Get ready to fall in love with the Soft & Sparkly Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe, a truly delightful treat that combines the tender crumb of classic sugar cookies with a burst of vibrant strawberry flavor and a gorgeous sparkling finish. These cookies are soft, chewy, and practically glowing with tiny bits of freeze-dried strawberries that add a fresh, tangy twist and a shimmer of sugar crystals that catch the light. If you’re searching for that perfect balance of fruity sweetness and delightful texture, this recipe will be your new go-to for sharing smiles and moments with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet play crucial roles in creating the unforgettable taste, tender texture, and beautiful color of your Soft & Sparkly Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the perfect harmony of sweetness and strawberry sparkle.
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups / 345g): The sturdy base that gives the cookie structure while keeping it soft.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise just enough, giving them a light, airy texture.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup / 226g, softened): Adds irresistible richness and buttery softness.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups / 300g): Sweetens perfectly and helps create that signature sparkle.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together and adds moisture for the perfect chew.
- Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Elevates the flavor with a warm, classic note.
- Freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground (1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons): The star ingredient that provides intense strawberry flavor and vibrant pink flecks.
- Additional granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Mixed with strawberry powder to create the sparkling coating for the cookies.
How to Make Soft & Sparkly Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure to line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. This simple start will set you up for perfectly baked cookies every time.
Step 2: Prepare the Sparkling Strawberry Sugar
In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons finely ground freeze-dried strawberries. This irresistible sparkling sugar mixture will coat your cookie dough balls, giving them that signature fruity sparkle and a sweet, crispy crust.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients
Grab a medium bowl and whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and the remaining 1/2 cup of ground freeze-dried strawberries. This not only ensures even distribution of flavors but also infuses the dough with that gorgeous strawberry hue, making your cookies look as good as they taste.
Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process is key to achieving that melt-in-your-mouth softness and contributes to the cookie’s tender crumb.
Step 5: Add Egg and Vanilla
Mix in the egg and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth. The egg adds essential moisture and binds the cookie dough, while the vanilla complements the strawberry notes with a lovely warmth.
Step 6: Combine and Mix
Gradually add your dry ingredient mixture to the wet batter, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix here; you want to keep the dough tender and soft for those perfectly chewy results.
Step 7: Scoop and Roll
Scoop the dough into even-sized balls, then roll each one generously in the prepared sparkling strawberry sugar. This coating will give your cookies that dazzling finish and that irresistible sweet crunch with every bite. Place the dough balls two inches apart on your prepared baking sheets to allow room for spreading.
Step 8: Bake and Cool
Bake the cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers remain soft. This ensures they stay delightfully chewy. Let them cool on the baking sheet for five minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Patience here means perfect texture!
How to Serve Soft & Sparkly Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
These cookies truly shine on their own, but if you want to elevate their presentation, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few freeze-dried strawberry pieces on top adds a charming touch. Fresh mint leaves on the side can also enhance the visual appeal and add a burst of freshness.
Side Dishes
Serve these cookies alongside a cold glass of milk or a cup of fragrant herbal tea like chamomile or green tea. For an indulgent twist, pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream dotted with fresh berries.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Soft & Sparkly Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe into an eye-catching gift by stacking them in a pretty jar tied with a satin ribbon or nestled in a decorative tin. For parties, arrange them on a festive platter with edible flowers, or even sandwich them with strawberry cream cheese filling for a fun, bite-sized dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cookies fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Place a slice of bread in the container to help maintain the cookies’ soft texture; the bread will absorb moisture and keep the cookies perfectly tender.
Freezing
Freeze unbaked dough balls by placing them on a parchment-lined tray in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to your baking time. You can also freeze baked cookies in an airtight container for up to 2 months without losing their delightful texture.
Reheating
To enjoy the cookies warm and fresh-baked, pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes, or microwave for 10-15 seconds. This quick reheating brings back that soft, just-out-of-the-oven magic.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Fresh strawberries contain a lot of moisture, which can affect the cookie dough consistency and baking results. Freeze-dried strawberries are preferred for this recipe because they provide concentrated flavor and beautiful color without adding extra liquid.
Why are these cookies soft instead of crispy?
The combination of creamed butter and sugar, gentle mixing, and precise baking time helps keep these cookies tender and chewy rather than crunchy. The goal is a soft, comforting bite with a sparkling sugar crust for contrast.
Can I substitute the butter with margarine or oil?
Butter is essential in this recipe for its flavor and texture. Margarine often contains more water and less fat, which can alter the cookie’s softness and richness. Oil won’t provide the same structure or mouthfeel, so stick with unsalted butter for the best results.
How do I grind freeze-dried strawberries?
Simply pulse the freeze-dried strawberries in a food processor or blender until fine and powdery. Be careful not to over-blend into a powder that’s too fine, or it might clump. This texture helps distribute the strawberry flavor evenly throughout the dough.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder for structure. Keep in mind, the texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly heartwarming about baking and sharing the Soft & Sparkly Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe, especially when you see how those sparkling pink cookies light up faces and tables alike. They’re a simple, scrumptious way to bring a burst of strawberry joy into your day, perfect for any occasion or just because. Once you make them, this recipe will surely become a beloved favorite in your cookie rotation, and trust me, you’ll want to make them again and again!
Print
Soft & Sparkly Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Soft & Sparkly Strawberry Sugar Cookies are a delightful twist on classic sugar cookies, featuring the natural sweetness and vibrant color of freeze-dried strawberries. Perfectly soft with a subtle strawberry flavor and a sparkling sugary coating, they make a charming treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups (345g) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (12g) freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Coating
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats to prevent sticking and for even baking.
- Prepare the Sparkling Strawberry Sugar: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons of finely ground freeze-dried strawberries. Set this mixture aside for coating the cookie dough balls.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and 1/2 cup of finely ground freeze-dried strawberries until well incorporated.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar together on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Add the large egg and vanilla extract to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. Beat until smooth and fully combined.
- Combine and Mix: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cookies tender.
- Scoop and Roll: Using a cookie scoop or spoon, portion the dough into balls. Roll each ball thoroughly in the prepared sparkling strawberry sugar mixture. Place the coated dough balls onto the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Bake and Cool: Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are just set but the centers are still soft. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and allow the cookies to cool on the sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Using freeze-dried strawberries intensifies the strawberry flavor without adding moisture, keeping the cookies soft.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to maintain a tender texture.
- For extra sparkle, ensure the sugar and ground strawberries for coating are well mixed.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week.
- To keep them fresh longer, freeze the cookies after baking and thaw before serving.
