Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe: Enjoy a Sparkling Delight!
Introduction to Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar
Oh, the joy of biting into a freshly baked cookie! If you’re anything like me, the thought of Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar is enough to make your heart skip a beat. These delightful treats are not just cookies; they’re little bites of happiness that can brighten even the busiest of days. Whether you’re a busy mom juggling a million things or a professional looking for a quick sweet fix, this recipe is your go-to. It’s simple, quick, and oh-so-delicious, making it perfect for impressing your loved ones or indulging in a moment of self-care.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar
These Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar are a dream come true for anyone craving a sweet escape. They’re incredibly easy to whip up, even on the busiest of days. The vibrant strawberry flavor paired with the delightful crunch of sparkling sugar makes each bite a celebration. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing, bringing smiles to faces young and old alike.
Ingredients for Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar
Let’s dive into the heart of these delightful Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect cookie experience. Remember, the exact quantities are listed at the bottom of the article for easy printing.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of our cookies, providing structure and texture.
- Baking soda: Helps the cookies rise, giving them a light and fluffy texture.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and a creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cookies and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
- Large egg: Binds the ingredients together, adding moisture and richness.
- Vanilla extract: Infuses the cookies with a warm, aromatic flavor.
- Strawberry puree: Made from fresh or frozen strawberries, it brings a natural, fruity flavor to the cookies.
- Food coloring: Optional, but adds a vibrant hue to make the cookies visually appealing.
- Freeze-dried strawberries: Ground into a fine powder, they intensify the strawberry flavor in the sugar coating.
With these ingredients, you’re all set to create a batch of cookies that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat!
How to Make Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar
Prepare the Sparkling Strawberry Sugar
First, let’s create that magical sparkling strawberry sugar. In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar with finely ground freeze-dried strawberries. Stir until the mixture is well blended. This will be the dazzling coat for our cookies, adding both flavor and a delightful crunch.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
Next, grab a medium bowl and whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures that the baking soda is evenly distributed, giving our cookies a consistent rise. Set this bowl aside for now.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together. Use a hand or stand mixer for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creaming process is crucial for achieving that perfect cookie texture.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, add the large egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree to the butter mixture. Mix until everything is fully incorporated. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a few drops of food coloring for a vibrant hue. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Shape and Coat the Cookies
Time to shape these beauties! Scoop the dough into 1 ½-inch balls. Roll each ball in the sparkling strawberry sugar, ensuring they’re well coated. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie to allow for spreading.
Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cookies for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers appear slightly underbaked. This will give them a soft, chewy texture. Let them cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy the sweet aroma filling your kitchen!
Tips for Success
- Ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- For a smoother strawberry puree, strain it to remove seeds.
- Use a cookie scoop for uniform-sized cookies.
- Chill the dough for 15 minutes if it’s too sticky to handle.
- Don’t overbake; cookies should look slightly underdone for a chewy texture.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need a few sizes for different ingredients.
- Hand or stand mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar.
- Whisk: For mixing dry ingredients.
- Cookie scoop: Ensures uniform cookie sizes; a tablespoon works too.
- Baking sheets: Line with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Wire rack: For cooling cookies evenly.
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of the egg.
- Chocolate Twist: Add mini chocolate chips to the dough for a delightful chocolate-strawberry combo.
- Lemon Zest: Incorporate a teaspoon of lemon zest into the dough for a refreshing citrus note.
- Almond Extract: Swap vanilla extract with almond extract for a nutty undertone that complements the strawberry flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Tea Time: Pair these cookies with a cup of chamomile or green tea for a soothing afternoon break.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use them as a base for homemade ice cream sandwiches with vanilla or strawberry ice cream.
- Festive Platter: Arrange on a platter with fresh strawberries and mint leaves for a vibrant presentation.
- Gift Idea: Wrap in cellophane bags with a ribbon for a sweet homemade gift.
FAQs about Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar
Can I use frozen strawberries for the puree?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work just as well as fresh ones. Simply thaw them before blending to make your strawberry puree. This ensures a consistent texture and flavor in your cookies.
How do I store these cookies to keep them fresh?
To maintain their delightful texture, store your Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay fresh for up to five days, making them perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. When you’re ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before shaping and baking.
What if I don’t have freeze-dried strawberries?
No worries! If you can’t find freeze-dried strawberries, you can skip them or substitute with a bit of strawberry-flavored gelatin powder for a similar effect. However, the freeze-dried strawberries do add a lovely natural flavor and color.
Can I freeze the baked cookies?
Yes, these cookies freeze beautifully. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about baking Strawberry Sugar Cookies with Sparkling Strawberry Sugar. Each step, from mixing the dough to watching them rise in the oven, is a delightful journey. These cookies are more than just a sweet treat; they’re a testament to the joy of creating something special with your own hands. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or savoring a quiet moment alone, these cookies bring a touch of sparkle to any day. So, gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and let the sweet aroma of strawberries fill your home. Happy baking!
Print
Strawberry Sugar Cookies Recipe: Enjoy a Sparkling Delight!
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 24 cookies 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious strawberry sugar cookies topped with sparkling strawberry sugar, offering a delightful and vibrant treat.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp strawberry puree (made from fresh or frozen strawberries, blended and strained)
- A few drops of red or pink food coloring (optional, for a vibrant hue)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp freeze-dried strawberries, finely ground
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix granulated sugar with finely ground freeze-dried strawberries. Stir well until combined and set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line baking sheets with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar with a hand or stand mixer until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the egg, vanilla extract, and strawberry puree, mixing until fully incorporated. Add food coloring, if desired. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
- Scoop dough into 1 ½-inch balls and roll each one in the sparkling strawberry sugar. Place the dough balls 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers appear slightly underbaked. Remove from the oven and let cookies cool on the baking sheets for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
- Strawberry Puree: Blend fresh or thawed frozen strawberries until smooth, then strain to remove seeds for a smooth puree.
- Freeze-Dried Strawberries: These add a concentrated strawberry flavor to the sugar coating. Crush them into a fine powder using a food processor or by hand with a rolling pin.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cookie
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Strawberry Sugar Cookies, Sparkling Strawberry Sugar, Dessert, Baking, Vegetarian
