Strawberry Sugar Cookies Treats

Bright strawberry sugar cookies hold a special place in my kitchen as my go-to treat when I want something playful yet elegant The classic sugar cookie base gets a stunning makeover from freeze dried strawberry powder and a glittering strawberry sugar coating Crisp edges give way to a cloud-soft center and that burst of berry flavor makes every bite unforgettable

I first made these for a weekend brunch with friends and they disappeared so fast that I had to bake another round Now they are requested for bake sales family gatherings and anytime a little magic is needed

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter: Softened butter makes creaming easy and helps achieve fluffy dough Pick butter with a sweet creamy aroma
• Large eggs: Must be at room temperature to blend smoothly into the dough and provide richness Select eggs with intact shells for freshness
• All purpose flour: Choose unbleached flour for sturdy but tender cookies Sift for the smoothest dough
• Cornstarch: Makes cookies more tender and adds delicate bite Try to use fresh cornstarch for best results
• Baking powder and Baking soda: The combo provides just the right lift for crackly tops Make sure both are still active for best results
• Cream of tartar: Adds subtle tang and helps with the classic texture Fresh cream of tartar keeps cookies tall and soft
• Salt: Brings balance and sharpens the berry flavor Use fine sea salt for even blending
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and creates structure Pick the freshest sugar for even creaming
• Freeze dried strawberry powder: Infuses the cookie and the coating with pure berry flavor Look for vibrant red berries at Trader Joe’s or Target and blitz into fine powder
• Vanilla and strawberry extracts: Both deepen the aroma and highlight strawberry notes Always select real vanilla and quality strawberry extract for purer flavor
• Red gel food coloring: Boosts color for that unmistakable strawberry blush Gel types are best for rich color without thinning the dough
• Sparkling sugar: For that crisp glittery finish on the outside Seek large crystal sugar for best sparkle

Step by Step Instructions

Make strawberry powder:

Start by blending freeze dried strawberries in a blender or food processor until you have a fine powder This will be used in both the dough and the coating

Make strawberry sugar coating:

Mix sparkling sugar with reserved strawberry powder in a bowl Set aside for rolling the cookies before baking

Prep baking sheets:

Line two or three sturdy baking sheets with parchment paper and have them ready near your workspace This keeps cookies from sticking and aids even baking

Cream butter and sugar:

In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment cream softened butter and granulated sugar for at least four minutes until pale and fluffy Scrape the bowl thoroughly to ensure every bit is mixed

Add eggs and flavorings:

Beat in room temperature eggs one at a time waiting until each is just combined Mix in vanilla extract strawberry extract and the red gel food coloring Scrape down the bowl for an even mixture

Mix dry ingredients together:

In a separate bowl whisk together flour cornstarch baking powder baking soda cream of tartar salt and freeze dried strawberry powder Make sure everything is really evenly distributed

Combine wet and dry ingredients:

Add the dry mixture to the butter mixture in two additions Mix on low only until you see no more flour streaks Stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together for the softest texture

Chill the dough:

Cover the dough and refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight This step deepens flavor stops spreading and keeps the cookies soft inside

Shape and roll in strawberry sugar:

Scoop dough into balls about one and a half tablespoons each Roll gently between your hands then toss well in the strawberry sparkling sugar coating to cover every side

Bake:

Arrange coated dough balls on the baking sheets with plenty of space between Bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for ten minutes The tops should look set and lightly crinkled but still slightly soft in the center

Cool cookies:

Remove trays from oven and let cookies rest on the baking sheet for five minutes before carefully transferring to a wire rack to cool fully

Pin

My favorite part is the sparkling strawberry sugar I cannot stop sneaking a bite of the coating as I roll the dough My daughter once helped shape the cookies and her hands were stained red for days so you know this recipe guarantees a hands on baking adventure

Storage Tips

These cookies stay fresh for four days in a tightly closed container at cool room temperature If you want to keep them longer store baked cookies in the freezer with parchment between layers for up to three months Unbaked dough balls can also be frozen then baked straight from the freezer just add an extra minute or two to the baking time

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find freeze dried strawberries use freeze dried raspberries or blackberries for a different berry vibe Almond extract can be swapped in for strawberry extract if you want a slightly nutty undertone For a dairy free version try vegan butter sticks but choose ones that are meant for baking for best results

Serving Suggestions

These strawberry sugar cookies are showstoppers for spring events Mother’s Day baby showers or girls’ night in For a festive touch serve them with a bowl of whipped cream or sandwich them around strawberry ice cream For an after school treat they pair perfectly with cold milk

The Strawberry Cookie’s Sweet Story

Traditional sugar cookies go way back but adding berry powder is a recent playful upgrade Freeze dried fruit became a trend in baking for its bold flavor and ease of use now these cookies celebrate fresh strawberry season anytime of year They remind me of farmers’ markets and summertime picnics with their happy color and taste

Recipe FAQs

→ What makes these cookies taste strongly of strawberry?

Blending freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder brings vibrant fruit flavor and color to every cookie without excess moisture.

→ How do you achieve sparkling tops on these cookies?

Dough balls are rolled in a combination of sparkling sugar and strawberry powder before baking, adding shine and a sweet crunch.

→ How do I keep the cookies tender?

Creaming the butter and sugar thoroughly, avoiding overmixing once the flour is added, and chilling the dough all contribute to soft, tender cookies.

→ Can these cookies be made ahead of time?

Yes, the dough can be refrigerated overnight before baking, and finished cookies can be frozen for up to three months.

→ Are there any tips for shaping the cookies?

Use a cookie scoop for even portions, then gently roll into balls before coating with the sugar mixture for consistent size and texture.

→ Is it possible to substitute fresh strawberries for the powder?

It's best to use freeze-dried strawberry powder for concentrated flavor and to avoid altering the dough's texture with extra moisture.