Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling
Strawberry sugar cookies are the ultimate treat, blending soft, chewy sugar cookies with a burst of fruity goodness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or looking to elevate your everyday snacks, this recipe guarantees a combination of sweetness, charm, and sparkle. You’ll love how easy they are to make while delivering that perfect balance of flavor and texture.
This blog post will walk you through a foolproof recipe for sparkling strawberry sugar cookies. We’ll share tips, tricks, and creative variations to help you customize these cookies to your taste.
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Prep & Cook Time
- Main Ingredients
- Customizations and Substitutes
- Ingredients List
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Tips for Success
- Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These strawberry sugar cookies are:
- Easy to Make: No professional baking skills needed!
- Bursting with Flavor: Real strawberries and strawberry extract infuse each bite with fruity freshness.
- Visually Stunning: Add some sparkle to your dessert table with sugar-dusted cookies that shine.
- Customizable: From freeze-dried strawberries to strawberry frosting, there are endless ways to make these cookies uniquely yours.
Prep and Cook Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Baking Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Main Ingredients
These cookies feature:
- Fresh Strawberries for natural flavor.
- Strawberry Extract to enhance the fruity profile.
- Granulated Sugar for sweetness and sparkle.
- Butter for a rich, tender base.
- All-Purpose Flour to create the perfect cookie texture.
Customizations and Substitutes
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
- Vegan Adaptation: Use a plant-based butter alternative and flaxseed meal as an egg substitute.
- Diabetic-Friendly: Opt for a sugar-free sweetener like erythritol.
- Fruity Variations: Swap strawberries for raspberries, blueberries, or a combination of all three!
Ingredients List
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp strawberry extract
Mix-Ins
- ¾ cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
- Additional granulated sugar for dusting
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Step 2: Incorporate Wet Ingredients
- Add the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract to the butter mixture. Mix until fully combined.
Step 3: Add the Strawberries
- Gently fold in the fresh strawberries. Be careful not to overmix, to avoid crushing them.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix until a cohesive dough forms.
Step 5: Chill the Dough
- Cover the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 6: Shape the Cookies
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
- Using a cookie scoop or your hands, form the chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in granulated sugar before placing it on the baking sheet.
Step 7: Bake
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
Tips for Success
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter helps ensure the cookies have the right thickness and chewiness.
- Chill the Dough: Don’t skip this step—it helps prevent the cookies from spreading too much while baking.
- Handle Strawberries Properly: Pat them dry before chopping to reduce excess moisture in the dough.
Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Frosted Delight: Add a layer of strawberry-flavored frosting for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Cheesecake-Inspired: Top each cookie with a dollop of sweetened cream cheese for a strawberry cheesecake vibe.
- Decorations: Sprinkle with pink sanding sugar for a festive, sparkling finish.
- Pairings: Serve with strawberry lemonade or a whipped cream latte for a delightful combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use freeze-dried strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Freeze-dried strawberries are a great alternative. Crush them into a powder and mix them into the dough for a concentrated flavor.
Can I make these cookies ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Freeze the shaped dough balls on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, pop them directly into the oven and extend the baking time by 2–3 minutes.
How do I store these cookies?
Place the baked cookies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes! Swap regular flour with a gluten-free baking mix for a celiac-friendly recipe.
These sparkling strawberry sugar cookies are bound to become a household favorite! With their vibrant flavor and endless customization options, they’re perfect for any occasion. Try them today!