When it comes to baking cookies that are both delicious and easy to make, few can compete with the charm of strawberry sugar cookies. These soft, chewy, and vibrant cookies are perfect for any occasion, whether you’re planning a family get-together, celebrating a special event, or simply craving a sweet snack. With the bright flavor of fresh strawberries combined with the classic taste of sugar cookies, these treats are sure to become a favorite in your household. This recipe will guide you through the steps of creating these delightful strawberry sugar cookies that are not only mouthwatering but will also fill your home with a lovely, inviting aroma. Whether you’re a beginner baker or an experienced one, you’ll find this recipe easy to follow and perfect for impressing your guests or enjoying a quiet afternoon snack. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
To make strawberry sugar cookies, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but adds a nice depth of flavor)
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1 tablespoon strawberry jam (for extra flavor and moisture)
- ½ cup granulated sugar (for rolling the dough)
Make sure to gather all of your ingredients before beginning the recipe to ensure a smooth and stress-free baking experience.
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. This will ensure your cookies don’t stick to the tray and bake evenly.
- Mix the dry ingredients. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set this aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
- Cream the butter and sugar. In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This process is important as it creates the base for a soft cookie.
- Add the egg and extracts. Beat in the egg, followed by the vanilla extract and almond extract. Mix until well combined.
- Add the strawberry puree. In a separate small bowl, puree your fresh strawberries until smooth. Add the strawberry puree and strawberry jam into the butter mixture, stirring until fully incorporated. The jam adds an extra burst of strawberry flavor and helps maintain the cookie’s moisture.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients. Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix to ensure your cookies stay soft and tender.
- Chill the dough. Place the cookie dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling helps the dough firm up, making it easier to roll out and shape.
- Shape the cookies. After the dough has chilled, scoop tablespoon-sized portions of dough and roll them into balls. Roll each ball in the granulated sugar to coat.
- Bake the cookies. Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Flatten each dough ball slightly with the bottom of a glass or your hands. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden but the centers remain soft.
- Cool and serve. Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious strawberry sugar cookies!
Nutritional Information:
These strawberry sugar cookies are not only a treat for the taste buds but also provide some nutritional value. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional content per cookie (based on a 24-cookie batch):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 45mg
Remember, the actual nutritional content will depend on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
Baking can be tricky, and there are a few common mistakes that can affect the texture and flavor of your cookies. Here are some things to watch out for:
- Not measuring the flour correctly: Always use the spoon-and-level method to measure flour. If you pack it into the measuring cup, you’ll end up with too much flour, resulting in dry cookies.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to dense and tough cookies. Once the flour is added, mix until just combined.
- Skipping the chill time: Chilling the dough before baking helps control the spread of the cookies, giving them the perfect texture and shape. Don’t skip this step!
- Not testing the cookies for doneness: Every oven is different. Check your cookies toward the end of the suggested baking time, and remember that the cookies will continue to cook a bit while cooling on the baking sheet.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, use freeze-dried strawberries: If fresh strawberries aren’t available, freeze-dried strawberries can be used. Simply grind them into a fine powder and mix into the dough.
- Add frosting or glaze: For a more decadent treat, top the cookies with a simple glaze or cream cheese frosting. It adds sweetness and creaminess that complements the strawberry flavor.
- Use parchment paper or silicone baking mats: These prevent the cookies from sticking and help them bake evenly, so they’re perfectly golden and crisp on the edges.
- Make them festive: If you’re baking for a special occasion, add sprinkles or colored sugar before baking to give the cookies a fun, festive touch.
Conclusion:
Strawberry sugar cookies are the perfect way to bring a bit of sweetness to any day. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself, celebrate a holiday, or impress friends and family at a gathering, these cookies are sure to delight everyone who takes a bite. With their soft texture, delightful flavor, and vibrant pink hue, they will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. By following the simple instructions and helpful tips, you can easily create a batch of cookies that are not only tasty but visually stunning as well. Happy baking!
Enjoy your strawberry sugar cookies and let the sweetness brighten your day!