Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar

Why You’ll Love Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

If you’re a fan of traditional sugar cookies but want something a little more exciting, these Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar are the perfect treat. The cookies themselves are soft and buttery, with a subtle strawberry flavor that is enhanced by the sparkling sugar coating. The strawberry sugar adds an extra layer of sweetness and sparkle, making them not only delicious but also beautiful to look at. They’re great for holidays, parties, or just a sweet snack to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

Ingredients

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• ½ tsp baking powder

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar, divided

• 1 large egg

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 ½ tbsp freeze-dried strawberries, crushed into powder

• 1 ½ tbsp strawberry puree (optional, for extra flavor)

• ¼ cup sparkling sugar (for coating)

• 2 tbsp freeze-dried strawberries, crushed (for sparkling sugar)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Make the Cookie Dough: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and ¾ cup of granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.

3. Add Wet Ingredients: Beat in the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree (if using) until smooth. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.

4. Add Strawberry Powder: Stir in the freeze-dried strawberry powder until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

5. Form the Cookies: Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to form dough balls. Roll each dough ball in the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar.

6. Make Sparkling Strawberry Sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the sparkling sugar and the remaining 2 tablespoons of crushed freeze-dried strawberries. Roll each sugar-coated dough ball into the sparkling strawberry sugar, pressing slightly to ensure they stick.

7. Bake the Cookies: Place the sugar-coated dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten them slightly with the bottom of a glass or your palm. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden but the centers are still soft.

8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 24 cookies

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 8-10 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Strawberry Lemon Sugar Cookies: Add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon zest to the dough for a refreshing citrus twist.

• Chocolate-Dipped Strawberry Cookies: After baking, dip the cooled cookies halfway in melted chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute to make these cookies gluten-free.

• Vegan: Swap the butter for dairy-free margarine and use a flax egg or other egg replacement.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store your cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. For longer freshness, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

• Reheating: To reheat, warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place on a baking sheet and heat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried strawberries?

Fresh strawberries contain too much moisture for this recipe, which may affect the texture of the cookies. Freeze-dried strawberries are ideal because they add concentrated strawberry flavor without moisture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the dough in advance, cover it with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow the dough to come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Can I freeze these cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze very well. Place them in an airtight container with layers of parchment paper between them and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

How do I make the sparkling strawberry sugar?

Simply crush freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder and mix with sparkling sugar. This will give your cookies a beautiful, sweet finish with an extra burst of strawberry flavor.

Can I use a sugar substitute in this recipe?

You can substitute granulated sugar with a sugar alternative, but keep in mind that it may slightly alter the texture and flavor of the cookies.

How do I know when the cookies are done baking?

The cookies should be lightly golden on the edges and still soft in the center. They will firm up as they cool.

Can I add more strawberries for a stronger flavor?

If you prefer a more intense strawberry flavor, you can increase the amount of freeze-dried strawberry powder or strawberry puree in the dough. However, adding too much liquid can affect the texture, so be cautious.

Can I make these cookies without the sparkling sugar coating?

Yes, if you prefer a more traditional sugar cookie, you can skip the sparkling sugar coating. The cookies will still taste delicious without it!

Can I make the cookies larger or smaller?

Yes, you can adjust the size of the cookies. If making larger cookies, bake them for an additional 1-2 minutes. If making smaller cookies, decrease the baking time accordingly.

What can I serve these cookies with?

These cookies are perfect on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. For an extra special treat, serve with a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream.

Conclusion

Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar are a delightful twist on the classic sugar cookie, offering a perfect balance of sweetness, buttery texture, and vibrant strawberry flavor. With the added touch of sparkling sugar, these cookies are as beautiful as they are delicious. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just want a sweet snack, these cookies will definitely hit the spot. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to impress anyone who tries them. Enjoy the fruity goodness in every bite!

Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar

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These Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar are a delightful and colorful twist on a classic treat. Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor, these cookies are topped with a sweet and sparkly strawberry-infused sugar for a festive touch. Perfect for summer parties, holidays, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and fruity!

• Author: Emily
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 1 hour
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• For the Cookies:
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup freeze-dried strawberries, powdered
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup strawberry puree (from fresh or frozen strawberries)
• For the Sparkling Strawberry Sugar:
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberries, powdered

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Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
• Make the cookie dough:
• In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
• Add the egg and vanilla extract, and beat until smooth.
• In a separate bowl, mix together the powdered freeze-dried strawberries, flour, baking powder, and salt.
• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the strawberry puree. Mix until fully combined.
• Chill the dough: Cover the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This helps the cookies hold their shape during baking.
• Make the sparkling strawberry sugar: In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and powdered freeze-dried strawberries until well combined.
• Shape the cookies:
• Once chilled, roll the dough into tablespoon-sized balls and then roll each ball in the sparkling strawberry sugar until fully coated.
• Place the dough balls on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
• Bake the cookies: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are slightly golden. The centers should remain soft but set.
• Cool and serve: Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

• You can use store-bought strawberry puree if you don’t have fresh or frozen strawberries on hand.
• If you don’t have freeze-dried strawberries, you can use strawberry jam for flavor, but be sure to adjust the amount of sugar in the recipe.
• These cookies are best enjoyed within a few days of baking, but they freeze well if stored in an airtight container.