Strawberry Sugar Cookies: A Sweet, Fruity Twist on a Classic Favorite

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There’s something timeless about sugar cookies. Their simple, buttery flavor has made them a favorite in homes and kitchens for generations. But every now and then, we all need a little twist—something that takes a classic and turns it into something exciting. That’s where Strawberry Sugar Cookies come in. They offer the same soft, chewy texture we love in traditional sugar cookies but with a vibrant and fruity kick thanks to the addition of strawberries. These cookies are perfect for beginners, both in terms of simplicity and the unique twist they bring to your baking routine.

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I remember the first time I made these Strawberry Sugar Cookies. I had seen them online and was drawn to the pretty pink color and the promise of a sweet, fruity flavor. I decided to try them for a spring gathering with friends, hoping they’d be a hit. When they came out of the oven, they looked even better than I imagined, and the sweet aroma of strawberries wafting through the kitchen was irresistible. To my delight, everyone loved them—crispy on the edges, chewy in the center, and bursting with strawberry goodness. Since then, they’ve become a go-to treat for any celebration or even just a casual afternoon snack. If you’ve ever wanted to make your own version of these delightful cookies, this beginner-friendly guide will help you every step of the way.

Ingredients and Preparation

To make these Strawberry Sugar Cookies, you won’t need any fancy ingredients—just a few simple pantry staples that you probably already have. But don’t let the simplicity fool you! These ingredients come together to create a flavor-packed cookie that looks as good as it tastes.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (0.5 lbs) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 ¼ cups (0.63 lbs) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, for extra flavor)
• 2 ½ cups (1.25 lbs) all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup (0.15 lbs) freeze-dried strawberry powder or finely blended freeze-dried strawberries
• Pink or red sanding sugar (optional, for rolling or topping)

Substitution Tips:

• Butter: If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with a plant-based butter substitute.
• Egg: To make this recipe egg-free, you can use a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let sit for 5 minutes to thicken) or a store-bought egg replacer.
• Strawberry powder: If you can’t find freeze-dried strawberry powder, you can blend freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder or simply use fresh strawberries, though this will change the consistency of the dough slightly.

Once you have your ingredients, you’re ready to start. The best part about this recipe is that it doesn’t require too many steps or advanced techniques, making it ideal for beginners.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break the process down into easy-to-follow steps that will help you create these delicious Strawberry Sugar Cookies.

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven is at the right temperature by the time you’re ready to bake. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents the cookies from sticking and helps them bake evenly.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes with an electric mixer, or a little longer if you’re doing it by hand. Creaming the butter and sugar is an important step because it creates air pockets in the dough, giving the cookies a light texture. Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add in the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using). Mix until the egg is fully incorporated and the dough is smooth.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and strawberry powder. The strawberry powder is the star of this recipe, giving the cookies their beautiful pink hue and sweet fruity flavor. Make sure the dry ingredients are evenly mixed before moving on to the next step.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Start by adding small amounts of the dry mixture and gently stirring to prevent flour from spilling out of the bowl. Once everything is combined, you should have a smooth, slightly thick dough. If the dough seems too sticky, add a little extra flour, but be careful not to overdo it. A soft dough is key to the chewy texture.
5. Shape the Cookies: Now it’s time to shape your cookies! Use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to scoop out dough and roll each scoop into a ball between your hands. You want the balls to be about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. If you’d like your cookies to have an extra sparkly touch, roll each dough ball in pink or red sanding sugar before placing them on the baking sheet. This will give your cookies a nice crunch on the outside.
6. Bake the Cookies: Place the dough balls on your prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to give them room to spread as they bake. Bake the cookies for 9 to 11 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are slightly soft. The cookies will firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if the center still looks a little undercooked. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your Strawberry Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly every time:

• Butter Temperature: Make sure your butter is softened but not melted. Softened butter helps create the perfect texture and allows for better incorporation with the sugar. If the butter is too hard, it won’t cream properly with the sugar, and if it’s too melted, your dough will be too runny.
• Overmixing Dough: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing the dough can lead to dense cookies, so be gentle with the mixing.
• Checking for Doneness: If you’re unsure whether your cookies are done, gently press the center of a cookie with your finger. If it bounces back, they’re ready. Keep in mind that the cookies will continue to cook slightly after they’re removed from the oven, so it’s okay if the center is just a little soft.
• Cookie Size: If you prefer larger cookies, simply scoop out a bit more dough for each cookie ball, but be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly—larger cookies will need more time to bake through.

Serving Suggestions

These Strawberry Sugar Cookies are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them with a few simple serving suggestions:

• Serve with a Glass of Milk: Nothing beats the classic combo of cookies and milk. The sweet, fruity flavor of the strawberry cookies pairs perfectly with a cold glass of milk, making it a great choice for an afternoon snack or dessert.
• Pair with Fruit or Whipped Cream: To enhance the fruity flavor, serve the cookies with a side of fresh strawberries or a dollop of whipped cream. This adds a fresh contrast and makes the cookies feel like a little indulgent treat.
• Ice Cream Sandwiches: Turn these cookies into ice cream sandwiches! Simply sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream between two cookies for a refreshing and fun dessert.
• Add a Strawberry Glaze: For an extra special touch, drizzle a strawberry glaze over the cookies. To make it, mix powdered sugar with a little strawberry juice or puree until you reach a pourable consistency.

Engagement Features

Making cookies is about more than just following a recipe—it’s about sharing a moment of joy with those around you. These Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a fun and easy way to bring a little sweetness to any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a birthday, or just because, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you!

Have you made these cookies? Or maybe you’ve got your own twist on this recipe—I’d love to hear all about it in the comments below. Let me know how you enjoyed the cookies, whether you added extra flavor or made them into something new. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, because everyone deserves to experience the magic of these strawberry-infused treats!

Happy baking!