Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a delightful treat that feels fresh and a little special, you’ve got to try this Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe. These cookies aren’t just your average sugar cookie — the addition of freeze-dried strawberry powder gives them a subtle fruity zing that’s absolutely irresistible. I love how these turn out delicate, sweet, and beautifully pink-speckled, making them perfect for a cozy afternoon with tea or sharing with friends. Stick around because I’m about to share everything you need to know to get these just right!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe uses straightforward ingredients that come together beautifully. The freeze-dried strawberries are the magic touch here, giving natural flavor without throwing off the cookie’s texture. When shopping, consider getting high-quality butter for the best richness.

• Butter: I like to use salted butter for a little extra depth, but unsalted works perfectly too—just add a pinch more salt if you do.
• Granulated Sugar: This not only sweetens the cookies but also provides that lovely crisp coating when you roll the dough balls in it.
• Egg: It acts as the binder, ensuring your dough holds together nicely without being heavy.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that pairs surprisingly well with strawberry.
• All-purpose Flour: The base for your cookie dough, giving it structure and that classic crumbly texture.
• Baking Powder: Just enough to give your cookies a gentle lift, keeping them from becoming too dense.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• Freeze-dried Strawberries: The star of the show! Grinding them into a powder infuses that fresh fruit flavor in every bite without sogginess.
• Additional Granulated Sugar: For rolling the cookie dough—this gives a sweet, crunchy exterior that’s so satisfying.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tweak it depending on the occasion or what I have on hand in my kitchen. Feel free to add your own spin on it!

• Gluten-Free Version: I tried swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend once, and it worked well, but I recommend adding a little xanthan gum to keep the dough from crumbling.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Adding a quick drizzle of melted white or dark chocolate on top brings another layer of flavor that my family adores.
• Fresh Strawberry Chunks: For a juicier cookie, mix in finely chopped fresh strawberries, but keep in mind this may soften the cookie slightly.
• Lemon Zest Twist: A pinch of lemon zest brightens the strawberry flavor wonderfully, giving the cookies a refreshing pop.

How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. I always recommend parchment over silicone because it helps the cookie bottoms crisp better without sticking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar Until Fluffy

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to cream together your room-temperature butter and granulated sugar. Beat until it’s light and fluffy—that usually takes about 3-4 minutes. You want to see a pale, airy mixture because this step makes a huge difference in how soft your cookies will be.

Step 3: Mix in Egg and Vanilla

Next, add in the egg and vanilla extract, beating until everything is well combined. It should look smooth and creamy. Remember to scrape down the sides of your bowl to catch all that buttery goodness!

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Strawberry Powder

In a separate bowl, whisk your flour, baking powder, salt, and the freeze-dried strawberry powder together. This helps distribute the leavening evenly and blend the strawberry flavor throughout the dough. Then, gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined — don’t overmix or you’ll develop gluten and end up with tougher cookies.

Step 5: Portion and Coat the Dough Balls

Using a small cookie scoop or two tablespoons, portion out 14 equal-sized dough balls. Roll each ball in additional granulated sugar for that sweet, crackly exterior that I absolutely love—it adds such a nice texture contrast! Arrange them on your prepared baking sheet about 2 inches apart to give them space to spread.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake your cookies at 350°F (180°C) for 9 minutes. You want to catch them just as edges start to turn golden, but centers still look a bit soft—that’s where the magic happens. Once out, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling. Resist the urge to pop them off too soon; they’re fragile when warm but will firm up as they cool.

How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with these cookies since their flavor is so lovely on its own. Sometimes I dust them with a tiny bit of powdered sugar or add a delicate drizzle of melted white chocolate for a silky finish that looks pretty and adds richness. Little edible flowers also make for an adorable garnish if you’re serving these at a party or brunch.

Side Dishes

They’re perfect alongside a warm cup of tea or a cold glass of milk. For a more indulgent spread, try serving with fresh berries and whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. My family goes crazy when I pair these with a homemade lemon curd to spread on top — it’s the best balance of sweet and tart.

Creative Ways to Present

For birthday parties or special occasions, I like arranging these on pretty platters with clusters of strawberries and mint leaves for a fresh look. Wrapping a few cookies in clear cellophane tied with a ribbon also makes a lovely homemade gift. If you’re feeling artsy, try sandwiching them with strawberry cream cheese frosting for a fun twist that everyone loves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store your Strawberry Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll keep fresh and soft for about 4 to 5 days, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house! Just make sure there’s some parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

I’ve frozen the dough balls before baking, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then a freezer bag — this lets me bake fresh cookies anytime with minimal effort. Frozen dough balls keep well for up to 3 months. You can also freeze fully baked cookies, but I recommend wrapping them individually and placing them in a sturdy container to avoid breaking.

Reheating

To refresh leftover cookies, I’ll pop them in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes — it softens them nicely as if freshly baked. Avoid microwaving as it can make cookies overly soft or rubbery fast.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe brings a burst of real strawberry flavor into a classic cookie that’s both simple and special. When I first tried adding freeze-dried strawberry powder, it instantly became a favorite in my kitchen—and my family keeps asking for more! I know you’ll enjoy baking these as much as eating them, whether it’s for an easy snack or a special occasion. Give them a try and watch how everyone’s faces light up with surprise and delight. Happy baking!

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