Strawberry Sugar Cookies

Creating the perfect strawberry sugar cookies recipe at home can be a delightful experience! Imagine soft, chewy cookies bursting with luscious strawberry flavor and topped with sweet pink sugar. Sounds irresistible, right? Well, you’re in for a treat! This recipe brings together fresh strawberry extract and a touch of vanilla to elevate your baking game. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about rolling out cookie dough and watching them puff up in the oven. You’ll experience a burst of color and flavor with every bite, making these cookies both a visual and taste sensation. Ideal for any occasion—whether you’re baking for a party or just because—these strawberry sugar cookies will leave your friends and family craving more. So, let’s hop right in and get this cookie party started!

Why This Recipe Works

Creating the perfect strawberry sugar cookie involves a balance of flavor, texture, and presentation. The combination of fresh strawberry extract and a hint of vanilla essence elevates the traditional sugar cookie to a new level. Chilling the dough ensures a better texture and prevents spreading during baking, resulting in cookies that are perfectly puffy and crackled on top.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe

These strawberry sugar cookies are not only visually stunning but also deliver a delightful burst of strawberry flavor in every bite. They are soft, chewy, and beautifully decorated with glistening pink sugar, making them a fun treat for gatherings or simply to enjoy at home. Plus, the recipe is straightforward and perfect for bakers of all skill levels.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar (plus 1/4 cup for rolling)
• 1/2 cup (113 g) salted butter, room temperature
• 1 large egg, room temperature
• 3 drops Americolor Soft Gel Paste Food Color in Deep Pink
• 1 tablespoon strawberry extract
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cups (218 g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
• 1/4 cup pink decorating sugar

Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together 1 cup of granulated sugar and the room temperature butter on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.

Incorporate Egg

Once the butter and sugar are well combined, add in the room temperature egg. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fully integrated, creating a rich base for your cookies.

Add Color & Extracts

Next, mix in the Deep Pink food coloring, along with the strawberry and vanilla extracts. Stir thoroughly and scrape down the bowl again to achieve a uniform color.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and kosher salt. This step is crucial for evenly distributing the leavening agents throughout the cookie dough.

Mix Dough

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed. Be careful not to overmix; you want to stop just as the dough comes together for the best texture.

Shape Cookies

Using a cookie scoop, portion out the dough into 1-ounce balls (about 2 tablespoons each). Roll each ball in the reserved 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, then dip the top in the pink decorating sugar for that perfect finish.

Chill Dough

Arrange the sugared dough balls on a prepared baking sheet with the sprinkle side facing up. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up the dough.

Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet

While the dough is chilling, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a separate baking sheet with parchment paper for a non-stick surface.

Bake

Place the chilled cookie dough balls on the baking sheet, spaced 2-3 inches apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set and golden with slightly puffy tops.

Cool

After baking, allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 10 minutes before transferring them to a plate or cooling rack. This will help them firm up and maintain their shape.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful strawberry sugar cookies at birthday parties, bake sales, or holiday celebrations. They pair wonderfully with a glass of milk or a cup of tea.

Tips for Success

• Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a better mix.
• Chilling the dough is essential to avoid flat cookies.
• Adjust the baking time based on your oven’s performance for the best texture.

Variations

Experiment with different extracts like almond or lemon to give your cookies a unique twist. You can also add white chocolate chips or chopped strawberries to the dough for an extra burst of flavor.

Pairing Ideas

Pair these cookies with fresh strawberries or a light fruit salad. They also complement vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful dessert experience.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh strawberries in the dough?
While fresh strawberries can add flavor, they might alter the dough’s consistency. It’s best to stick with strawberry extract for this recipe.

2. How do I store leftover cookies?
Keep cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

3. Can I freeze the cookie dough?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked cookie dough balls. Just roll them and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

4. How can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend should work well; just ensure it has xanthan gum included.

5. What makes these cookies chewy?
The combination of butter and the sugar creaming method, along with the chilling process, helps create a chewy texture that is truly satisfying.

These strawberry sugar cookies will undoubtedly become a favorite in your dessert rotation, providing sweet moments for shared happiness. Whether enjoyed on a sunny afternoon or as a delightful treat, they offer a simple yet authentic taste of homemade goodness. Don’t hesitate to share them with friends and family—they are sure to brighten anyone’s day!

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