Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Discover the sweet bliss of soft, chewy Strawberry Sugar Cookies bursting with fresh fruit flavor in every delightful bite! This recipe brings a vibrant twist to classic sugar cookies by infusing real strawberries, creating a uniquely tender texture and refreshing taste that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or a cozy treat, these cookies will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh fruit flavor: Real strawberries add a natural sweetness and juicy texture that sets these cookies apart.
- Soft and chewy texture: These cookies stay tender and moist, thanks to the perfect balance of ingredients.
- Simple ingredients: Nothing fancy required—just basic pantry staples combined with fresh fruit.
- Versatile dessert: Ideal for parties, lunchboxes, or whenever you need a homemade sweet fix.
- Colorful and inviting: The natural pink hue from strawberries makes these cookies visually irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to crafting perfect Strawberry Sugar Cookies. Each component plays a specific role—enhancing texture, enriching flavor, or adding that lovely rosy tint.
- All-purpose flour: Provides structure for the cookies, ensuring they hold their shape but stay tender.
- Baking powder: Helps the cookies rise slightly, creating an airy softness.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Butter (unsalted): Offers richness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Sugar: Sweetens the dough perfectly without overpowering the strawberry notes.
- Large egg: Binds ingredients together and adds moisture for chewiness.
- Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Fresh strawberries: The star ingredient that infuses juicy sweetness and a hint of natural tartness.
- Powdered sugar (optional for rolling): Creates a softly sweet coating and a delicate finish.
Variations for Strawberry Sugar Cookies
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to get creative and tailor it to your tastes, dietary preferences, or what you have available in your pantry. Customizing Strawberry Sugar Cookies is simple and fun.
- Freeze-dried strawberry powder: Use this instead of fresh strawberries for a concentrated flavor and easier storage.
- Gluten-free flour blend: Swap in a gluten-free mix for a delicious alternative without sacrificing texture.
- Vegan option: Replace butter with coconut oil and use flax eggs to make these cookies vegan-friendly.
- White chocolate chips: Add these to the dough for a sweet, creamy contrast to the strawberry.
- Lemon zest: Incorporate fresh lemon zest for a zesty twist that brightens the cookie flavor.
How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Step 1: Prepare the strawberries
Wash and dry fresh strawberries thoroughly, then finely chop them. This ensures they blend nicely into the dough without adding excess moisture.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside to combine the leavening agents evenly.
Step 3: Cream butter and sugar
Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until fluffy and pale. This step creates structure and helps the cookies stay soft.
Step 4: Add egg and vanilla
Beat in the egg and pure vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated for moisture and flavor depth.
Step 5: Incorporate strawberries
Gently fold in the freshly chopped strawberries, distributing them evenly without overmixing to avoid a soggy dough.
Step 6: Combine wet and dry ingredients
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. It will be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 7: Chill the dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling helps firm the dough, making it easier to handle and enhances cookie flavor.
Step 8: Shape and bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough into small balls, optionally roll in powdered sugar, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cookies are set but still soft.
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Sugar Cookies
- Use ripe strawberries: Choose fresh, ripe berries for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
- Don’t overmix: Mix until ingredients are just combined to keep cookies tender.
- Chill the dough: Refrigerating helps the cookies maintain shape and develop better flavor.
- Watch baking time: Remove from oven when edges are set but centers are slightly soft for chewy cookies.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste your dough mix before baking and add more sugar if needed for personal preference.
How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Garnishes
Top with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of strawberry glaze to enhance their sweet, fruity appeal and presentation.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of freshly brewed tea for a balanced and delightful snack or dessert combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange cookies on a pastel-colored plate with fresh strawberry slices and mint leaves for a beautiful, inviting display that’s perfect for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover Strawberry Sugar Cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, maintaining softness and freshness.
Freezing
Freeze baked cookies in a sealed bag or container for up to 3 months; thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Warm cookies briefly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a low oven to revive their chewy softness and fresh-from-the-oven appeal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh strawberries to avoid excess moisture, but if using frozen, thaw and pat them dry thoroughly to prevent soggy dough.
Do Strawberry Sugar Cookies need to be refrigerated before baking?
Yes, chilling the dough solidifies the butter and helps the cookies bake evenly while enhancing flavor and texture.
How long do these cookies stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container, your Strawberry Sugar Cookies will stay soft and delicious for up to 3 days at room temperature.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! The dough can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored refrigerated or frozen for longer storage.
What is the best way to avoid cookies spreading too much?
Chilling the dough before baking and using a proper ratio of flour helps control spreading for perfectly shaped cookies.
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a delightful way to bring fresh fruit flavor into your baking routine with ease and joy. Their soft texture and natural sweetness make them a happy treat for any time of day. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and share the simple pleasure that comes with every bite of these heavenly cookies.
Related Posts
- Strawberry Glazed French Crullers
- Red Velvet Chocolate Heart Cookies
- Heart-Shaped Strawberry Shortbread Cookies
Strawberry Sugar Cookies
Soft and chewy Strawberry Sugar Cookies bursting with fresh fruit flavor. These cookies deliver a tender texture with the natural sweetness and vibrant pink hue of fresh strawberries, making them perfect for parties, lunchboxes, or everyday treats.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Fresh Fruit
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, washed, dried and finely chopped
Optional
- Powdered sugar for rolling (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the strawberries: Wash and dry fresh strawberries thoroughly, then finely chop them. This ensures they blend nicely into the dough without adding excess moisture.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside to combine evenly.
- Cream butter and sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and sugar until fluffy and pale. This builds structure and helps the cookies stay soft.
- Add egg and vanilla: Beat in the egg and pure vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated for moisture and flavor depth.
- Incorporate strawberries: Gently fold in the freshly chopped strawberries, distributing them evenly without overmixing to avoid soggy dough.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until a soft dough forms. It will be slightly sticky but manageable.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm it up, making it easier to handle and improving flavor.
- Shape and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Scoop dough into small balls, optionally roll in powdered sugar, and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until cookies are set but still soft.
Notes
- Use ripe strawberries for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep cookies tender.
- Chilling the dough helps maintain cookie shape and enhances flavor.
- Remove cookies from oven when edges are set but centers remain soft for chewiness.
- Taste dough before baking and adjust sugar as desired.
- Fresh strawberries are preferred; if using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly.
- Dough can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored refrigerated or frozen.
- Store baked cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze baked cookies in a sealed container up to 3 months.
- Warm cookies briefly before serving to restore softness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Strawberry sugar cookies, soft cookies, chewy cookies, fresh strawberry dessert, sweet treats, homemade cookies