stores or online. Simply pulse them in a high-speed blender or food processor until they turn into a fine, vibrant pink powder. This ingredient not only enhances the flavor but also contributes to the cookie’s natural color, reducing the need for artificial food dyes.
The Role of Sparkling Sugar
Another highlight of these cookies is the sparkling strawberry sugar coating. This is made by mixing white or red sanding sugar with additional strawberry powder, creating a beautiful, textured coating that glistens when the cookies are baked. The sparkling sugar adds an extra crunch and enhances the visual appeal of the cookies, making them look like something straight out of a bakery display case.
For those who love a bit of customization, you can experiment with different colored sanding sugars to match the theme of your event. Try pink or gold sugar for a romantic touch, or mix in a little white sugar for a snow-dusted effect in winter.
A Soft and Chewy Texture
The key to the perfect soft and chewy texture in these cookies lies in the combination of butter, eggs, and cornstarch. The butter provides richness, while the eggs help bind everything together and keep the cookies soft. Cornstarch, often used in bakery style cookies, creates a delicate, melt in your mouth texture by softening the flour’s protein structure.
Additionally, chilling the cookie dough before baking is essential. This allows the flavors to develop and prevents the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. A minimum of two hours of chilling time is recommended, but for the best results, letting the dough rest overnight can enhance both flavor and texture.
Flavor Pairings and Serving Suggestions
These cookies are delightful on their own, but they can also be paired with various accompaniments to elevate the experience. Here are some creative serving ideas:
- With a Beverage: Enjoy these cookies with a tall glass of cold milk, strawberry lemonade, or a hot cup of vanilla-infused tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- As an Ice Cream Sandwich: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream between two cookies for a fun, frozen dessert.
- Dipped in Chocolate: Half-dip the cookies in melted white or dark chocolate and sprinkle extra sparkling sugar on top for an elegant finish.
- Gifting Idea: Package these cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift during holidays or special occasions.
Customization and Variations
If you love experimenting in the kitchen, here are a few ways to customize the recipe:
- Citrus Twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest to the dough for a hint of citrusy brightness.
- Chocolate Infusion: Stir in a handful of white chocolate chips for a creamy contrast to the strawberry flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Add finely chopped almonds or pistachios for a bit of texture and a complementary nutty taste.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend to make these cookies suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Mini Cookies: Make bite-sized versions of these cookies for snacking or serving at a party. Simply adjust the baking time accordingly.
How to Store and Keep Fresh
To ensure that your strawberry sugar cookies stay fresh and delicious, proper storage is key.
- Room Temperature: Store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Refrigeration: If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: These cookies freeze well! You can either freeze the baked cookies or the unbaked cookie dough balls. If freezing the dough, place the dough balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake straight from frozen, adding an extra minute to the baking time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons why these Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar are a must-try:
Bursting with real strawberry flavor
Soft, chewy, and melt in your mouth texture
Beautiful pink color and sparkling sugar coating
Easy to make and great for gifting
Perfect for any occasionfrom everyday treats to holiday celebrations
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful, and visually stunning cookie recipe, these Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar are the perfect choice. They capture the sweetness of strawberries in a soft and chewy cookie with a delightful sugar-coated crunch. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a special event, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, these cookies are guaranteed to impress.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of homemade strawberry sugar cookies. Happy baking!