Strawberry Sugar Cookies
If you’re craving a delightful treat that combines the fresh, sweet burst of fruit with the soft, melt-in-your-mouth charm of a classic cookie, Strawberry Sugar Cookies might just become your new favorite. These cookies bring together the bright, juicy flavor of real strawberries and the comforting sweetness of a sugar cookie base, creating a perfect balance of fruity freshness and tender texture in every bite. Whether baked for a special occasion or a simple everyday indulgence, Strawberry Sugar Cookies are truly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fruit-Forward Flavor: Real strawberries bring natural sweetness and vibrant color to the cookies.
- Soft and Chewy Texture: The cookies remain tender, offering a perfect bite every time.
- Simple Ingredients: Easy-to-find pantry staples come together without complicated steps.
- Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: Just enough sugar to satisfy your sweet tooth without overpowering the strawberry essence.
- Great for Any Occasion: From afternoon tea to festive celebrations, these cookies are crowd-pleasers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple but essential ingredients that beautifully complement each other. Each component enhances the overall taste, texture, or look of the Strawberry Sugar Cookies, resulting in a delightful homemade treat.
- Fresh Strawberries: Adds juicy, natural sweetness and moisture crucial for that signature fruity pop.
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and softness to the cookie dough without being too dense.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens while helping with a slight crisp on the cookie edges.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and buttery flavor that makes every bite decadent.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to the chewy texture.
- Baking Powder: Ensures the cookies rise just enough to be soft and airy.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with warm, aromatic notes.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the strawberry flavor.
Variations for Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! It’s adaptable for different tastes and dietary needs, so you can tweak it to make your perfect batch of Strawberry Sugar Cookies.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
- Vegan Twist: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg instead of regular egg and butter.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate on top for extra indulgence.
- Citrus Zest Boost: Incorporate lemon or orange zest into the dough to brighten the fruity flavor.
- Strawberry Jam Filling: Create sandwich-style cookies filled with strawberry jam for a luscious surprise.
How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prepare Fresh Strawberries
Wash and pat dry your strawberries, then finely chop them to ensure even distribution throughout the cookie dough for consistent bursts of flavor.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a mixer, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale in color to give your cookies a tender texture.
Step 3: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly to incorporate moisture and enhance flavor depth in the dough.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
Step 5: Fold Dry Ingredients and Strawberries Into Wet Mixture
Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined, then fold in chopped strawberries carefully so the dough remains tender.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for roughly 10-12 minutes, just until edges are lightly golden.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Use Ripe Strawberries: The sweeter and juicier, the better the flavor infusion in your cookies.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until the ingredients come together to keep the cookies soft.
- Chill the Dough: Refrigerate for 30 minutes if you want thicker cookies that hold their shape well.
- Watch Baking Time Closely: Remove the cookies when the edges begin to turn golden to avoid dryness.
- Use Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and promotes even baking for beautifully shaped cookies.
How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a delicate drizzle of white chocolate makes these cookies look as good as they taste, adding a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
Pair your Strawberry Sugar Cookies with a scoop of fresh whipped cream or a bowl of vanilla ice cream to elevate the fruity sweetness and create a decadent treat.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange the cookies on a tiered dessert tray with fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves for a charming summer gathering centerpiece that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Strawberry Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their soft texture and fresh flavor.
Freezing
Freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe container; they stay delicious for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Warm cookies briefly in a microwave or oven for a few seconds to revive their soft, comforting texture before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Sugar Cookies?
While fresh strawberries are ideal for the best flavor and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
How do I keep Strawberry Sugar Cookies soft?
Avoid overbaking and store them in an airtight container to retain moisture; chilling the dough before baking also helps the cookies stay tender.
Are Strawberry Sugar Cookies suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Their mild sweetness and fruity flavor make them a favorite among children and adults alike.
Can I substitute strawberry flavoring instead of fresh strawberries?
You can use strawberry extract for a stronger, more concentrated flavor, but it won’t provide the natural juiciness and texture that fresh strawberries offer.
What’s the best way to make these cookies vegan?
Replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use a flaxseed egg or another egg substitute to achieve similar texture and binding.
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Sugar Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re a little celebration of fresh, fruity goodness wrapped in comforting sweetness. Whipping up a batch is simple, and sharing these soft, flavorful cookies lights up any day. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with variations, these cookies are sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen. So go ahead, bake a batch and savor every delightful bite!
Related Posts
- Strawberry Glazed French Crullers
- Red Velvet Chocolate Heart Cookies
- Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies
Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Total Time: 25-27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free flour is used)
Description
Strawberry Sugar Cookies combine the fresh, juicy sweetness of real strawberries with a soft, tender sugar cookie base. Perfectly balanced in sweetness and texture, these cookies are easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and ideal for any occasion, from casual treats to festive celebrations.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (or plant-based butter for vegan option)
- 1 large egg (or flax egg for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Fresh Strawberries: Wash and pat dry your strawberries, then finely chop them to ensure even distribution throughout the cookie dough for consistent bursts of flavor.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the unsalted butter and granulated sugar together until light, fluffy, and pale in color to give your cookies a tender texture.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Mix in the egg and vanilla extract thoroughly to incorporate moisture and enhance flavor depth in the dough.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Fold Dry Ingredients and Strawberries Into Wet Mixture: Gradually add the flour mixture to the butter mixture, stirring gently until just combined, then fold in chopped strawberries carefully so the dough remains tender.
- Bake Until Golden: Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for roughly 10-12 minutes, just until edges are lightly golden.
Notes
- Use ripe strawberries for the sweetest and juiciest flavor infusion.
- Don’t overmix the dough to keep the cookies soft and tender.
- Chill the dough for 30 minutes if you prefer thicker cookies that hold their shape.
- Watch baking time closely and remove cookies as soon as edges turn golden to avoid dryness.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Strawberry sugar cookies, fruity cookies, soft sugar cookies, easy cookie recipe, gluten-free cookie option, vegan cookie option
