If you’re craving a cookie that feels like a burst of summer sunshine in every bite, this Soft & Sparkly Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe is exactly what you need. These cookies are irresistibly tender and delightfully sparkly, boasting a subtle strawberry flavor thanks to the freeze-dried strawberries folded right into the dough and sprinkled on top. They’re not just sugar cookies; they’re a playful, fruity twist that melts in your mouth and dazzles your taste buds, perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself any time of year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy here, just simple ingredients that work in harmony to give these strawberry sugar cookies their perfect balance of softness, sweetness, and sparkle. Each plays a key role—flour for structure, butter for richness, and freeze-dried strawberries for that signature fruity pop of color and flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups / 345g): The backbone of your cookies, providing structure and just the right texture.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps the cookies rise gently, keeping them soft and tender.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Unsalted butter (1 cup / 226g), softened: Adds richness and moisture to create those melt-in-your-mouth softness.
- Granulated sugar (1 1/2 cups / 300g): Sweetens the dough and makes the cookies delightfully sweet and sparkly.
- Large egg (1): Binds everything together, giving the dough just the right consistency.
- Vanilla extract (1 1/2 teaspoons): Deepens the flavor with a warm, classic note.
- Freeze-dried strawberries (1/2 cup / 12g, finely ground): The magic ingredient that infuses the cookies with bright, natural strawberry flavor and a lovely pink hue.
- Additional granulated sugar (1/2 cup / 100g): For coating the cookie dough balls, ensuring that signature sparkle.
- Freeze-dried strawberries (2 tablespoons, finely ground): Mixed with the sugar for rolling, adding extra strawberry sparkle to every bite.
How to Make Soft & Sparkly Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Step 1: Preheat your oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare two baking sheets by lining them with parchment paper or silicone mats. This simple step ensures your cookies bake evenly and won’t stick, so they keep their delicate shape and texture.
Step 2: Prepare the sparkling strawberry sugar
In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons of the finely ground freeze-dried strawberries. This sugar coating is what gives the cookies their delightful sparkle and bursts of fruitiness on the outside. Set aside, and let that exciting mixture build anticipation.
Step 3: Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and 1/2 cup of the finely ground freeze-dried strawberries. This step ensures the strawberries are evenly dispersed, painting the dough with those pretty pink flecks that hint at the flavor to come.
Step 4: Cream butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together for 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and dreamy. This creaming step is crucial—it incorporates air that makes your cookies soft and tender on the inside while keeping them beautifully structured on the outside.
Step 5: Add egg and vanilla
Mix the egg and vanilla extract into the butter-sugar mixture until you have a smooth, fragrant batter. The vanilla adds warmth and depth, perfectly balancing the fresh strawberry flavor that’s about to shine.
Step 6: Combine and mix
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, because you want to keep the cookies soft and tender, not tough. The dough should feel soft but firm enough to scoop.
Step 7: Scoop and roll
Use a cookie scoop or spoon to form dough balls and roll each one in that sparkling strawberry sugar mixture. This step is what adds the magical sparkle and a slightly crunchy, fruity coating on top of your cookies. Arrange the coated dough balls on your baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart so they have room to spread.
Step 8: Bake and cool
Bake your cookies for 10 to 12 minutes, just until the edges are set but the centers still look soft. This is the sweet spot for maximum softness. Once out of the oven, let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes to firm up slightly, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step helps maintain that perfect consistency you’re aiming for.
How to Serve Soft & Sparkly Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch, try dusting your cookies with a little powdered sugar or a drizzle of white chocolate. Fresh strawberry slices or even a tiny mint leaf on the side can elevate your presentation while complementing the fruity flavor wonderfully.
Side Dishes
These cookies pair beautifully with a tall glass of cold milk, a fruity iced tea, or even a light rosé wine if you’re sharing with friends. For a cozy twist, serve alongside a cup of chamomile or strawberry-infused herbal tea that echoes the cookie’s vibrant notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Arrange these sparkly delights on a pretty platter alongside edible flowers or scatter freeze-dried strawberry pieces around for visual flair. You can also sandwich them with whipped cream or strawberry jam to turn them into delightful mini treats perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Soft & Sparkly Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. This preserves their softness and keeps the strawberry sparkle intact. Layer them with parchment paper if stacking to prevent sticking.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these cookies later, freeze the baked cookies in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months, so you can always have a sweet treat on hand whenever you’re craving something special.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked warmth, simply pop your cookies in a 300°F oven for 3 to 5 minutes or microwave them for 10 to 15 seconds. The gentle heat revives their soft texture and makes the strawberry aroma bloom all over again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Fresh strawberries contain moisture, which would change the dough’s consistency significantly. Freeze-dried strawberries are perfect because they provide concentrated flavor without adding wetness, keeping your cookies soft yet sturdy.
Why do the cookies have to be rolled in the strawberry sugar before baking?
Rolling dough balls in the strawberry sugar adds a subtle crunch and a sparkling, fruity crust that elevates the texture and visual appeal. It’s that sweet, sparkling finish that makes these sugar cookies so memorable.
Can these cookies be made gluten-free?
Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure that blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to achieve the right texture.
How do I prevent my cookies from spreading too much?
Be sure your butter is softened but not melted, and chill the dough briefly if it feels too soft. Also, spacing the dough balls properly on the baking sheet gives them room to expand without merging.
What’s the best way to grind freeze-dried strawberries?
Use a clean spice grinder, food processor, or even a sturdy mortar and pestle to grind freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. This allows the strawberry flavor to distribute evenly throughout the dough and the coating sugar.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a Soft & Sparkly Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe cookie—a perfect blend of soft texture and vibrant strawberry sparkle that feels like a little party in your mouth. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or a sweet everyday treat, these cookies are sure to become a beloved classic. Grab those ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of summer strawberries!
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 delightful treats boasting a tender texture and a vibrant strawberry flavor. Infused with freeze-dried strawberries both in the dough and sprinkled sugar coating, they offer a unique twist on classic sugar cookies. Perfect for sharing, these cookies bake up soft with a subtle sparkle of sweetness, making them an irresistible snack or dessert.
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
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 ensure the cookies do not stick during baking.
- Prepare the Sparkling Strawberry Sugar: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup granulated sugar with 2 tablespoons finely ground freeze-dried strawberries. Mix well and set this vibrant mixture aside for rolling the dough balls later.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and 1/2 cup finely ground freeze-dried strawberries. This infused flour mixture will add natural strawberry flavor and a beautiful pink hue to the cookies.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened unsalted butter together with 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar for 2 to 3 minutes until the mixture becomes light in color and fluffy, which is key for tender cookies.
- Add Egg and Vanilla: Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, ensuring an even distribution of flavors and binding.
- Combine and Mix: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a soft cookie texture.
- Scoop and Roll: Scoop the dough into approximately 1-inch balls. Roll each ball in the prepared sparkling strawberry sugar mixture to coat them evenly. Place the coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room 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 remain soft. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better texture.
- Do not overmix the dough once the dry ingredients are added to avoid tough cookies.
- If freeze-dried strawberries are unavailable, crushed strawberry candies or natural strawberry powder can be used as alternatives.
- Cookies will continue to set once removed from the oven, so avoid overbaking to keep them soft.
- Store cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.
