Nothing beats the joy of biting into a soft, buttery cookie bursting with strawberry flavor! These Strawberry Sugar Cookies are the perfect treat—crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a sparkling strawberry sugar that makes them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a party, a special occasion, or simply to satisfy your sweet tooth, this recipe is a must-try.

Let’s dive into what makes these cookies so special!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe 💕

Vibrant Strawberry Flavor: Thanks to freeze-dried strawberry powder and strawberry extract, every bite is filled with the taste of fresh, ripe strawberries.

Perfectly Soft and Chewy: The combination of cornstarch and cream of tartar creates a delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Eye-Catching Appearance: The pink hue from the red gel food coloring and the sparkling strawberry sugar coating make these cookies as pretty as they are delicious.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and clear steps make this recipe beginner-friendly while delivering professional results.

Ingredients You’ll Need 🍪

For the Cookies:

🧈 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
🥚 2 large eggs, room temperature
🌾 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour

🌽 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
🧂 2 teaspoons baking powder
🧂 1 teaspoon baking soda

🧂 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
🧂 ½ teaspoon salt
🍬 1 1/2 cups (300g) granulated sugar

🍓 6 Tablespoons (36g) freeze-dried strawberry powder
🍦 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
🍓 1 teaspoon pure strawberry extract

🌈 1/2 teaspoon red gel food coloring

For the Sparkling Strawberry Sugar:

🍬 1/2 cup white or red sparkling sugar
🍓 1 Tablespoon freeze-dried strawberry powder

Step-by-Step Directions 📝

1. Prepare Your Ingredients

Before starting, remove the butter and eggs from the refrigerator to allow them to reach room temperature. This ensures the butter creams properly and the eggs mix evenly into the dough.

2. Make the Strawberry Sugar

Using a food processor or blender, blend the freeze-dried strawberries into a fine powder. Mix this powder with the granulated sugar, ensuring the strawberry flavor is infused throughout.

3. Preheat & Line Baking Sheets

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent the cookies from sticking.

4. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened butter and strawberry-infused sugar together until light and fluffy (about 2-3 minutes). Add the eggs, vanilla extract, strawberry extract, and red gel food coloring. Mix until well combined.

5. Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, salt, and remaining freeze-dried strawberry powder.

6. Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.

7. Chill the Dough

Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step enhances the flavor and prevents the cookies from spreading too much while baking.

8. Roll & Coat

Roll the dough into 1-inch balls, then roll each ball in the Sparkling Strawberry Sugar mixture, ensuring a beautiful sugary crust.

9. Bake the Cookies

Place the dough balls onto the lined baking sheets, spacing them 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes or until the tops are set and slightly cracked.

10. Cool & Enjoy

Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature!

How to Serve & Present These Cookies 🍽️

Classic Style: Serve them on a decorative plate with a cup of tea or milk.
Gift Box: Package them in a festive tin or jar with a ribbon for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Ice Cream Sandwiches: Sandwich a scoop of vanilla or strawberry ice cream between two cookies.
Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle with melted white or dark chocolate for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage & Shelf Life 🏡

At Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Refrigerated: Keep in the fridge for 2 weeks.
Frozen: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

FAQs About Strawberry Sugar Cookies ❓

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

Fresh strawberries have too much moisture, which can affect the cookie texture. Stick to freeze-dried for the best results.

2. Can I skip the food coloring?

Yes! The cookies will still have a natural pink hue from the strawberry powder.

3. What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

You can substitute it with an extra ½ teaspoon of baking powder, though the texture may change slightly.

4. Can I make these cookies gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

5. How do I make these cookies dairy-free?

Use dairy-free butter substitutes like coconut oil or vegan butter.

6. Why did my cookies spread too much?

Make sure you chill the dough properly and avoid overmixing the ingredients.

7. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can refrigerate the dough for up to 3 days before baking.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Simply double the ingredients and make sure to use multiple baking sheets.

9. Can I use a different extract?

If you don’t have strawberry extract, you can use additional vanilla or almond extract.

10. What type of sugar is best for rolling the cookies?

Sparkling sugar works best as it adds crunch and enhances the visual appeal.

Final Thoughts 💭

These Strawberry Sugar Cookies are everything you could ask for in a dessert—delicious, visually stunning, and bursting with flavor! Whether you’re baking them for a summer party, Valentine’s Day, or just a regular weekday treat, they’re sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to bake the most delightful strawberry cookies ever!

Happy Baking! 🍪💕