Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

There is something absolutely magical about baking Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe that instantly brightens any day. These cookies are soft, tender, and bursting with natural strawberry flavor thanks to the unique use of freeze-dried strawberry powder combined with a dazzling sparkling sugar coating that adds just the right amount of sweet crunch and shimmer. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, holiday, or just because you deserve a treat, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that fills your kitchen with a scent so heavenly, you’ll find it hard to wait for the first bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this recipe are delightfully simple but thoughtfully chosen to create the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that lovely pink hue. Each one plays a crucial part in making your Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe truly unforgettable.

• Unsalted butter (1 cup or 2 sticks, softened): Provides rich flavor and a tender crumb essential for soft cookies.
• Large eggs (2, room temperature): Help bind the dough and add moisture for a soft texture.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups or 375g): The sturdy base that holds everything together perfectly.
• Cornstarch (2 tablespoons): Adds a delicate softness that makes every bite melt in your mouth.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Gives a gentle lift, keeping cookies light and fluffy.
• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Works with baking powder for leavening and browning.
• Cream of tartar (2 teaspoons): Adds a slight tang and stabilizes the dough.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• Granulated sugar (1 ½ cups or 300g): Sweetens the cookies while also contributing to their tender texture.
• Freeze-dried strawberry powder (6 tablespoons): Intensifies natural strawberry flavor and adds beautiful color without watering down the dough.
• Pure vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Pure strawberry extract (1 teaspoon): Gives an extra burst of authentic strawberry aroma and taste.
• Red gel food coloring (½ teaspoon): Adds a vibrant pink shade for that irresistible strawberry look.
• White or red sparkling sugar (½ cup): Provides a delightful sugary crunch and sparkle on top.
• Freeze-dried strawberry powder (1 tablespoon for topping): Mixed into the sparkling sugar to amplify the strawberry sparkle.

How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Freeze-Dried Strawberry Powder

Start by blending your freeze-dried strawberries in a high-speed blender or spice grinder until they become a fine, fragrant powder. This powder is the secret weapon that infuses the cookies with intense strawberry flavor while keeping the dough dry and perfectly textured.

Step 2: Make the Sparkling Strawberry Sugar

Mix one tablespoon of that homemade strawberry powder with half a cup of your white or red sparkling sugar. This sparkling strawberry sugar coating will be what sets your cookies apart, delivering both sparkle and bursts of strawberry in every bite.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line your baking sheets with parchment paper. This simple prep ensures your cookies bake evenly and don’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a stand mixer bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together on medium speed for about 3 minutes until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step is where you build the foundation for soft, melt-in-your-mouth cookies.

Step 5: Add the Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Then, blend in the vanilla extract, strawberry extract, and vibrant red gel food coloring until everything is beautifully combined and rosy pink.

Step 6: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and the 6 tablespoons of freeze-dried strawberry powder. This blend adds both flavor and tenderness critical to the recipe.

Step 7: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry mix into your wet ingredients, blending on low speed just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, because gently mixing keeps your cookie tender and soft rather than tough.

Step 8: Chill the Dough

Pop the dough into the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight if you can wait that long. Chilling the dough not only firms it up for easier handling but deepens the flavors, making these Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe all the more delicious.

Step 9: Form Cookie Balls

Once chilled, scoop out 30 medium-sized balls using a cookie scoop. Roll each ball gently in your hands and then thoroughly coat each in that sparkling strawberry sugar mixture you prepared earlier. This coating is the final touch that makes these cookies sparkle (literally!) and pop with extra bursts of strawberry.

Step 10: Bake

Arrange the sugar-coated cookie balls on your parchment-lined baking sheets at least 2 inches apart. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the tops appear just set—but soft. The cookies will continue to firm as they cool.

Step 11: Cool

Allow your cookies to rest on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes so they set properly, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. Patience here means the perfect texture!

Step 12: Store

Keep your cookies fresh by storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate to extend their life up to one week.

How to Serve Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe

Garnishes

These cookies look fantastic on their own, but if you want to elevate their presentation, try sprinkling a few freeze-dried strawberry pieces or adding a dollop of whipped cream next to each cookie. A light dusting of powdered sugar over the top can add an extra touch of elegance and sweetness.

Side Dishes

Pair your cookies with a cup of freshly brewed tea, a chilled glass of milk, or even a scoop of strawberry or vanilla ice cream. These pairings complement the strawberry flavor and add a delightful contrast in texture and temperature.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings or gifts, arrange your Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe in a pretty tin lined with parchment paper, or stack them tied with a pastel ribbon to impress friends and family. You can even serve them alongside a fresh berry salad or in a dessert platter with other coordinating treats to make a strawberry-themed feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to keep them soft and flavorful. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate to maintain freshness, but remember to bring them back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

You can freeze baked cookies by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers. They keep well for up to 2 months. For cookie dough, chill well and freeze balls separated by parchment paper so you can bake fresh cookies anytime you want!

Reheating

To enjoy your cookies warm like fresh-baked, pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 5 minutes. This brings back that tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness perfectly.

FAQs

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

Fresh strawberries have high moisture content that can alter the cookie dough’s texture, making it too wet. Freeze-dried strawberry powder is preferred because it adds intense strawberry flavor without extra moisture, ensuring soft, perfectly textured cookies.

What if I don’t have red gel food coloring?

Red gel food coloring is used for vibrant color without adding liquid that might affect texture. You can omit it; your cookies will still taste amazing but may look less pink. Alternatively, a small amount of natural beet powder can also add some color.

Why is the dough chilled before baking?

Chilling the dough helps the flavors meld and firms it up, making it easier to scoop and shape. It also prevents the cookies from spreading too much during baking, resulting in thicker, softer cookies with a better texture.

How do I make the cookies sparkle?

Rolling the cookie dough balls in the sparkling strawberry sugar before baking adds a shimmering, crunchy coating that makes these cookies visually stunning and adds an extra layer of sweet strawberry flavor.

Can I make smaller or larger cookies with this recipe?

Absolutely! Keep in mind baking times may need to be adjusted. Smaller cookies bake faster and get crispier, while larger cookies need extra time and will be softer inside. Just keep an eye on the texture as they bake.

Final Thoughts

There is truly nothing quite like the joy of biting into homemade Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar Recipe. They are sweet, tender, and pretty enough to brighten any day—whether for a special celebration or a simple afternoon treat. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing them as much as I do, because these cookies aren’t just delicious; they’re a little bundle of happiness that you can hold in your hand.

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