Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Introduction

There’s something magical about the combination of fresh strawberries and sweet sugar cookies, don’t you think? That perfect balance of juicy, vibrant fruit and melt-in-your-mouth sugar cookie dough creates a dessert that’s both comforting and delightful. Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a showstopper for any occasion, whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a brunch, or just craving something sweet. These cookies are soft, buttery, and bursting with the natural sweetness of strawberries, making them the perfect treat for any season. The best part? They’re super easy to make, so even beginners can whip up a batch of these delicious cookies in no time.

Imagine a warm, freshly baked cookie, slightly golden on the edges, with the sweetness of strawberries melting in every bite. They’re not only delicious but are sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time. Ready to bake? Let’s dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe for Strawberry Sugar Cookies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cookies are bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire, and here’s why:

• Incredibly Soft and Chewy: The texture is just right—soft, pillowy, and a little chewy.
• Natural Strawberry Flavor: Fresh strawberries add a burst of natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the sugar cookie base.
• Versatile for All Occasions: Whether you’re hosting a party, gifting cookies, or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these are perfect for any occasion.
• Easy to Make: If you’re not a baking expert, don’t worry! These cookies come together quickly and easily with just a few basic ingredients.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love the bright pink color and the fun fruitiness that strawberries bring to the party.
• Customizable: Add sprinkles, frosting, or even a drizzle of chocolate for extra flair.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it in the fridge, so all you need to do is bake when you’re ready.
• Perfect for Gifting: Pack them up in cute boxes or jars for a lovely homemade gift.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Cooling Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: About 24 cookies
• Calories per cookie: Approximately 180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fiber: 1g, Fat: 8g, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 2g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Strawberry Sugar Cookies:

For the Cookies:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries (about 6-8 medium-sized strawberries)
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional for extra flavor)
• 1/2 cup sanding sugar or regular granulated sugar for rolling (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Strawberries: The star ingredient that brings the flavor and color to the cookies. Fresh berries give them a natural, sweet taste.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create that soft, chewy texture.
• Sanding Sugar: Adds a nice crunch and sparkle to the cookie’s exterior, but regular granulated sugar works just as well if you don’t have sanding sugar on hand.
• Almond Extract: While optional, a little almond extract can enhance the strawberry flavor and add a touch of complexity to the cookies.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s break it down into easy-to-follow steps to make these Strawberry Sugar Cookies:

Prepare the Strawberries

1. Mash the Strawberries: Start by hulling and mashing the fresh strawberries. You can use a fork or a potato masher to break them down. You want to achieve about 1/2 cup of mashed strawberries—this will add a burst of juicy flavor to your cookies.
2. Strain if Needed: If your strawberries are too juicy, you can strain them through a fine mesh sieve to remove excess liquid. This will help prevent the cookie dough from becoming too wet.

Make the Cookie Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy—this should take about 2-3 minutes. This step is key to achieving soft, chewy cookies!
4. Add Egg and Extracts: Add the egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract (if using) to the butter-sugar mixture. Beat until combined.
5. Incorporate the Mashed Strawberries: Gently fold in the mashed strawberries, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The dough will be a little soft and pink, and that’s exactly what you want!
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

Shape and Bake the Cookies

1. Shape the Cookies: Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop. If desired, roll the dough balls in sanding sugar for a sparkly, crunchy exterior.
2. Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange the dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. These cookies will spread a bit as they bake, so give them room to do their thing.
3. Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the tops have set. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overbake, as you want them soft and chewy.
4. Cool: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve

These Strawberry Sugar Cookies are great on their own, but if you want to make them even more special, here are some fun serving ideas:

1. Serve on a Dessert Platter: Arrange the cookies on a beautiful serving tray for a cute presentation.
2. Pair with Tea or Lemonade: These cookies are perfect with a warm cup of tea or a glass of refreshing lemonade.
3. Gift Them: Pack the cookies in pretty boxes or jars, tie with a ribbon, and give them as a homemade gift for birthdays or special occasions.
4. Decorate: Top them with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of strawberry glaze, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a little extra sweetness.
5. Use for Cookie Sandwiches: Make cookie sandwiches by adding a layer of frosting or ice cream between two cookies.

Additional Tips

Here are some pro tips for making the perfect Strawberry Sugar Cookies:

1. Use Fresh Strawberries: For the best flavor, opt for fresh strawberries instead of frozen ones. They have a sweeter, more vibrant taste.
2. Chill the Dough: If your dough is too soft to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before rolling. This will help the cookies maintain their shape as they bake.
3. Make the Dough Ahead of Time: You can make the dough ahead of time, shape it into balls, and freeze the dough balls. When you’re ready to bake, just place the frozen dough balls on the baking sheet and bake as directed.
4. Customize the Flavor: Try adding lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing twist or a touch of cinnamon for a warm, spicy note.
5. Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the cookies during baking—since they’re soft, they may look a little underdone when they’re actually ready. Remove them from the oven as soon as they’ve set.

Recipe Variations

Here are some fun variations to try with your Strawberry Sugar Cookies:

• Strawberry Shortcake Cookies: Add a little whipped cream on top of the cookies for a fun take on strawberry shortcake.
• Chocolate-Dipped: Dip the cooled cookies in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.
• Strawberry Lemon Cookies: Add lemon zest or lemon juice to the dough for a tangy citrus flavor to complement the strawberries.
• Mini Strawberry Cookies: Use a smaller scoop to make bite-sized versions of these cookies.
• Vegan Version: Replace the egg with flaxseed meal and the butter with a plant-based alternative for a vegan-friendly treat.

Freezing and Storage

To ensure your Strawberry Sugar Cookies stay fresh, follow these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
• Refrigeration: If you’re in a hot climate, store cookies in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to a week.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cookies for up to 3 months. Place them in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers of cookies.
• Freezing Dough: Freeze the dough for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, allow the dough to thaw for 15 minutes before rolling and baking.

Print

Conclusion

These Strawberry Sugar Cookies are the perfect way to bring a little sweetness to your day. Soft, chewy, and bursting with the fresh flavor of strawberries, they’re a fun twist on the classic sugar cookie. The natural sweetness of the strawberries shines through in every bite, making them a treat that’s hard to resist.

Whether you’re baking them for a celebration, a cozy afternoon snack, or just because you’re craving something sweet, these cookies are sure to brighten anyone’s day. And the best part? They’re super easy to make!

Give these a try, and let the strawberry goodness steal the show. Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations!!