Name: Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-490062H16M8S
Total time: PT-490062H16M8S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon strawberry extract (or 3 tablespoons strawberry puree); ½ cup sparkling strawberry sugar (or regular sparkling sugar); Optional: Red or pink food coloring (for an extra vibrant hue)

These strawberry sugar cookies with a sparkling strawberry sugar coating are the perfect treat for any occasion. They are soft, flavorful, and have that lovely hint of fruity sweetness from the strawberry flavor. The added sparkling sugar on top not only makes them visually stunning but also gives an extra crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft texture of the cookie.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love making these strawberry sugar cookies because they have a delightful burst of flavor in every bite. The combination of strawberry flavor in the dough and the beautiful sparkling sugar on top creates a mouthwatering cookie. They're perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just as a sweet treat with a cup of tea or coffee. What I find most delightful is that these cookies not only taste amazing but look so festive and pretty, making them an easy way to brighten up any day.

Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon strawberry extract (or 3 tablespoons strawberry puree)
½ cup sparkling strawberry sugar (or regular sparkling sugar)
Optional: Red or pink food coloring (for an extra vibrant hue)

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry extract (or puree). If you want a deeper pink color, feel free to add a few drops of red or pink food coloring.
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing until everything is just combined.
Roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and roll them in the sparkling strawberry sugar to coat.
Place the cookie dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Use the back of a spoon or your hand to gently flatten each cookie.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields about 24 cookies. The preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, and baking time takes around 10-12 minutes. Overall, you should be able to make these delicious cookies in under an hour.

Variations

Add chocolate chips: For an extra indulgent treat, try folding in some white or dark chocolate chips into the dough before baking.
Lemon twist: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist that pairs beautifully with the strawberry.
Use freeze-dried strawberries: For a more intense strawberry flavor, crush freeze-dried strawberries and mix them into the dough.

Storage/Reheating

To store these strawberry sugar cookies, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. If you want them to last a bit longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 minutes.

FAQs

How do I make the sparkling strawberry sugar?

To make your own sparkling strawberry sugar, mix ½ cup of granulated sugar with a few tablespoons of finely ground freeze-dried strawberries. This gives it both a beautiful color and a subtle strawberry flavor.

Can I make these cookies without strawberry extract?

Yes! If you don't have strawberry extract, you can substitute it with 3 tablespoons of strawberry puree or simply use vanilla extract for a more traditional sugar cookie flavor.

Can I use fresh strawberries in the dough?

Fresh strawberries can be used, but they release moisture, which might make the dough a little wetter. To use fresh strawberries, make sure to chop them finely and consider reducing the amount of other wet ingredients in the recipe.

How can I make these cookies gluten-free?

To make these cookies gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to check the flour blend package for any adjustments needed, such as adding xanthan gum.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can freeze the dough! Roll the dough into balls and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to bake, just place the frozen dough on the baking sheet and bake as usual, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

These strawberry sugar cookies with sparkling strawberry sugar are not only easy to make but also a treat for the senses. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just craving a sweet snack, these cookies are sure to hit the spot. The soft, chewy texture and beautiful, glistening sugar make them a standout dessert that I’m sure you’ll love to bake again and again.