Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Introduction

Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, with the natural sweetness and refreshing flavor of ripe strawberries infused into each bite. These soft, chewy cookies are perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to special celebrations. The bright, fruity flavor of strawberries pairs wonderfully with the traditional sweetness of sugar cookies, creating a treat that’s both familiar and uniquely delicious.

I first made these when I was looking for a fun, fruity variation on the classic sugar cookie, and they quickly became a favorite in my household. The kitchen smelled like a fresh strawberry patch, and the cookies were as pretty as they were tasty, with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. These cookies are perfect for a variety of occasions—they’re great for a holiday cookie exchange, a birthday party, or even just a cozy afternoon treat.

What’s great about these Strawberry Sugar Cookies is how easy they are to make. With just a few simple ingredients and the addition of fresh strawberries or strawberry puree, you can elevate your cookie game. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just indulging in something sweet, these cookies are sure to impress!

Perfect for:

• Holiday baking
• Family gatherings
• Gift-giving
• Afternoon tea
• Strawberry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Here’s why Strawberry Sugar Cookies will become your new favorite treat:

• Soft and Chewy Texture: These cookies have a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture thanks to the strawberry puree, making each bite a delight.
• Fruity Flavor: The natural strawberry flavor shines through in every bite, adding a refreshing twist to the classic sugar cookie.
• Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses basic pantry staples, making it easy to whip up a batch of cookies without any complicated ingredients.
• Versatile: These cookies can be decorated with sugar sprinkles, drizzled with glaze, or left plain for a more subtle look.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: With their vibrant pink color and sweet flavor, these cookies are perfect for holidays, parties, or as a homemade gift.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Chilling Time: 15-30 minutes (optional, for easier rolling)
• Servings: 24-30 cookies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 100-120 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 1g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 5g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Strawberry Sugar Cookies:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries)
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon strawberry or granulated sugar for rolling (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Strawberry Puree: The puree made from fresh or frozen strawberries provides the natural strawberry flavor that makes these cookies so unique. It also gives them a lovely pink hue.
• Butter: Butter adds richness and tenderness to the cookies, helping them maintain their soft, chewy texture.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar is used both in the dough and for rolling the cookies, contributing to their sweetness and slight crispness on the outside.
• Vanilla Extract: The vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor, complementing the strawberries beautifully.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Strawberry Sugar Cookies:

Prepare 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. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
4. Add the Strawberry Puree: Stir in the strawberry puree, mixing until fully incorporated. The dough will take on a soft pink color.
5. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough to maintain a tender texture.

Shape and Bake the Cookies:

6. Chill the Dough (Optional): If the dough is too sticky to handle, chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to make it easier to roll.
7. Roll the Dough: Use a tablespoon or cookie scoop to portion out the dough. Roll each portion into a ball, then roll the balls in the extra sugar (either strawberry or granulated sugar) to coat them lightly.
8. Place on Baking Sheets: Arrange the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
9. Flatten the Dough: Gently press each cookie ball down with the bottom of a glass or your fingers to slightly flatten it. This will help the cookies bake evenly and give them a beautiful shape.
10. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden. The centers may look soft but will firm up as they cool.
11. Cool: Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a versatile treat that can be served in many ways:

• With a Hot Beverage: Pair these cookies with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate for a cozy afternoon treat.
• For Special Occasions: These cookies are perfect for holiday parties, birthdays, or celebrations, especially with their pink hue and sweet strawberry flavor.
• As a Gift: Package these cookies in a cute tin or jar and give them as a homemade gift to friends and family.
• With Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert, serve these cookies alongside a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream.

Additional Tips for Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Here are some tips to ensure your Strawberry Sugar Cookies turn out perfectly:

• Use Fresh Strawberry Puree: For the best flavor, make the puree from fresh strawberries. Simply blend strawberries and strain them to remove excess liquid before adding to the dough.
• Chill the Dough: If the dough is too sticky to roll, chill it for 15-30 minutes in the fridge to make handling easier and to prevent spreading too much while baking.
• Don’t Overbake: These cookies can go from soft and chewy to dry quickly, so keep an eye on them and remove them from the oven when they are just lightly golden around the edges.
• Decorate with Glaze or Sprinkles: For a fun touch, drizzle a simple glaze over the cookies or top them with sprinkles before baking for extra color and sweetness.
• Experiment with Flavor Add-ins: You can add chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, or chopped nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.

Recipe Variations for Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Here are 10 variations you can try for Strawberry Sugar Cookies:

• Strawberry Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist that complements the strawberry flavor.
• Strawberry White Chocolate Sugar Cookies: Fold in white chocolate chips for a creamy contrast to the tartness of the strawberries.
• Strawberry Shortcake Sugar Cookies: Top the cookies with whipped cream and fresh strawberry slices for a shortcake-inspired treat.
• Strawberry Jam-filled Sugar Cookies: Create a small indentation in the center of each cookie before baking and fill with a dollop of strawberry jam.
• Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Sugar Cookies: After baking, dip half of each cookie in melted chocolate for a decadent touch.
• Gluten-Free Strawberry Sugar Cookies: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these cookies gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
• Strawberry Almond Sugar Cookies: Add almond extract and chopped almonds for a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
• Strawberry Coconut Sugar Cookies: Fold in shredded coconut for a tropical flavor that enhances the strawberry sweetness.
• Strawberry-Cream Cheese Sugar Cookies: Add a bit of cream cheese to the dough for an even softer, richer texture.
• Strawberry Cinnamon Sugar Cookies: Roll the cookies in a cinnamon-sugar mixture before baking for a spiced twist on the classic.

Freezing and Storage for Strawberry Sugar Cookies

• Freezing: To freeze the dough, scoop the dough into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Special Equipment for Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Here are some tools that will make preparing your Strawberry Sugar Cookies easier:

• Electric Mixer: A hand or stand mixer helps cream the butter and sugar to the perfect consistency.
• Cookie Scoop: A cookie scoop ensures even-sized dough balls for consistent baking.
• Baking Sheets: Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup.
• Wire Rack: A cooling rack helps the cookies cool evenly and prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure precise measurements for the best results.
• Food Processor or Blender: Use a food processor or blender to make the strawberry puree for smooth consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions for Strawberry Sugar Cookies

1. Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
   Yes, frozen strawberries work well. Just thaw them first and drain off any excess liquid before making the puree.
2. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
   Yes, you can freeze the dough for up to 2 months. Scoop the dough into balls, freeze until firm, and then transfer to a freezer bag.
3. Can I use a different berry in this recipe?
   Yes, raspberries or blueberries would work well as a substitute for strawberries.
4. Can I make these cookies without the strawberry puree?
   You can make plain sugar cookies without the strawberry puree, but you’ll miss the fruity flavor and color.
5. How do I know when the cookies are done?
   The cookies should have golden edges, but the centers will remain soft. They will firm up as they cool on the baking sheet.

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Conclusion

Strawberry Sugar Cookies bring a burst of fruity sweetness to the classic sugar cookie. With their soft, chewy texture and refreshing strawberry flavor, they make the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them at a party, gifting them to friends, or enjoying them with a cup of tea, these cookies are sure to delight with every bite.

This recipe is as simple to prepare as it is delicious, making it ideal for everything from casual gatherings to special celebrations. These strawberry sugar cookies are sure to brighten up any event and leave everyone craving more.

I’d love to see how your Strawberry Sugar Cookies turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy baking!