There is something utterly magical about the way a delicate cookie can brighten your day, and with this Strawberry Champagne Cookies Recipe, you’re in for a true treat. These cookies combine the fruity sweetness of fresh strawberries with a bubbly hint of champagne flavor, resulting in a soft, pink-hued delight that feels festive anytime you bite into one. Whether you’re baking for a celebration, an afternoon tea, or just because, this recipe offers an irresistible blend of flavors, colors, and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind these cookies lies in their simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the creamy butter that brings a tender texture to the exotic extracts that create that signature flavor and the gentle touch of pink color that makes these cookies pop.
- 1 Cup unsalted sweet cream butter (softened): Provides a rich, creamy base that keeps the cookies soft and flavorful.
- 1 1/2 Cup powdered sugar: Adds sweetness and contributes to the delicate texture.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder and adds structure to the dough.
- 2 teaspoon strawberry extract: Infuses the cookies with a bright, fruity strawberry aroma and taste.
- 2 teaspoon Champagne extract: Introduces a subtle, elegant sparkle that makes these cookies extra special.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract: Balances the flavor profile with its warm, familiar notes.
- 2 3/4 Cup flour: The sturdy backbone ensuring the perfect cookie consistency.
- 2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the cookies rise to a soft, pillowy perfection.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the sweet and fruity flavors, keeping everything balanced.
- Pink gel food coloring: Gives these cookies their iconic bright and playful rosy hue.
- Pink sugar sprinkles: Add a crunchy, sparkling finish that’s just as pretty as it is tasty.
How to Make Strawberry Champagne Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Cream the Butter and Sugar
Start by using a standing mixer to beat the softened butter and powdered sugar together until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is key because it incorporates air, giving your cookies a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes each bite heavenly.
Step 2: Add the Egg and Extracts
Next, beat in the egg along with the strawberry, champagne, and vanilla extracts until everything is smoothly combined. These extracts are the stars of the show, blending fruity and bubbly flavors that elevate this cookie beyond your average sweet treat.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and kosher salt. This dry mix ensures that your cookies will rise nicely and maintain their perfect chewy-soft texture without becoming dense.
Step 4: Mix the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until everything is just combined. This balance helps the dough hold together without overworking the gluten, which could toughen the cookies.
Step 5: Add Color to Your Dough
Now is the fun part—drop in a few drops of pink gel food coloring and mix until your dough has that lovely rosy tint that screams springtime and celebrations.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour. Chilling firms the dough, making it easier to scoop and helping the cookies bake evenly with that perfect shape.
Step 7: Preheat Your Oven
When your dough has chilled, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Having your oven at the right temperature from the start ensures your cookies cook evenly.
Step 8: Scoop and Coat with Sprinkles
Use a cookie scooper to portion out dough balls, then gently roll each ball in pink sugar sprinkles. This adds that dazzling crunch and enhances the overall festive vibe of the cookies.
Step 9: Bake Until Perfect
Place the sprinkled dough balls on a cookie sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the edges are just set but the centers stay soft.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Allow your Strawberry Champagne Cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet before indulging. Cooling lets the cookies set up perfectly, combining that tender crumb with the sugary crunch on top.
How to Serve Strawberry Champagne Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding a fresh strawberry slice or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. These simple garnishes enhance the fruity and festive flair, making your cookies look as amazing as they taste.
Side Dishes
Pair these cookies with a chilled glass of actual champagne or a sparkling rosé for a coordinated flavor experience. A cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee also complements the sweet, luxurious notes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your cookies on a beautiful tiered serving tray to make a show-stopping dessert display. You can also package them in pretty cellophane bags tied with a ribbon for charming party favors or gifts that say ‘I care’
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Strawberry Champagne Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature, where they will stay fresh and soft for up to five days. This allows you to enjoy these tender treats long after your initial baking session.
Freezing
If you want to save your cookies longer, freeze them in a sealed container for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature when you’re ready for a sweet pick-me-up that tastes freshly baked.
Reheating
To bring a chilled or frozen cookie back to life, pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds or warm it briefly in a low oven. This will restore their soft, tender texture and make them feel freshly baked again.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh strawberries for the strawberry extract?
While fresh strawberries will add flavor, strawberry extract delivers a more concentrated and consistent taste throughout the dough, making it the best choice for this recipe’s signature flavor.
What if I don’t have Champagne extract?
If you can’t find Champagne extract, you can try a sparkling wine vinegar or simply add a splash of sparkling wine after baking for a subtle effect, but the extract really delivers that distinct champagne charm.
How do I make sure my cookies don’t spread too much?
Chilling the dough for at least an hour is essential to control spreading, as it firms up the butter and helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
Can I make these cookies vegan or dairy-free?
With some experimentation, you can swap butter for a plant-based alternative and the egg for a flax or chia egg substitute, but the texture and flavor may differ slightly from the original recipe.
Why did my cookies turn out flat or hard?
Flat or hard cookies often result from overmixing the dough or baking at too high a temperature. Stick closely to the instructions, especially chilling the dough and moderating your oven heat, for the best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like treating yourself and your loved ones to a batch of these Strawberry Champagne Cookies Recipe delights. They bring together joyful color, uplifting flavors, and a texture that feels like a hug in cookie form. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find it hard to go back to ordinary cookies. So, go ahead, bake a batch today and share the happiness!
