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If you’ve ever wished for a cookie that’s sweet, soft, and bursting with fresh fruity flavor, then let me introduce you to the irresistible Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe. These delightful treats combine the classic charm of sugar cookies with the bright, juicy essence of fresh strawberries, creating a perfect balance of tender crumb and delicate sweetness. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon tea or a festive gathering, these cookies will bring a splash of color and a smile to everyone’s face.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this recipe—the simplicity of each component lets the strawberry flavor shine while achieving that perfect soft texture and delightful sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted: Provides rich creaminess and helps keep the cookies tender.
- 1 cup white granulated sugar: Adds the essential sweetness and contributes to the cookie’s slight crisp edges.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a warm, comforting aroma.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds moisture.
- 1.5 cups unbleached flour: Forms the body of the cookie, giving it structure without harshness.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise gently and stay soft.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the natural flavors.
- 1/8 teaspoon baking soda: Works alongside baking powder for perfect texture.
- 2 tablespoons water: Adds moisture and helps dissolve sugars.
- 2 tablespoons white granulated sugar: Used for coating the cookies before baking to add a pleasant sugary crunch.
- 1/3 cup fresh strawberries (chopped): The star ingredient, giving bursts of juicy, fruity freshness throughout.
- 2 cups powdered sugar: For the luscious, smooth frosting that tops the cookies and adds extra sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla: Incorporated in the frosting for a sweet, aromatic finish.
How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cookie Dough
Start by melting the unsalted butter until it’s just liquid and silky. In a large bowl, combine the melted butter with 1 cup sugar and the vanilla extract, stirring until smooth and well mixed. Beat in the egg to ensure the dough comes together nicely. Next, sift together the unbleached flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl before gradually incorporating those dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Add 2 tablespoons of water to keep the dough soft. Finally, gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries, taking care not to mash them—the little berry bits will give your cookies that delightful fruity burst.
Step 2: Shape and Coat Your Cookies
This next part gets fun and hands-on! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using your hands, roll the dough into evenly sized balls, about 1.5 inches each. Then, dip each ball into the extra 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar, giving the cookies a sparkling sugar coating that caramelizes lightly during baking. Place them spaced apart on the baking sheet—the dough will spread a bit, but not too much.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Bake your cookies for around 10 minutes or until the edges turn a gentle golden hue. They might look slightly soft in the center, but that’s exactly how you want them. Remove the cookies and let them cool completely on a wire rack before frosting. This step ensures the frosting won’t melt and slide off.
Step 4: Make the Strawberry Sugar Cookies Frosting
While the cookies cool, mix together 2 cups of powdered sugar with 1 teaspoon vanilla and a tablespoon or two of cold water or milk until you reach a thick but spreadable consistency. This simple frosting complements the fresh strawberries baked into the cookies, adding a creamy sweetness that makes every bite heavenly. Once your cookies are cool, frost them generously and let the icing set before serving.
How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, sprinkle finely chopped freeze-dried strawberries or colored sugar crystals on top of the frosting just before it sets. Fresh mint leaves or tiny edible flower petals can also elevate the presentation and add a lovely freshness.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a chilled glass of milk, a cup of hot tea, or fresh lemonade. Light fruit salads or a scoop of vanilla ice cream work beautifully if you’re serving them as part of a dessert spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these charming cookies stacked on a pretty cake stand for an inviting look, or arrange them in gift boxes tied with ribbons for delightful homemade gifts. You can even sandwich frosting between two cookies for a tasty twist that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. This will preserve their soft texture and keep the frosting intact without drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the unfrosted cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature and frost fresh after thawing for best results.
Reheating
If you want your cookies warm and cozy, pop them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds. Avoid reheating the frosted ones too much or the frosting could melt, but warming unfrosted cookies can bring back that freshly baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh for the Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe?
While fresh strawberries are best for texture and flavor, you can use frozen strawberries if you thaw them thoroughly and pat dry to prevent extra moisture from affecting the dough consistency.
How do I prevent the cookies from spreading too much?
Make sure your dough is chilled before shaping the balls, and avoid rolling them too flat. Using unbleached flour helps provide enough structure to keep the cookies nicely shaped.
Can I make these cookies vegan?
To make a vegan version, replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a flax or chia egg instead of a regular egg, and ensure your powdered sugar is vegan-friendly. Keep in mind, this may slightly change the texture.
What’s the best way to chop the strawberries?
Use a sharp knife to finely dice the strawberries into small pieces so they incorporate evenly without creating soggy spots in the dough.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins to this Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe?
Absolutely! A hint of lemon zest pairs beautifully with strawberry, or you could fold in white chocolate chips or toasted coconut for a fun twist while keeping the base recipe intact.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about baking Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe, especially when those fresh, fruity notes peek out with every sweet bite. They’re a wonderful way to brighten any day, share a smile, or indulge your cookie cravings with a touch of homemade charm. So gather your ingredients, heat up that oven, and trust me—you’re going to love how these cookies turn out!
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