Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

If you’re looking for a treat that’s sweet, delicate, and bursting with fruity flavor, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Strawberry Sugar Cookies. Buttery, soft, with a hint of pink and a vibrant strawberry kick, these cookies encapsulate everything we adore about summer desserts — and they’re as pretty as they are delicious. Even if you’re new to baking, this recipe is completely approachable and will have you sharing platefuls with friends, family, or anyone who happens to stop by. Get ready for your kitchen to smell like strawberries and sunshine!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Strawberry Sugar Cookies lies in their simplicity: every ingredient earns its place. Each brings its own magic, from flavor to texture to color. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a handy tip for each one!

• All-purpose flour: Provides the structure for your cookies, keeping them soft without falling apart.
• Baking powder: Gives a gentle lift, so your cookies stay tender and airy rather than dense.
• Salt: Just a pinch balances out the sweetness and intensifies every strawberry note.
• Unsalted butter (softened): The key to a rich, melt-in-your-mouth crumb—make sure it’s at room temp for easy mixing!
• Granulated sugar: Adds that signature sugar cookie sweetness and gives a classic crispy edge.
• Large egg: Holds everything together and provides essential moisture for that soft interior.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out the strawberry with a lovely, subtle warmth—don’t skip it!
• Freeze-dried strawberry powder: The secret weapon for pure fruit flavor and a naturally beautiful pink hue.

How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining your baking sheets with parchment paper. This ensures your Strawberry Sugar Cookies bake evenly and slide right off with no fuss. Never underestimate the power of proper prep!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Doing this first helps ensure those rising and seasoning agents are spread evenly throughout your cookies, preventing any unwanted surprises in the finished batch.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy. This might just be the most satisfying step—watch as the color lightens and the mixture takes on a dreamy texture, setting you up for perfectly soft Strawberry Sugar Cookies.

Step 4: Add Egg and Vanilla

Beat in the egg and vanilla extract to your butter-sugar blend. These ingredients add moisture and depth of flavor, making your dough richer and more aromatic. Mix until everything is beautifully combined, but don’t overdo it!

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients, working in several additions. Mix just until you see no more streaks of flour. Over-mixing can lead to tough cookies, so stop as soon as it comes together; there’s no need for perfection here.

Step 6: Fold in Strawberry Powder

Gently fold in the freeze-dried strawberry powder and watch your dough transform with a burst of pink and that irresistible fruity scent. Make sure the color is uniform, but again, don’t overwork the dough. This is where the Strawberry Sugar Cookies get their beautiful color and flavor.

Step 7: Shape the Cookies

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls using your hands or a cookie scoop for uniformity. Place them about 2 inches apart on your parchment-lined baking sheets, giving each cookie space to spread and bake evenly.

Step 8: Flatten and Bake

Gently flatten each dough ball with the bottom of a glass—just enough to create that classic sugar cookie look. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the edges are just turning golden (don’t let them get too brown!). The centers will look slightly underdone, but that’s the secret to perfect, soft Strawberry Sugar Cookies.

Step 9: Cool and Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for about 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. This quick rest helps them firm up just enough to move without breaking, while keeping their dreamy softness intact. Take a bite while they’re still a little warm—pure bliss!

How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Garnishes

For a little extra wow, dust the cooled cookies lightly with powdered sugar or drizzle them with a simple vanilla glaze. You could even sprinkle a few extra crushed freeze-dried strawberries on top for an extra pop of color and flavor. It’s your chance to make your Strawberry Sugar Cookies look as irresistible as they taste!

Side Dishes

Strawberry Sugar Cookies pair perfectly with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream, or alongside a bowl of fresh berries for an extra fruity hit. They’re also a fabulous partner to a mug of hot tea or a tall glass of cold milk, making them versatile for afternoon snacks or elegant dessert platters.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack a few Strawberry Sugar Cookies in a clear cellophane bag tied with a ribbon for sweet homemade gifts, or arrange them artfully on a platter for parties and picnics. For something fun, use cookie cutters to shape the dough into hearts or flowers before baking—kids and adults both appreciate the playful touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any uneaten Strawberry Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay beautifully soft and fresh for up to 4 days, making them a fantastic make-ahead treat for lunchboxes, coffee breaks, or unexpected visitors.

Freezing

If you’d like to plan ahead, freeze the shaped, unbaked cookie dough balls on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. You can also freeze baked cookies; just layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Bring to room temperature before serving—fresh as the day they were made!

Reheating

To enjoy that just-baked taste, warm your Strawberry Sugar Cookies in a low oven (about 300°F) for a few minutes. This gentle reheating revives their soft texture and makes the flavors pop. If you’re in a hurry, even a quick zap in the microwave will do the trick!

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberry powder?

For Strawberry Sugar Cookies, freeze-dried strawberry powder is key because it gives intense flavor and color without adding extra moisture. Fresh strawberries can make the dough too wet and change the texture of your cookies, so stick with the powder for best results.

How do I make my cookies extra chewy?

To achieve extra chewy Strawberry Sugar Cookies, underbake them slightly and don’t overmix the dough. You can also try taking them out of the oven when the centers still look just a touch glossy—they’ll firm up perfectly as they cool.

Can I double this recipe for a party?

Absolutely! This recipe doubles beautifully. Just make sure you have plenty of baking sheets and parchment paper to keep things moving smoothly in your kitchen.

What if I can’t find freeze-dried strawberry powder?

You can easily make your own by blitzing freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor until they become a fine powder. This homemade approach gives you the same flavor punch and color as store-bought versions.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough and refrigerate it (covered) for up to 48 hours before baking. Chilled dough also helps the cookies hold their shape, making it a great make-ahead option.

Final Thoughts

It’s amazing what a handful of simple ingredients can become—a batch of Strawberry Sugar Cookies that disappear before you know it! Don’t let another season pass without giving these a try. Once you taste that bursting strawberry flavor and experience the blissful softness, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your baking repertoire.

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