Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that’s as pretty as it is delicious, these Strawberry Sugar Cookies are about to become your new go-to recipe. Imagine the classic, buttery sugar cookie you know and love, but with a burst of sunny strawberry flavor and the perfect blush-pink hue — totally irresistible for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re baking for a party, gifting a sweet surprise, or simply craving a bit of fruity comfort, these cookies offer a cheerful twist that always gets rave reviews.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Strawberry Sugar Cookies is a breeze, and each one truly brings something special to the table — from soft texture to vibrant flavor. With just a handful of pantry staples plus a pop of real strawberry, you’ll create cookies that look and taste bakery-level amazing, right from your own kitchen.

• All-purpose flour: This is the foundation, giving your cookies that classic tender crumb — sift before measuring for extra lightness.
• Baking powder: Just a touch helps the cookies rise ever so slightly and avoids a super dense texture.
• Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness, making each bite more vibrant.
• Unsalted butter, softened: The magic ingredient for rich, melt-in-your-mouth cookies — let it come fully to room temperature for easy creaming.
• Granulated sugar: Essential for sweetness and structure; also used for rolling the dough balls to create that classic sugar-crusted exterior.
• Large egg: Binds the dough together and adds a little richness.
• Vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor and complements the strawberry notes beautifully.
• Almond extract (optional): Just a hint adds a bakery-fresh, slightly nutty aroma — skip it if you’re not a fan.
• Freeze-dried strawberries, finely crushed: Delivers pure, jammy strawberry flavor and natural color without making the cookies soggy.
• Red or pink food coloring (optional): For those Instagram-worthy blush pink cookies, add a dot or two!
• Additional granulated sugar for rolling: Achieves that classic sugary crackle on the tops — don’t skip this finishing touch!

How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheets and Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F so it reaches just the right temp as you work. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper — not only does this make cleanup a breeze, but it also helps prevent the cookies from sticking or over-browning on the bottoms. A little advance prep sets the scene for a smooth baking experience.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisking aerates the mixture and makes sure the leavening is evenly distributed — this way, every Strawberry Sugar Cookie bakes up with the same perfect texture and rise. Set the bowl aside for later.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, add your softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar. Beat them together for about 2–3 minutes, until the mixture becomes pale, fluffy, and almost cloud-like. This step is essential — you’re incorporating air, which helps the cookies bake up light instead of dense. Don’t rush; the transformation here really pays off.

Step 4: Add Egg and Extracts

Crack in your egg, then pour in the vanilla extract and, if you love a subtle almond flavor, the almond extract as well. Beat this mixture until it’s fully combined, so that your dough gets both richness and a lovely aroma base that will lift up the strawberry flavor later.

Step 5: Stir in Strawberries and Color

Time for the star ingredient! Mix in the finely crushed freeze-dried strawberries for bold, natural flavor and a gentle rosy color. If you want extra pink cookies, add a couple drops of red or pink food coloring now. The dough will look cheerful and oh-so-inviting at this stage!

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually stir your flour mixture into the strawberry-butter mixture, mixing just until everything comes together in a soft, scoopable dough. Avoid overmixing — stop as soon as there are no visible streaks of flour. The dough’s texture should be a bit tacky but easy to shape.

Step 7: Shape and Sugar the Cookies

Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of dough, roll them into balls with your hands, and then roll each ball in a shallow bowl of extra granulated sugar. This step creates that iconic sugar-cookie sparkle and a gentle crunch on the outside. Arrange the balls about 2 inches apart on your lined baking sheets.

Step 8: Flatten and Bake

Before baking, gently flatten each ball just a bit with the bottom of a glass — this ensures the Strawberry Sugar Cookies spread to the perfect thickness. Bake for 10–12 minutes, just until the edges are set and the centers are still soft. Overbaking dries them out, so err on the side of slightly underbaked if you like them chewy.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to set up properly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool totally. This prevents any sticky bottoms and means the cookies firm up into the ideal blend of crispy edge and tender center. Now, try (just try) not to eat half the batch warm!

How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

Give your Strawberry Sugar Cookies an extra flourish by topping each one with a pinch of more crushed freeze-dried strawberries, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even a tiny strawberry slice. For extra sparkle, a drizzle of white chocolate or a few festive sprinkles can make these cookies truly feel celebration-worthy. The garnish adds color, texture, and that bakery-style charm.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a cold glass of milk, a cozy cup of tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. For a summer gathering, surround your plate of cookies with fresh berries or a fruit salad — the bright flavors play off the fruity strawberry in every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative and turn Strawberry Sugar Cookies into star attractions at any party! Sandwich a layer of vanilla or strawberry buttercream between two cookies for a homemade ice cream sandwich. Stack them in clear jars tied with ribbon for adorable edible gifts, or arrange in a heart shape on a platter for Valentine’s Day. Presentation is half the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra Strawberry Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, and they’ll stay fresh and soft for up to four days. If you live somewhere humid, drop a slice of sandwich bread in the container to help maintain the perfect chewiness.

Freezing

You can freeze baked Strawberry Sugar Cookies by layering them between pieces of parchment paper in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They’ll taste just as good for up to two months — simply thaw at room temperature whenever a strawberry craving hits. Alternatively, freeze unbaked dough balls, then bake straight from frozen (just add an extra minute or two to the baking time).

Reheating

To recapture that freshly baked softness, pop a day-old cookie in the microwave for 6–8 seconds, or warm a plateful in a 300°F oven for 2–3 minutes. This revives the texture and intensifies the colors and aroma, making each bite taste like it just came out of the oven.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?

Fresh strawberries contain too much water and can make the dough soggy, leading to cookies that spread too much. Freeze-dried strawberries provide pure flavor and color with no extra moisture, making them the best choice for Strawberry Sugar Cookies.

Do I have to add food coloring?

Not at all! The crushed freeze-dried strawberries naturally tint the cookies, but if you want a brighter pink color for special occasions, feel free to add a drop or two of red or pink food coloring.

How do I keep my cookies soft?

Make sure to store them in an airtight container once they’ve cooled. For maximum softness, bake just until the edges set and the centers look a little underdone — they’ll firm up as they cool.

Can these cookies be made gluten free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend (make sure it contains xanthan gum) in place of the regular flour. The results are nearly identical and just as delicious.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Yes! The dough doubles beautifully, making Strawberry Sugar Cookies a perfect choice for parties or bake sales. Don’t forget to chill the dough if your kitchen is warm, so the cookies don’t spread too much when baking.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re wooing someone with sweets, baking for friends, or just treating yourself, Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a bright little burst of pure joy. Give them a try and I guarantee you’ll be hooked after the very first bite — there’s something truly magical about how fruity, pink, and perfectly sweet these cookies turn out every time!

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